bearer

A bearer is an individual in possession of an instrument or bearer paper (e.g. a check ). The instrument may be payable to the person in possession (ie. payable to bearer) or indorsed in blank . Examples of an instrument include a negotiable instrument , document of title , or certificated security . A bearer not only possesses any payment or value held by the instrument, but also any debt held by the instrument. Bearer papers can be transferred between possessors by simply exchanging the paper.

See also: U.C.C. Article 3 - Negotiable Instruments

[Last reviewed in February of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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