Payday loans in Washington: the rules
Research draft — pending verification against the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. {{VERIFY}}
Payday lending is legal and regulated in Washington.
Payday loans are legal; a statewide database enforces borrower limits (8 loans per 12 months).
The numbers at a glance
| Status | Legal |
|---|---|
| Maximum amount | $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income) |
| Fee / rate limits | 15% of first $500, 10% above $500 |
| Term limits | Up to 45 days |
| Regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions |
All figures are drafts compiled from public sources and must be confirmed with the regulator before relying on them. State legislatures change these rules — see our state law update tracker.
Payday loans in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and across Washington
The same state rules apply whether you're in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Everett or Kent — payday lending in Washington is regulated at the state level, so the caps and terms above hold statewide, storefront or online. Online requests like ours reach the same state-licensed lenders that serve every Washington ZIP code, without a trip to a storefront. City ordinances can add local rules for storefronts in some states {{VERIFY}} — the loan agreement must follow state law either way.
Free and low-cost help in Washington
Before borrowing — or if a loan has already gone wrong — every Washington resident can call 211 for emergency rent, utility, food, and medical assistance programs in Seattle and statewide (what 211 covers). Nonprofit credit counseling is free or low-cost statewide, and complaints about a lender go to the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, which also runs the license lookup you should check before signing. See also: how to verify a lender's license.
What a typical loan costs in Washington
Washington's fee rule (15% of first $500, 10% above $500 {{VERIFY}}) is what your loan agreement has to respect. As a feel for the math: a two-week $300 loan at $15 per $100 costs $45 — about 391% APR — and the same fee structure over 30 days is about 183% APR. Run your own numbers in the cost calculator before you sign anything, and compare it against a pay advance app or credit union small-dollar loan first.
Borrowing here, sensibly
Legal doesn't mean cheap — payday-style credit in Washington still typically costs triple-digit APRs. Check the cheaper options first, run the numbers in the cost calculator, and if you do borrow, verify the lender's license with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions and never borrow more than your next paychecks can absorb.
Washington questions
How much can I borrow in Washington?
The state's general limit is $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income). Individual lenders may offer less depending on your income and history. Draft figure — verify with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.
What do payday loans cost in Washington?
15% of first $500, 10% above $500. Terms typically run Up to 45 days. Your loan agreement must state the exact finance charge and APR before you sign. Draft figures — verify with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.
How do I check whether a lender is licensed in Washington?
Search the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions's license database or call them before you sign anything. Licensed lenders must follow the state's caps and collection rules; unlicensed ones are a major red flag.