Payday loans in Idaho
Payday loans are legal in Idaho, and state law does not cap the fees a lender may charge, so prices vary widely from one lender to the next. Every figure on this page was checked against Idaho law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $1,000
Idaho payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $1,000 (and no more than 25% of gross monthly income)
- Loan term
- (Not set by law)
- Maximum fee
- No limit
- Rollovers
- Up to three
- Governing law
- Idaho Code §§ 28-46-401 et seq.
- Regulator
- Idaho Department of Finance
Checked against Idaho law on November 10, 2026.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in Idaho and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one loan is $1,000.
- Price rule: No limit.
- Idaho Department of Finance handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Idaho?
Payday loans are legal in Idaho, and state law does not cap the fees a lender may charge, so prices vary widely from one lender to the next.
The governing law is Idaho Code §§ 28-46-401 et seq… Idaho Department of Finance licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in Idaho
- Loan size: up to $1,000 (and no more than 25% of gross monthly income)
- Loan term: Not set by law
- Rollovers: Up to three
What a payday loan costs in Idaho
State law sets the price rule: No limit.
Because the price is not a simple per-$100 fee, ask the lender for the total finance charge and the APR in writing before you agree. Federal law requires both numbers on your loan agreement.
Before you deal with an online lender
- Look the company up with Idaho Department of Finance. 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 Idaho
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 Idaho Department of Finance and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Idaho
- 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 Idaho
- 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 Idaho?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Idaho under Idaho Code §§ 28-46-401 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Idaho?
Up to $1,000 (and no more than 25% of gross monthly income) on a single loan.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Idaho?
State rule on rollovers: Up to three. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Idaho?
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 Idaho?
Contact Idaho Department of Finance. 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
- IllinoisIllinois caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- HawaiiHawaii caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- IndianaPayday loans are legal in Indiana. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $15 (391% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain.
- GeorgiaPayday loans are not legal in Georgia. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- IowaPayday loans are legal in Iowa. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $15 (391% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain.
- FloridaPayday loans are legal in Florida. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $15 (391% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain.