Payday loans in Louisiana
Payday loans are legal in Louisiana. A licensed lender may lend up to $350 and charge no more than 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18%…. Every figure on this page was checked against Louisiana law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $350
Louisiana payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $350
- Loan term
- 60 days or less
- Maximum fee
- 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18% after a year
- Loans at one time
- None Specified.
- Rollovers
- a licensee may accept a partial payment of twenty-five percent of the amount advanced plus fees charged and enter into a new deferred presentment transaction or renew…
- Repayment plan
- A consumer who is unable to repay either a deferred presentment transaction or small loan when due to a licensee may elect once in any twelve-month period.
- Governing law
- La. Stat. Ann. § 9:3578 et seq.
Checked against Louisiana law on November 10, 2026.
The Northlight standard
- Highest APR
- 35.99%
- Time to repay
- 3 to 36 months
- Amounts
- $100 to $5,000
Example: $1,000 over 12 months at 35.99% APR is 12 payments of $100.46, $1,205.52 in total. Rates and terms
Key points
- Payday loans are legal in Louisiana and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one payday loan is $350.
- Price rule: 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18% after a year.
- Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Louisiana?
Payday loans are legal in Louisiana. A licensed lender may lend up to $350 and charge no more than 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18%….
The governing law is La. Stat. Ann. § 9:3578 et seq… Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions licenses lenders and takes complaints. Check a lender’s license there before you share bank details; how to tell if a lender is legitimate lists the other checks.
Loan limits in Louisiana
- Loan size: up to $350
- Loan term: 60 days or less
- Loans at one time: None Specified.
- Rollovers: a licensee may accept a partial payment of twenty-five percent of the amount advanced plus fees charged and enter into a new deferred presentment transaction or renew…
- Repayment plan: A consumer who is unable to repay either a deferred presentment transaction or small loan when due to a licensee may elect once in any twelve-month period.
What a payday loan costs in Louisiana
State law sets the price rule: 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18% after a year.
Federal law requires the lender to state the finance charge in dollars and the APR in your agreement. Read both before you sign, and set them beside the example further down this page.
A loan that meets the Northlight standard
Northlight works only with loans that carry an APR of 35.99% or less, fees included, and give you at least 3 months to repay. A single-payment payday loan under Louisiana law does not meet that standard, whatever its fee, because it falls due in one payment within weeks.
For example, $1,000 repaid over 12 months at 35.99% APR is 12 payments of $100.46, or $1,205.52 in total. The calculator prices other amounts and terms.
If you cannot repay a loan in Louisiana
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. The state rule: A consumer who is unable to repay either a deferred presentment transaction or small loan when due to a licensee may elect once in any twelve-month period. On criminal threats: Prohibited. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Louisiana
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200 to $2,000 at no more than 28% APR.
- A payment plan with the landlord, utility or hospital you owe often costs nothing.
- Local assistance: dial 211 for rent, utility and food programs near you.
See all payday loan alternatives.
Free help in Louisiana
- 211Free, confidential referrals to local help with rent, utilities and food. Call 211.
- USA.gov: help paying billsGovernment programs for rent, energy, phone and medical bills.
- National Foundation for Credit CounselingNonprofit credit counselors who can set up a debt management plan. Call 800-388-2227.
- CFPB complaint portalFile a federal complaint about a lender or a debt collector.
Common questions
Are payday loans legal in Louisiana?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Louisiana under La. Stat. Ann. § 9:3578 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Louisiana?
Up to $350 on a single loan.
What does a payday loan cost in Louisiana?
State law sets the price rule: 16.75% of the face amount of the check, not to exceed $45 If unpaid after contractual maturity, 36% for a year, 18% after a year. The lender must give you the finance charge in dollars and the APR in writing before you sign.
Can I roll over a payday loan in Louisiana?
State rule on rollovers: a licensee may accept a partial payment of twenty-five percent of the amount advanced plus fees charged and enter into a new deferred presentment transaction or renew…. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Louisiana?
No. Prohibited. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Louisiana?
Contact Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Does Northlight offer payday loans in Louisiana?
No. Northlight is not a lender, and the loans we work with must carry an APR of 35.99% or less and run for at least 3 months. Single-payment payday loans do not meet that standard.
See the payment before you apply
Pick an amount and a term. The calculator shows the monthly payment, the total and the cost of credit at the highest APR we allow.
Sources
Keep reading
- MainePayday loans are legal in Maine. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- KentuckyPayday loans are legal in Kentucky. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- MarylandPayday loans are not legal in Maryland. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- KansasPayday loans are legal in Kansas. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- MassachusettsPayday loans are not legal in Massachusetts. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- IowaPayday loans are legal in Iowa. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.