Payday loans in Alabama
Payday loans are legal in Alabama. A licensed lender may lend up to $500 and charge no more than 17.5% of the amount advanced. Every figure on this page was checked against Alabama law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $500
- APR, 14-day loan
- 456%
Alabama payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $500
- Loan term
- (10 to 31 days)
- Maximum fee
- 17.5% of the amount advanced
- APR on a 14-day $100 loan
- 456%
- Rollovers
- One
- Governing law
- Ala. Code §§ 5-18A-1 et seq.
- Regulator
- Alabama State Banking Department
Checked against Alabama law on November 10, 2026.
What a $300 payday loan costs in Alabama
- You borrow
- $300.00
- Fee
- $52.50
- You repay in 14 days
- $352.50
Based on Alabama's maximum fee, repaid in one payment. Your lender's price may differ.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in Alabama and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one loan is $500.
- The legal maximum on a $100, 14-day loan is $17.50, which is 456% APR.
- Alabama State Banking Department handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Alabama?
Payday loans are legal in Alabama. A licensed lender may lend up to $500 and charge no more than 17.5% of the amount advanced.
The governing law is Ala. Code §§ 5-18A-1 et seq… Alabama State Banking Department licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in Alabama
- Loan size: up to $500
- Loan term: 10 to 31 days
- Rollovers: One
What a payday loan costs in Alabama
State law sets the price rule: 17.5% of the amount advanced.
On a $100 loan repaid after 14 days, the most a lender may charge is $17.50. You would repay $117.50, an APR of 456%. For comparison, most credit cards charge between 20% and 30% APR.
Before you deal with an online lender
- Look the company up with Alabama State Banking Department. No license, no loan.
- Never pay a fee up front to get a loan. That is the mark of an advance-fee scam.
- Read the agreement for the finance charge, the APR and the due date before you give out bank details.
If you cannot repay a loan in Alabama
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Alabama State Banking Department and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Alabama
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200 to $2,000 at no more than 28% APR.
- A payment plan with the landlord, utility or hospital you owe often costs nothing.
- Local assistance: dial 211 for rent, utility and food programs near you.
See all payday loan alternatives or work out a loan’s price with the cost calculator.
Free help in Alabama
- 211Free, confidential referrals to local help with rent, utilities and food. Call 211.
- USA.gov: help paying billsGovernment programs for rent, energy, phone and medical bills.
- National Foundation for Credit CounselingNonprofit credit counselors who can set up a debt management plan. Call 800-388-2227.
- CFPB complaint portalFile a federal complaint about a lender or a debt collector.
Common questions
Are payday loans legal in Alabama?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Alabama under Ala. Code §§ 5-18A-1 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Alabama?
Up to $500 on a single loan.
What does a payday loan cost in Alabama?
At the legal maximum, a $100 loan for 14 days costs $17.50. That equals an APR of 456%. A lender may charge less, so compare before you sign.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Alabama?
State rule on rollovers: One. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Alabama?
No. Not paying a loan is a civil matter, not a crime. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Alabama?
Contact Alabama State Banking Department. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Does Northlight lend money?
No. Northlight is an information site. We explain the rules and the costs; we do not make loans or credit decisions.
Sources
Keep reading
- AlaskaPayday loans are legal in Alaska. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $20 (521% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain.
- WyomingPayday loans are legal in Wyoming. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $30 (782% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain.
- ArizonaArizona caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- WisconsinPayday loans are legal in Wisconsin. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.
- ArkansasPayday loans are not legal in Arkansas. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- West VirginiaPayday loans are not legal in West Virginia. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.