Payday loans in Washington
Payday loans are legal in Washington. A licensed lender may lend up to $700 or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less and charge no more than 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500. Every figure on this page was checked against Washington law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $700
- APR, 14-day loan
- 391%
Washington payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less)
- Loan term
- (7-45 days)
- Maximum fee
- 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500
- APR on a 14-day $100 loan
- 391%
- Loans at one time
- Cannot exceed $700 from one lender, nor can one lendee have more than 8 checks in 12 months.
- Rollovers
- No.
- Governing law
- Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 31.45.010 et seq.
Checked against Washington law on November 10, 2026.
What a $300 payday loan costs in Washington
- You borrow
- $300.00
- Fee
- $45.00
- You repay in 14 days
- $345.00
Based on Washington's maximum fee, repaid in one payment. Your lender's price may differ.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in Washington and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one loan is $700.
- The legal maximum on a $100, 14-day loan is $15, which is 391% APR.
- Washington State Department of Financial Institutions handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Washington?
Payday loans are legal in Washington. A licensed lender may lend up to $700 or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less and charge no more than 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500.
The governing law is Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 31.45.010 et seq… Washington State Department of Financial Institutions licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in Washington
- Loan size: up to $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less)
- Loan term: 7-45 days
- Loans at one time: Cannot exceed $700 from one lender, nor can one lendee have more than 8 checks in 12 months.
- Rollovers: No.
What a payday loan costs in Washington
State law sets the price rule: 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500.
On a $100 loan repaid after 14 days, the most a lender may charge is $15. You would repay $115, an APR of 391%. For comparison, most credit cards charge between 20% and 30% APR.
Before you deal with an online lender
- Look the company up with Washington State 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 Washington
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. On criminal threats: Not allowed. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Washington State 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 Washington
- 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 Washington
- 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 Washington?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Washington under Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 31.45.010 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Washington?
Up to $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less) on a single loan.
What does a payday loan cost in Washington?
At the legal maximum, a $100 loan for 14 days costs $15. That equals an APR of 391%. A lender may charge less, so compare before you sign.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Washington?
State rule on rollovers: No. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Washington?
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 Washington?
Contact Washington State 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
- West VirginiaPayday loans are not legal in West Virginia. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- 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.
- WisconsinPayday loans are legal in Wisconsin. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.
- 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.
- 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.
- UtahPayday loans are legal in Utah. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.