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 title loans are allowed
Allowed in 28 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 | 300% APR | Not set |
| Alaska | Restricted | Not verified | Not set |
| Arizona | Allowed | 204% APR (top tier) | Not set |
| Arkansas | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| California | Allowed | 36% APR | $9,999.99 |
| Colorado | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Connecticut | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Delaware | Allowed | No numeric cap | Not set |
| District of Columbia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Florida | Allowed | See the rules | Not set |
| Georgia | Allowed | Cap set in statute | Not set |
| Hawaii | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Idaho | Allowed | No numeric cap | Not set |
| Illinois | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Indiana | Allowed | 36% APR (top tier) | Not set |
| Iowa | Allowed | 21% APR | Not set |
| Kansas | Allowed | No numeric cap | $2,500 |
| Kentucky | Restricted | 36% APR | Not set |
| Louisiana | Allowed | Tiered cap | Not set |
| Maine | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Maryland | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Massachusetts | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Michigan | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Minnesota | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Mississippi | Allowed | 300% APR | $2,500 |
| Missouri | Allowed | No numeric cap | $5,000 |
| Montana | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Nebraska | Restricted | See the rules | Not set |
| Nevada | Allowed | No numeric cap | Not set |
| New Hampshire | Allowed | Cap set in statute | Not set |
| 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 | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Ohio | Restricted | See the rules | Not set |
| Oklahoma | Allowed | Tiered cap | Not set |
| Oregon | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Pennsylvania | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Rhode Island | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| South Carolina | Allowed | No numeric cap | Not set |
| South Dakota | Allowed | 36% APR | Not set |
| Tennessee | Allowed | 24% APR | $2,500 |
| 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 | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| West Virginia | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not set |
| Wisconsin | Allowed | No numeric cap | $25,000 |
| Wyoming | Allowed | 36% APR (top tier) | 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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