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 | Longest term in state law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Not verified | $500 | 31 days |
| Alaska | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Not verified | $500 | Not set |
| Arizona | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Arkansas | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| California | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Not verified | $300 | 31 days |
| Colorado | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | Not set | Not set |
| Connecticut | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Delaware | AllowedNo rate limit in state law | No rate limit | $1,000 | 59 days |
| District of Columbia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Florida | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $500 | 31 days |
| Georgia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Hawaii | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Idaho | AllowedNo rate limit in state law | No rate limit | $1,000 | Not set |
| Illinois | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | Not set | Not set |
| Indiana | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $605 | 4 months |
| Iowa | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $500 | 31 days |
| Kansas | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $500 | 30 days |
| Kentucky | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $500 | 2 months |
| Louisiana | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $740 | Not set |
| Maine | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 30% APR (top tier) | Not set | Not set |
| Maryland | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Massachusetts | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Michigan | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Limit depends on loan size | $600 | 31 days |
| Minnesota | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 50% APR | $350 | 30 days |
| Mississippi | AllowedHigh-cost loan | See the rules | $500 | 30 days |
| Missouri | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $500 | 31 days |
| Montana | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | Not set | Not set |
| Nebraska | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | $500 | 34 days |
| Nevada | AllowedNo rate limit in state law | No rate limit | Not set | 35 days |
| New Hampshire | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | $500 | 30 days |
| New Jersey | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| New Mexico | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| New York | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| North Carolina | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| North Dakota | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $600 | 2 months |
| Ohio | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 28% APR | $1,000 | 1 year |
| Oklahoma | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Oregon | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | Not set | Not set |
| Pennsylvania | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Rhode Island | AllowedNo rate limit in state law | No rate limit | $500 | Not set |
| South Carolina | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $550 | 31 days |
| South Dakota | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | $500 | Not set |
| Tennessee | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $500 | 31 days |
| Texas | AllowedNo rate limit in state law | No rate limit | Not set | Not set |
| Utah | AllowedNo rate limit in state law | No rate limit | Not set | 70 days |
| Vermont | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Virginia | AllowedHigh-cost loan | 36% APR | $2,500 | 2 years |
| Washington | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Fee cap | $700 | 45 days |
| West Virginia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set | Not set |
| Wisconsin | AllowedNo rate limit in state law | No rate limit | $1,500 | 3 months |
| Wyoming | AllowedHigh-cost loan | Cap set in statute | Not set | 31 days |
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.
Guides about payday loans
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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