Payday loans in Virginia
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Virginia payday loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Short-term loans (Va. Code Title 6.2, Chapter 18). No one may make these loans without a license, or arrange or broker short-term loans for Virginia consumers; loans made in violation are void. (Va. Code §§ 6.2-1800 et seq.; 6.2-1801) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | A short-term loan may not exceed $2,500, and a lender may not have you owe it more than $2,500 in principal at any time. (Va. Code §§ 6.2-1816.1(1), 6.2-1816(5)) |
| Fees / interest cap | Interest at a simple annual rate of no more than 36%, plus a monthly maintenance fee of no more than 8% of the original loan amount or $25, whichever is less (the fee may not be added to the balance that earns interest). No other fees except a returned-payment fee, a late charge of up to $20, and court-awarded collection costs capped at the original loan amount. (Va. Code § 6.2-1817) |
| Minimum term | At least four months, unless each monthly payment is no more than 5% of your verified gross monthly income or 6% of your verified net monthly income, whichever is greater. (Va. Code § 6.2-1816.1(2)) |
| Maximum term | No more than 24 months. The loan must be repaid in substantially equal installments (no balloon payment). (Va. Code § 6.2-1816.1(2), (4)) |
| Rollovers / renewals | A lender may refinance a short-term loan only into another short-term loan that meets all the Chapter 18 rules, and must refund a prorated share of fees and charges when a loan is refinanced or prepaid early. (Va. Code §§ 6.2-1818.1, 6.2-1818.2(F)) |
| Loans at one time / database | Only one short-term loan at a time from any licensee. A short-term lender may not lend to you while you owe a licensed title lender. Lenders must check a statewide real-time database before making a loan. (Va. Code §§ 6.2-1816(4), (6), (7), 6.2-1810) |
| Extended payment plan | No formal extended payment plan, but a lender may not sue you until 60 days after default, during which you and the lender may voluntarily agree on a repayment arrangement. You may also make partial payments of $5 or more at any time without charge, and cancel the loan by 5 p.m. on the third business day after signing by returning the proceeds. (Va. Code §§ 6.2-1816(24), 6.2-1818.2(B), 6.2-1816.1(5)) |
| Returned-payment fee | A deposit-item return fee of no more than $25 if your check or electronic payment is returned. A lender may not re-present a returned check without your new written authorization, and may not try an electronic debit again after two failed attempts without new authorization. (Va. Code §§ 6.2-1817(A)(3), 6.2-1816(11), (12)) |
| Criminal charges for bounced check | A lender may not threaten, or cause to be started, criminal proceedings against you if a security check bounces or for any reason related to failing to pay. (Va. Code § 6.2-1816(9)) |
How much will I repay?
Virginia 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.
Credit services / credit access businesses
Not permitted for payday or title loans: arranging or brokering short-term or title loans is prohibited, and charges for 'brokering or obtaining a loan' are banned. (Va. Code §§ 6.2-1801(B), 6.2-2201(A)(2), 6.2-1816(2), 6.2-2215(2))
Compare neighboring states
Lenders must follow the law of the state where you live, not where you visit.
| State | Status | Max loan |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | Legal | You may have at most two payday loans open at once, and the total cash you receive from all open payday loans may not… |
| Maryland | Not available | — |
| North Carolina | Not available | — |
| 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… |
| West Virginia | Not available | — |
| District of Columbia | Not available | — |
Payday Loans by city in Virginia
Counties in Virginia
Show all 133 counties
Also see: Personal Loans in Virginia · Title Loans in Virginia · All Virginia loan options
Frequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Virginia?
Payday-style loans are legal in Virginia only as 'short-term loans' from lenders licensed under Chapter 18 of Title 6.2, as rewritten by the Fairness in Lending Act (effective January 1, 2021). They are installment loans of up to $2,500 over 4 to 24 months at no more than 36% interest plus a capped monthly maintenance fee.
How much can you borrow with a payday loan in Virginia?
A short-term loan may not exceed $2,500, and a lender may not have you owe it more than $2,500 in principal at any time.
How much do payday loans cost in Virginia?
Interest at a simple annual rate of no more than 36%, plus a monthly maintenance fee of no more than 8% of the original loan amount or $25, whichever is less (the fee may not be added to the balance that earns interest). No other fees except a returned-payment fee, a late charge of up to $20, and court-awarded collection costs capped at the original loan amount.
How many payday loans can you have at once in Virginia?
Only one short-term loan at a time from any licensee. A short-term lender may not lend to you while you owe a licensed title lender. Lenders must check a statewide real-time database before making a loan.
Can you roll over a payday loan in Virginia?
A lender may refinance a short-term loan only into another short-term loan that meets all the Chapter 18 rules, and must refund a prorated share of fees and charges when a loan is refinanced or prepaid early.
Do Virginia payday lenders have to offer a payment plan?
No formal extended payment plan, but a lender may not sue you until 60 days after default, during which you and the lender may voluntarily agree on a repayment arrangement. You may also make partial payments of $5 or more at any time without charge, and cancel the loan by 5 p.m. on the third business day after signing by returning the proceeds.
Can a payday lender press criminal charges in Virginia?
A lender may not threaten, or cause to be started, criminal proceedings against you if a security check bounces or for any reason related to failing to pay.
Can I get a payday loan online in Virginia?
Yes. You can request a payday loan online from anywhere in Virginia, using your phone or computer. Our secure form takes about 3 minutes and connects you with lenders in our network that serve Virginia 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.
Can I get a payday loan on the weekend in Virginia?
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. Virginia residents can start a request now; it takes about 3 minutes.
How much does a payday loan cost in Virginia?
Interest at a simple annual rate of no more than 36%, plus a monthly maintenance fee of no more than 8% of the original loan amount or $25, whichever is less (the fee may not be added to the balance that earns interest). 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 Virginia borrowers in about 3 minutes.
What do I need to get a payday loan in Virginia?
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 Virginia applicants get a decision in minutes.