What financial term describes a contract securing the right to receive future payments?

The financial term that describes a contract securing the right to receive future payments is a bond. A bond is essentially an instrument through which an entity (such as a corporation or government) borrows money from investors in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the bond's face value when it matures. This agreement outlines the obligation of the issuer to make these future payments, making it a clear representation of a contract for future cash flows.

The mortgage note, while also related to future payments, specifically pertains to real estate and typically involves a borrower's promise to pay back a mortgage loan. The deed of trust involves a property being used as collateral for a loan but does not directly denote an agreement for future payments in a generic sense. An installment agreement, on the other hand, implies a consumer-level payment structure that isn't as broadly applicable as a bond agreement for securing future cash flows in financial markets.