Payday loans in Louisiana
Payday loans are legal in Louisiana. A licensed lender may lend up to $350 and charge no more than 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18%…. Every figure on this page was checked against Louisiana law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $350
Louisiana payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $350
- Loan term
- (60 days or less)
- Maximum fee
- 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18% after a year
- Loans at one time
- None Specified.
- Rollovers
- a licensee may accept a partial payment of twenty-five percent of the amount advanced plus fees charged and enter into a new deferred presentment transaction or renew…
- Repayment plan
- A consumer who is unable to repay either a deferred presentment transaction or small loan when due to a licensee may elect once in any twelve-month period.
- Governing law
- La. Stat. Ann. § 9:3578 et seq.
Checked against Louisiana law on November 10, 2026.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in Louisiana and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one loan is $350.
- The legal maximum on a $100, 14-day loan is $16.75, which is 437% APR.
- Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Louisiana?
Payday loans are legal in Louisiana. A licensed lender may lend up to $350 and charge no more than 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18%….
The governing law is La. Stat. Ann. § 9:3578 et seq… Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in Louisiana
- Loan size: up to $350
- Loan term: 60 days or less
- Loans at one time: None Specified.
- Rollovers: a licensee may accept a partial payment of twenty-five percent of the amount advanced plus fees charged and enter into a new deferred presentment transaction or renew…
- Repayment plan: A consumer who is unable to repay either a deferred presentment transaction or small loan when due to a licensee may elect once in any twelve-month period.
What a payday loan costs in Louisiana
State law sets the price rule: 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18% after a year.
On a $100 loan repaid after 14 days, the most a lender may charge is $16.75. You would repay $116.75, an APR of 437%. For comparison, most credit cards charge between 20% and 30% APR.
Before you deal with an online lender
- Look the company up with Louisiana Office of 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 Louisiana
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. The state rule: A consumer who is unable to repay either a deferred presentment transaction or small loan when due to a licensee may elect once in any twelve-month period. On criminal threats: Prohibited. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Louisiana
- 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 Louisiana
- 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 Louisiana?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Louisiana under La. Stat. Ann. § 9:3578 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Louisiana?
Up to $350 on a single loan.
What does a payday loan cost in Louisiana?
At the legal maximum, a $100 loan for 14 days costs $16.75. That equals an APR of 437%. A lender may charge less, so compare before you sign.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Louisiana?
State rule on rollovers: a licensee may accept a partial payment of twenty-five percent of the amount advanced plus fees charged and enter into a new deferred presentment transaction or renew…. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Louisiana?
No. Prohibited. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Louisiana?
Contact Louisiana Office of 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
- MainePayday loans are legal in Maine. 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.
- KentuckyPayday loans are legal in Kentucky. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $16 (417% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain
- MarylandPayday loans are not legal in Maryland. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- KansasPayday loans are legal in Kansas. 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.
- MassachusettsPayday loans are not legal in Massachusetts. 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.