Published November 6, 2025

Free Loan Agreement PDF Generator (Private, No Upload)

When you lend or borrow money between friends, family, or business partners, putting the terms in writing protects everyone. CourtPDF’s Loan Agreement generator keeps sensitive details on your device while producing a polished PDF with repayment terms, interest, and signatures.

What to include in a private loan agreement

A straightforward loan agreement records the money changing hands and how it will be repaid. Include these elements to avoid confusion later:

• Parties: Name the lender and borrower with contact details or titles if a business is involved.
• Principal: State the dollar amount funded and the date the loan begins.
• Interest rate: Use an annual percentage rate (APR) or clearly note if the loan is interest-free.
• Repayment schedule: Document how often payments are due—monthly, biweekly, weekly, or a single lump sum on maturity.
• Late fees & default: Describe any late fee amount, grace period, and what counts as default.
• Signatures: Provide signature lines and printed names for the lender, borrower, and any guarantors.

The Loan Agreement PDF tool walks you through each field, validates dates, and lets you add extra signatories for co-borrowers or witnesses.

Interest and APR basics

Interest expresses the cost of borrowing as an annual percentage rate. To stay compliant, compare your rate with your state’s usury limits, which cap how much interest an individual can charge. Many jurisdictions allow higher rates for commercial loans than for personal loans, so double-check the rules if you’re lending to a business.

Within the tool, enter the APR as a decimal (for example, 7.5 for 7.5%). The PDF automatically states the fixed rate and reminds both parties that payments apply to accrued interest first, then principal.

Payment schedules explained

Repayment cadence affects how quickly the loan balance falls and when cash must be available. CourtPDF supports four options:

• Monthly: Ideal for predictable household budgets or longer repayment terms.
• Biweekly: Matches many payroll cycles and can shorten payoff time with smaller, more frequent payments.
• Weekly: Works for contractors or gig workers who prefer bite-sized payments.
• Lump Sum: Use when the borrower will repay everything at maturity—common with bridge loans or when a sale is pending.

Select the cadence that fits your situation; the generated PDF defines the schedule in plain language and references the maturity date.

Late fees & governing law

Late fees reinforce timely payments but must remain reasonable. Specify the amount, when it triggers, and whether a grace period applies. If you leave the field blank, the CourtPDF template notes that no late fee is set.

Governing law determines which state’s statutes apply. If lender and borrower live in different states, choose the jurisdiction where enforcement or collateral sits. The PDF includes a governing law clause and a reminder that disputes stay in that forum unless both sides agree otherwise.

When to consult an attorney

DIY agreements work for straightforward personal loans, but legal advice is smart when the balance is significant, the borrower pledges collateral, or you expect business use. An attorney can review interest caps, ensure disclosures comply with lending laws, and draft additional covenants or security agreements.

CourtPDF’s generator provides a solid starting point and clean signature blocks. You can export the PDF, share it with counsel for review, and upload the final version for e-signing if your state permits.

Frequently asked questions

Is a private loan agreement enforceable?

Yes—courts generally enforce written loan agreements that outline principal, repayment terms, and signatures. Keep a signed copy for each party and document payment history.

Can we sign electronically?

Most states accept e-signatures for personal loans. Confirm your jurisdiction’s requirements and ensure each signer receives a finalized PDF. You can download the document from CourtPDF and upload it to your preferred e-sign tool.

Do we need witnesses or notarization?

Witnesses or notarization are rarely mandatory for simple unsecured loans, but they add credibility. If a lender wants extra assurance, have a neutral party sign as a witness or visit a notary for acknowledgement.

Related templates to share with borrowers

Keep repayment organized with these additional resources:

• Payment Plan Agreement — document installment schedules and balances.
• Receipt Book — log every incoming payment with detachable slips.
• Invoice Payment Receipt — acknowledge single payments with reference numbers and notes.