Cheaper options to try first
Worth checking whatever your credit: these can cost less than a high-rate loan.
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs). Federal credit unions may offer small loans of up to $2,000 with terms of up to 12 months and an APR no higher than 28%, under NCUA rules (12 CFR 701.21). You usually need to be a member.
- Nonprofit credit counseling. A counselor accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling can help you build a budget or a debt management plan.
- Ask your creditor for a payment plan. Utilities, hospitals and many lenders offer hardship or extended payment plans if you ask before you miss a payment.
- Local assistance. Call 211, or visit 211.org, for emergency help with rent, utilities and food.
Where payday loans are allowed
Allowed in 35 of the 51 states we have checked so far. Pick yours for its limits and local help.
| State | Status | APR cap | Max amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Allowed | Not verified | $500 |
| Alaska | Allowed | Not verified | $500 |
| Arizona | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Arkansas | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| California | Allowed | Not verified | $300 |
| Colorado | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Connecticut | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Delaware | Allowed | No numeric cap | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Florida | Allowed | Fee cap | $500 |
| Georgia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Hawaii | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Idaho | Allowed | No numeric cap | $1,000 |
| Illinois | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Indiana | Allowed | Fee cap | $605 |
| Iowa | Allowed | Fee cap | $500 |
| Kansas | Allowed | Fee cap | $500 |
| Kentucky | Allowed | Fee cap | $500 |
| Louisiana | Allowed | Fee cap | $740 |
| Maine | Allowed | 30% APR (top tier) | Not set |
| Maryland | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Massachusetts | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Michigan | Allowed | Tiered cap | $600 |
| Minnesota | Allowed | 50% APR | $350 |
| Mississippi | Allowed | See the rules | $500 |
| Missouri | Allowed | Fee cap | $500 |
| Montana | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Nebraska | Allowed | 36% APR | $500 |
| Nevada | Allowed | No numeric cap | Not set |
| New Hampshire | Allowed | 36% APR | $500 |
| New Jersey | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| New Mexico | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| New York | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| North Carolina | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| North Dakota | Allowed | Fee cap | $600 |
| Ohio | Allowed | 28% APR | $1,000 |
| Oklahoma | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Oregon | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Pennsylvania | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Rhode Island | Allowed | No numeric cap | $500 |
| South Carolina | Allowed | Fee cap | $550 |
| South Dakota | Allowed | 36% APR | $500 |
| Tennessee | Allowed | Fee cap | $500 |
| Texas | Allowed | No numeric cap | Not set |
| Utah | Allowed | No numeric cap | Not set |
| Vermont | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Virginia | Allowed | 36% APR | $2,500 |
| Washington | Allowed | Fee cap | $700 |
| West Virginia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Wisconsin | Allowed | No numeric cap | $1,500 |
| Wyoming | Allowed | Cap set in statute | Not set |
Bars place each APR cap on a 0 to 400% scale; the pin marks the cap. A striped bar means the statute sets no numeric cap.
Important disclosures
APRs vary by lender and state. Each lender sets its own rates and terms and must show you the APR before you sign.
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