Payday loans in Utah
Payday loans are legal in Utah, 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 Utah law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
Utah payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- No maximum amount.
- Loan term
- (No more than 10 weeks)
- Maximum fee
- No limit.
- Loans at one time
- No limit.
- Rollovers
- Yes, as long as they don't exceed 10 weeks.
- Cooling-off period
- 1 day.
- Repayment plan
- Allowed one as a matter of course per 12 months.
- Governing law
- Utah Code Ann. 7-23-101 et seq.
Checked against Utah law on November 10, 2026.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in Utah and lenders must hold a state license.
- Price rule: No limit.
- Utah Department of Financial Institutions handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Utah?
Payday loans are legal in Utah, 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 Utah Code Ann. 7-23-101 et seq… Utah Department of Financial Institutions licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in Utah
- Loan size: No maximum amount.
- Loan term: No more than 10 weeks
- Loans at one time: No limit.
- Rollovers: Yes, as long as they don’t exceed 10 weeks.
- Cooling-off period: 1 day.
- Repayment plan: Allowed one as a matter of course per 12 months.
What a payday loan costs in Utah
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 Utah Department 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 Utah
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. The state rule: Allowed one as a matter of course per 12 months. On criminal threats: Not allowed. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Utah Department of Financial Institutions and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Utah
- 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 Utah
- 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 Utah?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Utah under Utah Code Ann. 7-23-101 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Utah?
State rule on rollovers: Yes, as long as they don’t exceed 10 weeks. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Utah?
No. Not allowed. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Utah?
Contact Utah Department 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
- VermontPayday loans are not legal in Vermont. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- TexasPayday loans are legal in Texas. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.
- VirginiaPayday loans are legal in Virginia. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.
- TennesseePayday loans are legal in Tennessee. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $15 (391% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complai
- WashingtonPayday loans are legal in Washington. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $15 (391% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to compla
- South DakotaSouth Dakota caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.