Payday loans in Oregon
Short-term loans are legal in Oregon, but state law requires longer repayment periods and limits what lenders can charge, so they work more like installment loans than two-week payday loans. Every figure on this page was checked against Oregon law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal with price limits
Oregon payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal with price limits
- Maximum loan
- No practical dollar limit; loans must run at least 31 days
- Loan term
- At least 31 days
- Maximum fee
- 36% APR interest, one-time $10 per $100 of loan origination fee, up to $30
- Governing law
- 54 Or. Rev. Stat. § 725A.010
Checked against Oregon 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 Oregon and lenders must hold a state license.
- Price rule: 36% APR interest, one-time $10 per $100 of loan origination fee, up to $30.
- Oregon Division of Financial Regulation handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Oregon?
Short-term loans are legal in Oregon, but state law requires longer repayment periods and limits what lenders can charge, so they work more like installment loans than two-week payday loans.
The governing law is 54 Or. Rev. Stat. § 725A.010. Oregon Division of Financial Regulation 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 Oregon
- Loan size: No practical dollar limit; loans must run at least 31 days
- Loan term: At least 31 days
What a payday loan costs in Oregon
State law sets the price rule: 36% APR interest, one-time $10 per $100 of loan origination fee, up to $30.
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. Oregon already requires longer terms than a classic payday loan. Whether a particular loan meets our standard depends on its APR.
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 Oregon
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 Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Oregon
- 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 Oregon
- 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 Oregon?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Oregon under 54 Or. Rev. Stat. § 725A.010, and lenders need a state license.
What does a payday loan cost in Oregon?
State law sets the price rule: 36% APR interest, one-time $10 per $100 of loan origination fee, up to $30. 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 Oregon?
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 Oregon?
Contact Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Does Northlight offer payday loans in Oregon?
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
- PennsylvaniaPayday loans are not legal in Pennsylvania. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- OklahomaPayday loans are legal in Oklahoma. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- Rhode IslandPayday loans are legal in Rhode Island. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- OhioPayday loans are legal in Ohio. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- South CarolinaPayday loans are legal in South Carolina. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- North DakotaPayday loans are legal in North Dakota. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.