A Rhode Island promissory note is a contract that establishes the terms of a loan repayment between a lender and borrower. Promissory notes are generally used to seek out loans from sources other than financial institutions. The document should detail repayment terms and deadlines, the interest rate, and provisions detailing what should happen in the event of non-payment.

It should be noted that as per § 6-26-3, any lender that knowingly violates the maximum rate of interest may be charged with criminal usury and face a prison sentence of up to five (5) years.