Common Mistakes When Writing a Promissory Note: TCC-Compliant Checklist

One missing field is all it takes for a promissory note to become unenforceable. This guide walks through the most frequent drafting mistakes, explains why they matter under the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC), and gives you an SEO-friendly checklist you can apply before signing any note.

Why Promissory Note Errors Are So Costly

• Invalidity: TCC non-compliance can nullify the entire note.
• Collection Delays: Enforcement and execution proceedings stall when basic data is missing.
• Credibility Loss: Inaccurate documents damage business relationships and brand trust.

1. Missing Issue Date or Incorrect Maturity

Always add the drafting date, payment place, and (if applicable) maturity date. If the maturity is blank, the debt becomes payable “at sight,” which creates uncertainty for both parties. Any change to the date must be countersigned or initialed by the issuer.

2. Mismatch Between Figures and Words

When the amount written in figures and the one written in words do not match, Turkish law accepts the wording as the valid reference. Write the amount in figures first, then spell it out in full (e.g., “Fifteen Thousand Turkish Lira”) using commas for decimals.

3. Missing Identity or Address Details

Include the debtor’s and creditor’s full legal names, addresses, national ID or tax numbers. For companies, verify the trade name and signatory authority. Without that data, it becomes difficult to prove who issued the note.

4. Missing Wet Signature or Unauthorized Signatory

A wet signature is mandatory. If the person who signs is not authorized, the note may be deemed void due to unauthorized representation. For companies, check signature circulars and obtain dual signatures when required.

5. Ambiguous or Incorrectly Written Maturity

Write the maturity date in day/month/year format on a single line. Multiple maturity dates invalidate the note. When you have to revise the maturity, cross out the old date without making it unreadable, write the new date, and sign next to the correction.

6. Scratches, Erasures, and Blank Fields

Any erasure must be initialed by the issuer. Blank areas should be crossed out with diagonal lines to prevent fraudulent insertions after signing.

7. Not Reclaiming the Note After Payment

Once the debt is paid, the debtor should retrieve the original document and stamp it as “paid.” Otherwise, someone else might circulate the same note and demand payment again.

8. No Digital Tracking or Archive

Failing to archive a PDF copy or set maturity reminders increases the chance of losing track of critical dates. Use digital vaults and calendar reminders for every note you issue or receive.

Pre-Issuance Checklist

1. Does the heading include “bono” or “order promissory note”?
2. Are drafting and maturity dates written in day/month/year format?
3. Do the amount in figures and the amount in words match exactly?
4. Are identity and address details complete for both parties?
5. Has an authorized person provided a wet signature (and stamp if needed)?
6. Has a digital copy been archived securely?

Reduce Risk with Senetyaz

Senetyaz automatically validates form fields, checks maturity consistency, and stores every promissory note in a secure digital archive. By enforcing TCC-compliant templates, the platform minimizes the mistakes listed above and keeps your cash flow predictable.

Conclusion

Treat every promissory note like a mission-critical contract. Use the checklist above—or let Senetyaz automate it for you—to eliminate common drafting errors and speed up collections.