Payday loans in Arkansas: what's allowed instead
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Arkansas payday loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 89, §§ 3 and 6(b) (Ark. Const. amend. 89, §§ 3, 6(b)) |
|---|---|
| Fees / interest cap | 17% per year maximum interest on loans covered by Amendment 89 § 3. In 2008 the Attorney General told payday lenders that payday fees count as interest and that relying on the Check-Cashers Act as a defense was misplaced. (Ark. Const. amend. 89, § 3) |
Your options in Arkansas
Payday loans aren't offered by state-licensed lenders here, but you can still request a personal installment loan of $100 to $5,000 through our form. Installment loans spread repayment over several months, so each payment is smaller. See Arkansas personal loans.
Compare neighboring states
Lenders must follow the law of the state where you live, not where you visit.
| State | Status | Max loan |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | Legal | For September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027, the most a lender may pay you on a payday loan (deferred presentment) is… |
| Mississippi | Legal | Your check (loan plus fee) may not be for more than $500, and you may not have more than $500 in total outstanding,… |
| Missouri | Legal | Payday loans are loans of $500 or less, and a lender (with its affiliates) may not have more than $500 in payday loans… |
| Oklahoma | Not available | Small loans are capped by the total you may owe across all small lenders. |
| Tennessee | Legal | A lender (and related persons) may hold no more than two of your checks at once, with a total face value of no more… |
| Texas | Legal via CSO/CAB | — |
Personal loans by city in Arkansas
Counties in Arkansas
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Also see: Personal Loans in Arkansas · Title Loans in Arkansas · All Arkansas loan options
Frequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Arkansas?
Payday lending is effectively prohibited in Arkansas by the state constitution. Amendment 89 caps interest on loans not made by governments or Arkansas-based federally insured banks at 17% a year. Contracts above that are void as to principal and interest.
How much do payday loans cost in Arkansas?
17% per year maximum interest on loans covered by Amendment 89 § 3. In 2008 the Attorney General told payday lenders that payday fees count as interest and that relying on the Check-Cashers Act as a defense was misplaced.
What do I need to get a payday loan in Arkansas?
Most lenders ask for a few basics: you must be a legal adult, with a valid government-issued ID, a steady source of income, an active checking account in your name, and a phone number and email. Some lenders also ask for recent pay stubs or bank statements. Having these ready makes our 3-minute form quick, and many Arkansas applicants get a decision in minutes.
Can I get a payday loan online in Arkansas?
Yes. You can request a payday loan online from anywhere in Arkansas, using your phone or computer. Our secure form takes about 3 minutes and connects you with lenders in our network that serve Arkansas residents. If you're approved, funds go straight to your checking account, often by the next business day. There's no cost to apply and no obligation to accept.
How much does a payday loan cost in Arkansas?
17% per year maximum interest on loans covered by Amendment 89 § 3. Your lender shows the exact fee, total amount to repay, due date and APR before you sign, so you know the full cost upfront. There's no charge to use our form, and you're never obligated to accept an offer. Compare what lenders offer Arkansas borrowers in about 3 minutes.
Do payday loans in Arkansas affect your credit score?
Usually only a little, if at all. Because many payday lenders don't use a traditional hard credit pull and often don't report to the major bureaus, a payday loan repaid on time typically has little effect on your score. A balance that goes unpaid and reaches collections could hurt it, so borrow an amount you can repay on your due date. Arkansas residents can see their options with our 3-minute form.