Payday loans in Wisconsin
Payday loans are legal in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $1,500
Wisconsin payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $1,500 (or 35% of gross monthly income, whichever is less)
- Loan term
- (90 days or less)
- Maximum fee
- No limit.
- Loans at one time
- Cannot exceed max loan amount.
- Rollovers
- Yes, one.
- Cooling-off period
- 24 hours after repaying renewed loan.
- Repayment plan
- Yes.
- Governing law
- Wisc. Stat. Ann. § 138.14
Checked against Wisconsin law on November 10, 2026.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in Wisconsin and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one loan is $1,500.
- Price rule: No limit.
- Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Wisconsin?
Payday loans are legal in Wisconsin, 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 Wisc. Stat. Ann. § 138.14. Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in Wisconsin
- Loan size: up to $1,500 (or 35% of gross monthly income, whichever is less)
- Loan term: 90 days or less
- Loans at one time: Cannot exceed max loan amount.
- Rollovers: Yes, one.
- Cooling-off period: 24 hours after repaying renewed loan.
- Repayment plan: Yes.
What a payday loan costs in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. The state rule: Yes. On criminal threats: No. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
- 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 Wisconsin
- 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 Wisconsin?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Wisconsin under Wisc. Stat. Ann. § 138.14, and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Wisconsin?
Up to $1,500 (or 35% of gross monthly income, whichever is less) on a single loan.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Wisconsin?
State rule on rollovers: Yes, one. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Wisconsin?
No. No. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Wisconsin?
Contact Wisconsin 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
- 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.
- 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.
- AlabamaPayday loans are legal in Alabama. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $17.50 (456% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to compla
- 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
- AlaskaPayday loans are legal in Alaska. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $20 (521% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain.
- 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.