Promise to Pay vs. Order to Pay

A Promise to Pay is when you agree to pay someone directly — like a promissory note or loan. It’s a two-party instrument (maker → payee).

An Order to Pay is when you instruct a third party to pay someone — like a check or bill of exchange. It’s a three-party instrument (drawer → drawee → payee).

Promise = “I will pay you.”
Order = “They will pay you.”