Payday loans in New Hampshire: what's allowed instead
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
New Hampshire payday loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | RSA 399-A, Regulation of Small Loans, Title Loans, and Payday Loans. (RSA 399-A:17) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | A borrower may not owe a lender more than $500 in payday loan principal at one time. (RSA 399-A:17, VI) |
| Fees / interest cap | APR may not exceed 36%, and interest is the only charge allowed, with no other fees. (RSA 399-A:17, I-II) |
| Minimum term | At least 7 days. (RSA 399-A:17, III(e)) |
| Maximum term | No more than 30 days. After maturity, interest may not exceed 6% a year. (RSA 399-A:17, III(e)) |
| Rollovers / renewals | Refinancing, renewing or extending a payday loan is prohibited. (RSA 399-A:17, VII) |
| Cooling-off period | No new loan to anyone who has a payday or title loan outstanding, or had one in the past 60 days; the borrower signs a sworn statement. (RSA 399-A:17, XIX) |
| Loans at one time / database | One payday loan at a time. (RSA 399-A:17, VIII) |
| Criminal charges for bounced check | A lender may not threaten or start criminal proceedings if the borrower's check bounces. (RSA 399-A:17, X) |
Your options in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire personal loans.
Credit services / credit access businesses
RSA 399-A applies to schemes that try to avoid it, including using an exempt entity as a purported agent when the arranger has the main economic interest. (RSA 399-A:2, III)
Compare neighboring states
Lenders must follow the law of the state where you live, not where you visit.
| State | Status | Max loan |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | Legal | Maine law sets no payday-specific maximum loan amount, according to the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. |
| Massachusetts | Not available | — |
| Vermont | Not available | — |
Personal loans by city in New Hampshire
Counties in New Hampshire
Show all 10 counties
Also see: Personal Loans in New Hampshire · Title Loans in New Hampshire · All New Hampshire loan options
Frequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire licenses payday lenders under RSA 399-A, but the APR is capped at 36% and interest is the only charge allowed, which makes the usual fee-based payday loan unworkable.
How much can you borrow with a payday loan in New Hampshire?
A borrower may not owe a lender more than $500 in payday loan principal at one time.
How much do payday loans cost in New Hampshire?
APR may not exceed 36%, and interest is the only charge allowed, with no other fees.
How many payday loans can you have at once in New Hampshire?
One payday loan at a time.
Can you roll over a payday loan in New Hampshire?
Refinancing, renewing or extending a payday loan is prohibited.
Can a payday lender press criminal charges in New Hampshire?
A lender may not threaten or start criminal proceedings if the borrower's check bounces.
Do payday loans in New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire residents can see their options with our 3-minute form.
How much does a payday loan cost in New Hampshire?
APR may not exceed 36%, and interest is the only charge allowed, with no other fees. 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 New Hampshire borrowers in about 3 minutes.
What do I need to get a payday loan in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire applicants get a decision in minutes.
Can I get a payday loan online in New Hampshire?
Yes. You can request a payday loan online from anywhere in New Hampshire, using your phone or computer. Our secure form takes about 3 minutes and connects you with lenders in our network that serve New Hampshire 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.