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Document any personal or U.S. business loan with clear repayment terms, interest rates, and default provisions. Fill in your details, download a professional American PDF in minutes.
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A loan agreement is a legally binding contract used throughout the United States between a lender and a borrower that documents the terms of a loan. It specifies the amount of money being lent, the interest rate (if any), the repayment schedule, and what happens if the borrower fails to repay. U.S. loan agreements are used for personal loans between individuals, family loans, business loans, and any situation where one party lends money to another and wants the arrangement documented in writing.
Without a written agreement, proving the existence and terms of a U.S. loan becomes extremely difficult. Verbal agreements about money are enforceable in theory but nearly impossible to prove in American court. A written loan agreement protects both parties: the U.S. lender has evidence of the debt and its terms, and the borrower has proof of the agreed-upon interest rate and repayment schedule, preventing the lender from later demanding different terms.
U.S. loan agreements are governed by state contract law and, depending on the loan amount and interest rate, may also be subject to federal and American state lending regulations such as usury laws, the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), and state consumer protection statutes. For loans between individuals or small businesses, a well-drafted agreement provides the legal framework needed to make the loan enforceable and to protect both the lender's investment and the borrower's rights.
Doxuno's loan agreement template includes all the essential clauses for a comprehensive and enforceable loan contract in any U.S. state.
Doxuno's template guides you through every section. Complete the form and download your loan agreement in minutes.
Provide the full legal names, addresses, and contact details of both the lender and borrower. If either party is a business entity, use the legal entity name and include the authorized signer's name and title.
Enter the principal amount being lent, the date the funds will be delivered, and how they will be transferred (bank wire, check, cash, or other method). Specify whether the full amount is provided at once or in multiple disbursements.
Choose whether the loan is interest-free or carries an annual interest rate. Select the calculation method (simple or compound) and the repayment schedule: lump sum at maturity, monthly installments, weekly payments, or a custom plan. Set the final maturity date.
Enable additional protections based on your situation: late payment fees, prepayment rights, collateral or security interest, acceleration clause, co-signer provisions, or attorney's fees clause. Each option can be toggled on or off.
Review the completed agreement and download your professional PDF. Have both parties sign and date the document, with each party keeping a signed copy. Notarization is recommended for larger loans but is not legally required for most personal lending.
Four things that make our templates more thorough than AI-generated drafts and more current than static template libraries.
Drafted with legal expertise for each jurisdiction, far more thorough than AI-generated drafts that copy generic clauses across borders.
Templates carrying statute references are continuously updated as the law changes. Your document always reflects the current legal framework.
Free to download. Vector text, embedded fonts, statute citations baked in. Print, sign, file. Ready for any signing flow including electronic signature.
Continue editing in Word after download. Add custom clauses, reuse the template for similar agreements, or share with a colleague for collaborative review.
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While this template is designed to be valid across all U.S. states, American lending laws vary by state. Review the following considerations before finalizing your loan agreement.
This template is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For large loans, commercial lending, or if you are unsure about usury limits in your state, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Reviewed by legal professionals. The content on this page and the template clauses have been reviewed by licensed attorneys in the United States to ensure accuracy and legal soundness for standard personal and business lending situations.
Every U.S. state has usury laws that cap the maximum interest rate a lender can charge. These limits vary widely across American states: some allow up to 25% or more for personal loans, while others cap rates at 6% to 10%. Charging interest above the U.S. usury limit can render the loan unenforceable, expose the lender to civil penalties, and in some states, constitute a criminal offense. Always check your state's usury limits before setting the interest rate.
If you make a loan to a family member at zero interest or at a rate below the U.S. IRS Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), the IRS may impute interest income to the lender. This means the American lender may owe income tax on the interest they should have charged, even if no interest was actually collected. For loans over $10,000, consider charging at least the AFR to avoid imputed interest issues.
An unsecured loan relies solely on the borrower's promise to repay. A secured loan is backed by collateral (such as a vehicle, real estate, or equipment) that the lender can seize if the borrower defaults. To properly secure a loan, the lender should file a UCC-1 financing statement with the state or, for real estate, record a deed of trust or mortgage with the county. Without proper perfection, the security interest may not hold up against other creditors.
Each U.S. state has a statute of limitations for debt collection, typically ranging from three to ten years for written contracts. If the lender does not file a lawsuit within this period, the debt may become unenforceable under American law. The clock usually starts running from the date of the last missed payment or the date the borrower defaulted. Knowing your U.S. state's limitation period is important for timely enforcement.
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