Washington Unsecured Promissory Note Overview
An unsecured promissory note in Washington is a loan agreement where the borrower promises to repay without pledging any collateral. The lender relies on the borrower's creditworthiness and the legally enforceable promise to pay. The maximum interest rate in Washington is 12%.
12% per annum maximum or 4% above 26-week T-bill rate, whichever is greater. Unsecured notes carry more risk for the lender, so interest rates are typically higher than secured notes. However, the rate must still comply with Washington's usury laws.
If the borrower defaults, the lender's primary remedy is filing a lawsuit within Washington's statute of limitations (3 years (oral), 6 years (written)). The small claims court limit in Washington is $10,000, which is ideal for smaller unsecured loans.
12%
Usury rate cap
3 years
Statute of limitations
$10,000
Small claims limit
25%
Max garnishment
Washington Legal Requirements
Washington has specific requirements for unsecured promissory notes:
Important: Washington Usury Laws
Washington's maximum interest rate is 12%. 12% per annum maximum or 4% above 26-week T-bill rate, whichever is greater. Exceeding this limit may void the interest or result in penalties.
- Written Agreement: Must be in writing, signed by borrower, clearly stating loan terms
- Compliant Interest Rate: Must not exceed Washington's 12% usury cap
- No Collateral Statement: Explicitly state that the note is unsecured with no collateral pledged
- Default Provisions: Events of default, cure period, acceleration clause, and collection remedies
- Personal Guarantee: Recommended for business borrowers to protect the lender
- Governing Law: Specify Washington law as the governing jurisdiction
Collection Remedies in Washington
If a borrower defaults on an unsecured promissory note in Washington, the lender has several collection options:
Send a Formal Demand Letter
Written notice demanding payment within a specified timeframe, creating a paper trail
File in Small Claims Court ($10,000 limit)
Fast, affordable, no attorney required for amounts within the limit
File a Civil Lawsuit
For amounts above small claims limits, file in Washington civil court
Enforce the Judgment
Up to 25% of disposable earnings. Bank account levies and property liens also available
Statute of Limitations in Washington
The statute of limitations for collecting on a promissory note in Washington is 3 years (oral), 6 years (written). After this period, the lender loses the right to file a lawsuit to enforce the note.
| Aspect | Washington Rule |
|---|---|
| Usury Rate | 12% |
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years (oral), 6 years (written) |
| Small Claims Limit | $10,000 |
| Garnishment Rules | Up to 25% of disposable earnings |
Sample Washington Unsecured Promissory Note
Below is a preview of our Washington-specific unsecured promissory note template.
STATE OF WASHINGTON
UNSECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
No Collateral Loan Agreement
LENDER:
Name: [Lender Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
BORROWER:
Name: [Borrower Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
LOAN TERMS
Principal: $[Amount]
Interest: [Rate]% per annum (max 12% in WA)
This note is UNSECURED. No collateral has been pledged.
Washington Unsecured Promissory Note FAQ
Answers to common questions about unsecured promissory notes and collection procedures in Washington.
Official Washington Resources
Use these official resources for Washington lending laws and court procedures.
Other Washington Promissory Note Types
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