Payday loans in Arizona
Arizona caps the cost of small loans at 36% APR, so traditional payday loans with triple-digit rates are not offered by licensed lenders there. Every figure on this page was checked against Arizona law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Capped at 36% APR
- Rate cap
- 36.0% APR
Arizona payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Capped at 36% APR
- Rate cap
- 36.0% APR
Checked against Arizona law on November 10, 2026.
What a $300 payday loan costs in Arizona
- You borrow
- $300.00
- Fee
- $4.14
- You repay in 14 days
- $304.14
Based on Arizona's 36% rate cap, repaid in one payment. Your lender's price may differ.
The short version
- Arizona limits the cost of small loans to 36% APR.
- Loans priced like traditional payday loans (300% APR and up) are not legal there.
- Licensed lenders, credit unions and assistance programs remain available.
- Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Arizona?
Arizona caps the cost of small loans at 36% APR, so traditional payday loans with triple-digit rates are not offered by licensed lenders there.
The governing law is Consumer Lenders Act applies. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 6-601 et seq… Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions licenses lenders and takes complaints.
What the 36% cap means
A lender licensed in Arizona cannot charge more than 36% APR on a small loan. On $300 borrowed for two weeks, 36% APR works out to about $4.14 in interest. At that price the two-week payday loan is not a viable product, so storefront payday lenders do not operate in Arizona. Longer installment loans from licensed lenders and credit unions are the legal options.
Before you deal with an online lender
- Look the company up with Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. 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 Arizona
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 Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Arizona
- 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.
How Arizona got here
Arizona’s payday lending law expired on June 30, 2010, after voters rejected Proposition 200 in 2008. Since then consumer loans of $3,000 or less are capped at 36% APR. Car title loans remain legal in Arizona and are expensive.
Free help in Arizona
- 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 Arizona?
Only at low rates. Arizona caps small loans at 36% APR, which rules out traditional payday loans.
I got a payday loan offer online in Arizona. Is it safe?
Treat it with caution. A lender must follow Arizona law to lend to you, and many online offers come from unlicensed companies. Check the license with Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions before sharing bank details.
What can I use instead of a payday loan in Arizona?
A payday alternative loan from a federal credit union (capped at 28% APR), a payment plan with the company you owe, or local assistance through 211.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Arizona?
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 Arizona?
Contact Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. 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
- 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.
- 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.
- CaliforniaPayday loans are legal in California. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $17.65 (460% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to com
- AlabamaPayday loans are legal in Alabama. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $17.50 (456% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to compla
- ColoradoColorado caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- 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.