Perfection by possession is most commonly used for which type of collateral?

• A. The secured party has physical possession of the collateral to perfect the security interest.
• B. The secured party files a financing statement with the authorities.
• C. The debtor voluntarily agrees to perfect the interest.
• D. The perfection is automatic upon signing the security agreement.

Answer: (A)

Perfection by possession works when the secured party can control the asset simply by physically holding it. This is most common for assets that are tangible and easily transferred, like cash and negotiable instruments. By taking possession, the secured party establishes a perfected security interest without needing to file a financing statement, signaling priority to others who might claim the asset. For most other kinds of collateral— such as accounts, inventory, equipment, or intangible property—filing a financing statement (or using another perfection method) is the standard approach, since possession isn’t practical or sufficient to cover those assets.