Negotiable Instruments
Article 3 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which every state has adopted with some modification, defines a negotiable instrument as an “unconditional promise or order to pay a fixed amount of money, with or without interest or other charges described in the promise or order.” See also N.J.S.A. 12A:3-104. As our New Jersey banking law attorney can explain, it is a document passed from one person to another (negotiation), who ultimately exchanges the document (instrument) for money.
Requirements for Negotiable Instruments
Individuals commonly use negotiable instruments in business transactions to secure and distribute loans or to finance the movement of goods. To be a negotiable instrument, you must sign the instrument, in writing, and the:
- Promise or order is unconditional.
- Amount of money is fixed with or without interest charged.
- Instrument is payable to bearer or to order.
- Promise or order is payable on demand or at a definite time.
- Promise or order must not state any other “undertaking or instruction by the person promising or ordering payment to do any act in addition to the payment of money.
Categories of Negotiable Instruments
The two categories are:
- Drafts: an order to pay money, such as check or money order
- Notes: a promise to pay money, such as promissory notes associated with a loan
A New Jersey banking law attorney prefaces that although checks are a negotiable instrument, checks are generally covered by Article 4 (banking law) of the UCC rather than Article 3.
Contact Our New Jersey Banking Law Attorney
If you have questions about negotiable instruments, contact a knowledgeable New Jersey banking law attorney with Snellings Law LLC at (973) 265-6100.