Difference between Promissory Note and Bill of Exchange

What is difference between promissory note and bill of exchange? The following are the main points of difference between both of them.

Difference between Promissory Note and Bill of Exchange

1. Maker

A promissory note is written by the principal debtor who has to make payment of the note. But a bill of exchange is written by the creditor who has to receive payment.

2. Mature of Contract

A promissory note is an unconditional promise to pay but a bill of exchange is an unconditional order by the drawer to the drawee.

3. Parties

In a promissory note, there are two parties, the maker and payee but in case of a bill of exchange, there are three parties the drawer, drawee and payee.

4. Acceptance

There is no need for the acceptance of promissory note because it is given by the debtor. The acceptance of a bill of exchange is necessary because it is ordered by the drawer (creditor) to drawee (debtor).

5. Dishonor of the Document

If the promissory note is dishonoured, there is no need of going to the notary public. But if the bill of exchange (particularly foreign bill) is dishonoured.

It is necessary to get it recorded with the notary public and to obtain the certificate of dishonor from him.

6. Copies

A promissory note is prepared only in one copy. But a bill of exchange (particularly a foreign bill) is prepared in sets.

7. Liability

In case of promissory note, the liability of payment falls on the maker but in case of the bill, the liability falls on acceptor.

8. Presentation for Payment

In case of promissory note, there is no need of getting acceptance from the maker before its presentation for payment.

But in case of a bill of exchange first it is accepted by the drawee or by any person on his behalf and after that, it can be presented for payment.

9. Payment to Same Person

In case of promissory note, the maker and the payee cannot be the same person. But a bill of exchange can be payable to the same person Here the drawer and payee or the drawee and payee can be the same persons.

10. Notice of Dishonor

In case of promissory note, when it is dishonoured, no notice of dishonor is necessary. But if a bill of exchange is dishonoured the notice of dishonor must be given by the holder of the instrument to the drawer and the Endorser of the document.