Payday loans in Maine
Payday loans are legal in Maine. A licensed lender may lend up to Not set by law and charge no more than $5 on loans up to $75, $15 on loans from $75.01 to $249.99, $25 on loans of $250 or more. Every figure on this page was checked against Maine law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
Maine payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- Not set by law
- Loan term
- Not set by law
- Maximum fee
- $5 on loans up to $75, $15 on loans from $75.01 to $249.99, $25 on loans of $250 or more
- Governing law
- Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 9-A, § 2-401(7)
Checked against Maine 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 Maine and lenders must hold a state license.
- Price rule: $5 on loans up to $75, $15 on loans from $75.01 to $249.99, $25 on loans of $250 or more.
- Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Maine?
Payday loans are legal in Maine. A licensed lender may lend up to Not set by law and charge no more than $5 on loans up to $75, $15 on loans from $75.01 to $249.99, $25 on loans of $250 or more.
The governing law is Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 9-A, § 2-401(7). Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection 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 Maine
- Loan size: Not set by law
- Loan term: Not set by law
What a payday loan costs in Maine
State law sets the price rule: $5 on loans up to $75, $15 on loans from $75.01 to $249.99, $25 on loans of $250 or more.
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 Maine 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 Maine
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Maine
- 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.
Good to know
Only supervised lenders licensed by the state may make these loans.
Free help in Maine
- 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 Maine?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Maine under Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 9-A, § 2-401(7), and lenders need a state license.
What does a payday loan cost in Maine?
State law sets the price rule: $5 on loans up to $75, $15 on loans from $75.01 to $249.99, $25 on loans of $250 or more. The lender must give you the finance charge in dollars and the APR in writing before you sign.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Maine?
No. Not paying a loan is a civil matter, not a crime. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Maine?
Contact Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Does Northlight offer payday loans in Maine?
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
- 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.
- LouisianaPayday loans are legal in Louisiana. 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.
- 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.
- MichiganPayday loans are legal in Michigan. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- 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.