acceleration clause

Provision normally included in loan documents, mortgage agreements, and other debt instruments (such as bonds and notes). It gives the lender the right to demand the entire loan amount (principal plus interest) to be paid at once, in case the borrower fails to make payments (defaults) or gets into serious financial difficulties. A loan document details (often in fine print) which actions or events can trigger the acceleration clause. Some banks include unspecific terms such as "if the bank otherwise deems itself insecure" to widen the scope of default. Also called call clause. See also act of bankruptcy.