Payday loans in Washington
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Washington payday loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | Check Cashers and Sellers Act. A licensee needs a small loan endorsement for each location where it makes small loans; making a small loan to anyone physically in Washington online, by phone or otherwise without an endorsement is a violation and the loan is uncollectible and unenforceable. (RCW 31.45.073(1), 31.45.105(1)(d), (3)) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $700 or 30% of your gross monthly income, whichever is lower. This limit applies to the total outstanding principal of all small loans from all licensees at one time. (RCW 31.45.073(2)) |
| Fees / interest cap | Total interest and fees may not exceed 15% of the first $500 of principal and 10% of any principal above $500. (RCW 31.45.073(5)) |
| Minimum term | The due date must be on or after your next payday; if your next payday is within seven days, it must be on or after the second payday after the loan. (RCW 31.45.073(2)) |
| Maximum term | No more than 45 days from origination (including weekends and holidays), unless both sides agree to extend the term with no added fee or interest. (RCW 31.45.073(2)) |
| Rollovers / renewals | A lender may not give you a new payday loan to pay off an old one from the same lender or its affiliate. (DFI consumer guidance (rule is in DFI regulations under RCW 31.45)) |
| Cooling-off period | A lender may not make you a new small loan while you are in default on another one, until it is paid in full or two years have passed since that loan was made. If you have been in an installment plan, no licensee may make you a new small loan until the plan is paid in full or two years have passed since the plan began. (RCW 31.45.073(2), (3)) |
| Loans at one time / database | No more than eight small loans from all licensees in any 12-month period. Lenders must use DFI's statewide database to check your outstanding loans, eligibility and installment-plan status. (RCW 31.45.073(4), 31.45.093) |
| Extended payment plan | If you tell the lender you cannot repay on time, it must offer, and on request must convert your loan to, an installment plan with no added fee or interest. The plan must last at least 90 days for loans up to $400 and at least 180 days for larger loans; you may prepay without penalty. A one-time $25 default fee is allowed if you default on the plan. (RCW 31.45.084) |
| Returned-payment fee | A lender may charge one one-time fee (amount set by DFI rule) if your check is returned unpaid, and may sue on the check for collection costs under RCW 62A.3-515 but not attorney fees or extra damages. No fee may be charged for a bounced check given under an installment plan. (RCW 31.45.082(1), 31.45.084(3)) |
| Criminal charges for bounced check | A lender may not threaten criminal prosecution to collect a delinquent small loan, or threaten any legal action it cannot legally take. (RCW 31.45.082(1)) |
How much will I repay?
Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | Legal | $1,000 per loan, and no more than $1,000 in total outstanding with one lender (plus fees). |
| Oregon | Legal | — |
Payday Loans by city in Washington
Counties in Washington
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Also see: Personal Loans in Washington · Title Loans in Washington · All Washington loan options
Frequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Washington?
Payday loans ('small loans') are legal in Washington from check cashers or sellers that hold a DFI small loan endorsement under RCW 31.45. Loans are capped at $700 or 30% of gross monthly income, eight per year across all lenders, tracked in a state database.
How much can you borrow with a payday loan in Washington?
$700 or 30% of your gross monthly income, whichever is lower. This limit applies to the total outstanding principal of all small loans from all licensees at one time.
How much do payday loans cost in Washington?
Total interest and fees may not exceed 15% of the first $500 of principal and 10% of any principal above $500.
How many payday loans can you have at once in Washington?
No more than eight small loans from all licensees in any 12-month period. Lenders must use DFI's statewide database to check your outstanding loans, eligibility and installment-plan status.
Can you roll over a payday loan in Washington?
A lender may not give you a new payday loan to pay off an old one from the same lender or its affiliate.
Do Washington payday lenders have to offer a payment plan?
If you tell the lender you cannot repay on time, it must offer, and on request must convert your loan to, an installment plan with no added fee or interest. The plan must last at least 90 days for loans up to $400 and at least 180 days for larger loans; you may prepay without penalty. A one-time $25 default fee is allowed if you default on the plan.
Can a payday lender press criminal charges in Washington?
A lender may not threaten criminal prosecution to collect a delinquent small loan, or threaten any legal action it cannot legally take.
Can I get a payday loan on the weekend in Washington?
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. Washington residents can start a request now; it takes about 3 minutes.
How much does a payday loan cost in Washington?
Total interest and fees may not exceed 15% of the first $500 of principal and 10% of any principal above $500. 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 Washington borrowers in about 3 minutes.
What do I need to get a payday loan in Washington?
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 Washington applicants get a decision in minutes.
Can I get a payday loan online in Washington?
Yes. You can request a payday loan online from anywhere in Washington, using your phone or computer. Our secure form takes about 3 minutes and connects you with lenders in our network that serve Washington 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.