Payday loans in Washington
Payday loans are legal in Washington. A licensed lender may lend up to $700 or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less and charge no more than 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500. Every figure on this page was checked against Washington law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $700
Washington payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less)
- Loan term
- 7-45 days
- Maximum fee
- 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500
- Loans at one time
- Cannot exceed $700 from one lender, nor can one lendee have more than 8 checks in 12 months.
- Rollovers
- No.
- Governing law
- Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 31.45.010 et seq.
Checked against Washington 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 Washington and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one payday loan is $700.
- Price rule: 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500.
- Washington State Department of Financial Institutions handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in Washington?
Payday loans are legal in Washington. A licensed lender may lend up to $700 or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less and charge no more than 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500.
The governing law is Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 31.45.010 et seq… Washington State Department 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 Washington
- Loan size: up to $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less)
- Loan term: 7-45 days
- Loans at one time: Cannot exceed $700 from one lender, nor can one lendee have more than 8 checks in 12 months.
- Rollovers: No.
What a payday loan costs in Washington
State law sets the price rule: 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500.
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 Washington 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 Washington
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. On criminal threats: Not allowed. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with Washington State Department of Financial Institutions and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in Washington
- 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 Washington
- 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 Washington?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Washington under Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 31.45.010 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Washington?
Up to $700 (or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less) on a single loan.
What does a payday loan cost in Washington?
State law sets the price rule: 15% for the first $500, 10% on the portion over $500. 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 Washington?
State rule on rollovers: No. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in Washington?
No. Not allowed. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in Washington?
Contact Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Does Northlight offer payday loans in Washington?
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
- West VirginiaPayday loans are not legal in West Virginia. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- VirginiaPayday loans are legal in Virginia. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- WisconsinPayday loans are legal in Wisconsin. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- VermontPayday loans are not legal in Vermont. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- WyomingPayday loans are legal in Wyoming. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.
- UtahPayday loans are legal in Utah. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow, where to complain, and how a loan capped at 35.99% APR compares.