The most you can borrow for a payday loan in a US state ranges from $300 to $1,000 depending on the 37 US states that allow for payday lending.
This is strictly a payday product which is received upfront and repaid within a timeframe of around either up to 30 days, 120 days or 6 months.
The borrower usually writes a post-dated check for the loan amount plus fees, which the lender will cash on the borrower’s next payday. These loans can be a lifesaver for people who are facing unexpected bills, car repairs, or medical expenses.
This also comes with certain rules over the maximum that can be charged by state (price caps of 36% to 652%) and how many loans you might have open (1 to 2).
If you wish to borrow money than $1,000, this is deemed an installment loan, simply because it lasts longer than one month and you can borrow $3,000, $5,000 or even $35,000 if you would like to.
How Much Can I Borrow From a Payday Loan in Each US State
| State | Maximum Loan Amount |
| Alabama | $500.00 |
| Alaska | $500.00 |
| Arizona | Prohibited |
| Arkansas | Prohibited |
| California | $300.00 |
| Colorado | $500.00 |
| Delaware | $1,000.00 |
| District of Columbia | Prohibited |
| Florida | $500.00 |
| Georgia | Prohibited |
| Hawaii | Prohibited |
| Idaho | $1,000.00 |
| Illinois | $1,000.00 |
| Indiana | $550.00 |
| Iowa | $500.00 |
| Kansas | $500.00 |
| Kentucky | $500.00 |
| Louisiana | $350.00 |
| Maine | $2,000.00 |
| Michigan | $600.00 |
| Minnesota | $350.00 |
| Mississippi | $500.00 |
| Missouri | $500.00 |
| Montana | $300.00 |
| Nebraska | $500.00 |
| Nevada | 25% of Gross Income |
| New Hampshire | $500.00 |
| New Mexico | $5,000.00 |
| North Carolina | Prohibited |
| North Dakota | $500.00 |
| Ohio | $1,000.00 |
| Oklahoma | $500.00 |
| Oregon | $50,000 |
| Puerto Rico | Prohibited |
| Rhode Island | $500.00 |
| South Carolina | $550.00 |
| South Dakota | $500.00 |
| Tennessee | $500.00 |
| Texas | $200.00 |
| Utah | Prohibited |
| Virginia | $2,500.00 |
| Washington | $700.00 |
| Wisconsin | 35% of their monthly income |
| Wyoming | No Limit |
Source: NCSL, US States Loans
*Some rates are subject to change or will vary based on loan amounts
Why Do Some US States Have a Cap on The Amount You Can Borrow?
Not every US state thinks and acts in the same way. Some states allow their residents to borrow more than others and some have decided to ban payday loans altogether. Or if you want to get a loan, it is capped at 36% APR and this is more likely to be an installment or personal loan.
Every state is different, with some allowing you to borrow more, but there might be a limit on the number of payday loans that you can have each month or open at one time (e.g 1 or 2).
Some states heavily tax the payday loan business, so that they can reinvest this money into their local infrastructure and community. It simply varies between states and their individual economies for this reason.
In Which US States Are Payday Loans Not Legal?
Payday loans are not legal in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and Utah.
Hence you will notice on our table above that their price caps are limited to 36% APR, which is the national price cap.
The laws are based on each state and their own desires to avoid offering payday loans as a product to their residents. This usually goes through a vote and a motion is passed. It is remembered that this kind of product is high-cost and is used for emergency purposes and not used as a long term solution to financial problems.
Some states such as Nevada and Texas allow for payday lending to exist and find it is an important anti-poverty measure to help people who are pay check to pay check – but also generates a lot for the economy in terms of increased spending and employment.
Do I Need to Be in the State That I am Applying in?
Yes, you should ideally be a resident and living in the US state that you are applying in. If you live in Texas, you should be therefore applying for a payday loan in Texas and you will be subject to the requirements in that state, including the maximum amount you can borrow, the interest rates and how long for.
With Pheabs, it is possible to still be eligible for a national product since we work with banks, credit cards, apps and credit unions too who can offer you a more universal product and you will not be limited to just the products of your state.
After all, some states have less to offer than others in terms of loan amounts and duration, so with Pheabs you can certainly cover the market and find the right product for you.