Payday loans in Missouri
Payday loans are legal in Missouri. A licensed lender may lend up to Loans $500 or less subject to these restrictions. and charge no more than 75% of initial loan amount. Every figure on this page was checked against Missouri law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $500
Missouri payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $500
- Loan term
- (14-31 days)
- Maximum fee
- 75% of initial loan amount
- Loans at one time
- A loan pursuant to 408.500 (payday loan §) shall be complete and not renewed when the lender presents the instrument is presented for payment and the payee redeems by…
- Rollovers
- Cannot use the proceeds of one loan to pay off an existing loan.
- Governing law
- MO ST 408.500 et seq.
- Regulator
- Missouri Division of Finance
Checked against Missouri law on November 10, 2026.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in Missouri 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 $75, which is 1955% APR.
- Missouri Division of Finance handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Missouri?
Payday loans are legal in Missouri. A licensed lender may lend up to Loans $500 or less subject to these restrictions. and charge no more than 75% of initial loan amount.
The governing law is MO ST 408.500 et seq… Missouri Division of Finance licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in Missouri
- Loan size: up to $500
- Loan term: 14-31 days
- Loans at one time: A loan pursuant to 408.500 (payday loan §) shall be complete and not renewed when the lender presents the instrument is presented for payment and the payee redeems by…
- Rollovers: Cannot use the proceeds of one loan to pay off an existing loan.
What a payday loan costs in Missouri
State law sets the price rule: 75% of initial loan amount.
On a $100 loan repaid after 14 days, the most a lender may charge is $75. You would repay $175, an APR of 1955%. For comparison, most credit cards charge between 20% and 30% APR.
Before you deal with an online lender
- Look the company up with Missouri Division 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 Missouri
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. On criminal threats: A person does not commit the crime of passing a bad check pursuant to section 570.120 if at the time the payee accepts a check or similar sight order for the payment of…. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Missouri Division of Finance and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Missouri
- 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 Missouri
- 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 Missouri?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Missouri under MO ST 408.500 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Missouri?
Up to $500 on a single loan.
What does a payday loan cost in Missouri?
At the legal maximum, a $100 loan for 14 days costs $75. That equals an APR of 1955%. A lender may charge less, so compare before you sign.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Missouri?
State rule on rollovers: Cannot use the proceeds of one loan to pay off an existing loan. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Missouri?
No. A person does not commit the crime of passing a bad check pursuant to section 570.120 if at the time the payee accepts a check or similar sight order for the payment of…. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Missouri?
Contact Missouri Division 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
- MontanaMontana caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- MississippiPayday loans are legal in Mississippi. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $20 (521% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to compl
- NebraskaNebraska caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- MinnesotaMinnesota caps small loans at 50% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- NevadaPayday loans are legal in Nevada. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.
- MichiganPayday loans are legal in Michigan. 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