[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, the three core pieces of evidence are: a loan agreement (loan note, loan contract, and the expression of intent to "borrow and repay money" in WeChat chats) + delivery receipts (bank transfers, WeChat/Alipay transaction records, and withdrawal records for cash payments) + subject information (both parties' ID card information, and proof of the connection between the WeChat account and the borrower). If only a loan note is provided without transaction records, there is a high risk of disputes; if only transaction records are provided without a loan agreement, the other party may argue that the payment was for other purposes. Only when the two pieces of evidence fit together can they form a complete chain of evidence.

I. Problem background and typical scenarios

Typical weaknesses in loan evidence: for cash loans, there's only a promissory note, and the other party may argue "the money wasn't given"; for transfers without a memo, the other party might claim "this is a payment for goods"; for promissory notes without interest terms, the creditor may be barred from claiming interest during litigation; for WeChat chats with half of the content deleted, crucial expressions of intent might be lost; and for large-amount loans without cash withdrawal records, it's hard to prove the actual delivery of the cash. Loan litigation is one of the most demanding fields in terms of evidentiary rules. If even one link in the chain is broken, the entire case will be at a disadvantage.

II. Key points of dispute

First, the dual-certificate structure of agreement and delivery. The proof logic and burden of proof allocation for the establishment of a lending relationship. Second, the proof of cash delivery. A comprehensive determination of withdrawal records, witnesses, and delivery scenarios. Third, the defense of the nature of the transferred funds. Resolving defenses such as payment for goods, repayment, and gift. Fourth, claims for interest and statute of limitations. Proving agreed-upon interest and managing the three-year statute of limitations.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers

The organization of loan evidence is structured in three layers: "agreement - delivery - reinforcement". **Agreement layer**: The promissory note and loan contract are the primary evidence. A promissory note with complete elements should clearly state the lender, borrower (with ID number), amount (in both Chinese and Arabic numerals), interest rate, repayment period, delivery method, and date. For cases without a written promissory note, the intent expressed in WeChat and text chat messages can substitute—e.g., "Borrow 50,000 yuan for temporary use and repay next month" with the borrower's confirmation reply. Combined with transaction records, this constitutes complete evidence. **Delivery layer**: Bank transfers are the gold standard of evidence—printed and stamped bank, WeChat, or Alipay transaction records (with bank counter receipts and business stamps) are preferred. Transfers labeled as "loan" cannot be retroactively added. Cash delivery evidence is weaker, with remedies including: pre-delivery withdrawal records (matching amount and time), third-party witnesses (unrelated), surveillance footage of the delivery scene, or post-delivery chat confirmations ("Money received"). For large cash amounts (over 100,000 yuan) without withdrawal or witness records, courts generally apply stricter scrutiny. **Reinforcement layer**: Interest claims—promissory notes with interest terms follow contractual provisions (subject to legal caps), while unspecified terms imply no interest. Overdue interest may be claimed. Statute of limitations—three-year litigation period. Evidence of time-barred claims includes collection chat records, call recordings, and repayment promises (e.g., "I'll pay later"). Defense against repayment claims—specify the loan amount and installment period in receipts or transaction notes to avoid vague disputes over "full repayment". **Litigation strategy**: Organize prosecution materials into "complaint + evidence list + evidence set". Evidence sets should be categorized by agreement, delivery, and collection. Draw a timeline of the loan facts—judges often require clear case materials, which are half the battle in winning a case. **Daily reminders to borrowers**: Label transfers as "loan", ensure promissory notes are complete, and never alter chat records—three simple actions that save time and effort in litigation. Beijing courts rigorously review private lending cases (screening for professional lenders, usurious interest rates, and fraudulent litigation), prioritizing cases with complete evidence chains for swift adjudication.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

The first step is to formalize the agreement: The promissory note must contain all essential elements, and if there is no promissory note, the chat records expressing the intention of borrowing should be preserved in their original form. The second step is to leave a record of the delivery: Stamp and print the transfer transaction records, and arrange witnesses for cash withdrawals. The third step is to manage the statute of limitations: Keep records of written collection efforts within three years, and preserve records of repayment commitments. The fourth step is to organize litigation: Group and compile evidence, and visualize the timeline with charts. Main legal basis: Articles 667, 679, and 680 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China; Articles 2 and 16 of the "Regulations of the Supreme People's Court on the Application of Law in the Trials of Private Lending Cases" (amended for the second time in 2020); and the provisions on evidence in the Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China. Specific applications shall be subject to the currently effective regulations.

5. Henglue Law Firm's Advice

The mnemonic for loan evidence: Agreement plus delivery, two certificates interlock to form a closed loop; Write the transfer note and list the full account number in the IOU; Use traces to prove cash transactions, and collect debts annually. For those who only have an IOU, confirm the chat records before suing—it's ten times better than fumbling around in court. Those involved in civil loan litigation and evidence organization can consult with us for help.Creditor's rights and debts, and enforcement casesThe service provides a comprehensive solution, which includes property preservation and the enforcement of debt recoverySpecialised legal servicesFor disputes involving guarantees and real estate mortgages, you can refer to the relevant provisions in the PlateProperty sales and construction projectsFor cases involving criminal lending clues (such as predatory lending and false litigation), please refer to the relevant sections.Criminal defense and criminal case filingPlate consultation.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I sue someone without a promissory note, just with the transfer records?

Yes, you can, as long as you provide evidence to prove that it's a chat record. If there's no such evidence, it's easy to be disputed as other payments.

Q2: How can I prove that I've lent out the cash?

The withdrawal records, eyewitnesses, and chat or audio recordings confirming that the other party has received the money can be used to corroborate the evidence.

Q3: Can I still claim interest even if the IOU doesn't mention it?

During the period, interest cannot be claimed, but the borrower can claim the overdue interest after the due date.

Q4: Can I still sue after not urging them for three years?

You can sue, but if the other party successfully raises the statute of limitations defense, you will lose the case. In this case, you can re-affirm the debt to revive the statute of limitations.

Q5: How can I obtain valid evidence from WeChat records?

Keep the original carrier, notarize the key parts, and simultaneously fix the evidence related to the other party's identity.

This article is written based on the common judicial interpretations in the Beijing area. If the case occurs in other regions, it is recommended to consult local lawyers to verify the regional differences.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Specialised services - legal services·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and public adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.