Payday loans in California
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
California payday loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law (Cal. Fin. Code § 23000 et seq.) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | Your personal check cannot exceed $300. At the maximum fee you receive $255. (Cal. Fin. Code § 23035) |
| Fees / interest cap | The fee may not exceed 15% of the check amount ($45 on a $300 check). (Cal. Fin. Code § 23036(a)) |
| Maximum term | 31 days. (Cal. Fin. Code § 23035) |
| Rollovers / renewals | Rollovers are prohibited. A lender may not charge a fee to extend the repayment period. (Cal. Fin. Code §§ 23036(c), 23035(b)) |
| Loans at one time / database | A lender may not make a new payday loan to a customer while that customer has a payday loan outstanding with it. (Cal. Fin. Code § 23036(c)) |
| Extended payment plan | A lender may extend the due date or offer a payment plan but does not have to. It may not charge any extra fee for doing so. (Cal. Fin. Code § 23036(b)) |
| Returned-payment fee | One fee of up to $15 for a returned (dishonored) check. No other collection costs may be charged. (Cal. Fin. Code § 23036(f)) |
How much will I repay?
California does not set a single per-$100 fee cap for this product; check the lender's disclosure. $15 per $100 is shown as an example.
Estimate only. Your lender shows your exact cost before you sign.
Compare neighboring states
Lenders must follow the law of the state where you live, not where you visit.
| State | Status | Max loan |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Not available | — |
| Nevada | Legal | A payday loan, together with the borrower's other outstanding loans from the lender, may not exceed 25% of the… |
| Oregon | Legal | — |
Payday Loans by city in California
Counties in California
Show all 58 counties
Also see: Personal Loans in California · Title Loans in California · All California loan options
Frequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in California?
Payday loans are legal in California under the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law (CDDTL), from lenders licensed by the DFPI. The check can be no more than $300, the fee no more than 15% of it, and the term no longer than 31 days.
How much can you borrow with a payday loan in California?
Your personal check cannot exceed $300. At the maximum fee you receive $255.
How much do payday loans cost in California?
The fee may not exceed 15% of the check amount ($45 on a $300 check).
How many payday loans can you have at once in California?
A lender may not make a new payday loan to a customer while that customer has a payday loan outstanding with it.
Can you roll over a payday loan in California?
Rollovers are prohibited. A lender may not charge a fee to extend the repayment period.
Do California payday lenders have to offer a payment plan?
A lender may extend the due date or offer a payment plan but does not have to. It may not charge any extra fee for doing so.
Do payday loans in California 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. California residents can see their options with our 3-minute form.
What do I need to get a payday loan in California?
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 California applicants get a decision in minutes.
Can I get a payday loan on the weekend in California?
You can submit our online form any time, including nights and weekends, and some lenders review requests right away. Funding depends on banking days, though, so money requested on a Saturday or Sunday typically arrives the next business day. Submitting early helps you get in line for the first available deposit. California residents can start a request now; it takes about 3 minutes.
How much does a payday loan cost in California?
The fee may not exceed 15% of the check amount ($45 on a $300 check). 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 California borrowers in about 3 minutes.