Yes. Payday loans are legal in Washington, and lenders must follow Wash. Rev. Code Ann 31.45.010 et seq.
Payday loan rules in Washington at a glance
| Payday loans | Legal, from licensed lenders |
|---|---|
| Fee or rate cap | 15% of the first $500 of principal plus 10% above $500 (~391% APR on a $100, 14-day loan) |
| Largest loan | $700 |
| Loan term | Up to 45 days |
| Rollovers and renewals | Not allowed |
| Extended payment plan | Required if you meet the conditions the law sets: at least 90 days, at no extra cost (RCW 31.45.084(1); RCW 31.45.010(12); WAC 208-630-510, -520, -530; RCW 31.45.073(3)). The conditions are listed below |
| State loan database | Yes, lenders must check it before lending (run by Catalis) |
| Returned-payment fee cap | $25 |
| Right to cancel | Yes, you can cancel on or before the close of business on the next day of business at the location where the loan was originated |
| Arrest and criminal charges | Lenders may not threaten arrest or jail to collect |
| Lender license | Required |
| Regulator | Washington Department of Financial Institutions |
| Statute | Wash. Rev. Code Ann 31.45.010 et seq. |
Source: Wash. Rev. Code Ann 31.45.010 et seq. (read the law). We last checked it against the statute on October 3, 2026. See payday loan laws in every state.
What a payday loan costs in Washington
Under Washington's limits, borrowing $100 for 14 days costs $15 in fees, so you repay $115. That works out to 391% APR. Your offer may differ.
| Loan | Term | Fees | Total repaid | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | 14 days | $15 | $115 | 391% |
| $500 | 14 days | $75 | $575 | 391% |
| $700 | 14 days | $95 | $795 | 354% |
A payday loan is usually repaid in one payment on your next payday, so a fee that looks small is a high APR. Compare it with the APR on any other option before you sign.
If you can't repay on time
Washington doesn't let a lender roll a payday loan over into a new one for another fee. If you can't repay on time and you meet the conditions the law sets, the lender must offer an extended payment plan of at least 90 days at no extra cost. The conditions are listed below. Lenders may not threaten arrest or jail to collect a payday loan in Washington. If a payment bounces, the lender's returned-payment fee is capped at $25.
The conditions on the payment plan in Washington (RCW 31.45.084(1); RCW 31.45.010(12); WAC 208-630-510, -520, -530; RCW 31.45.073(3)):
- Borrower notifies the licensee that the borrower will be or is unable to repay when due and asks to convert; licensee must convert at the borrower's request.
- Written installment plan agreement acknowledged by both borrower and licensee.
- No fee, interest or other charge for converting.
- Term at least 90 days for a loaned amount up to $400, at least 180 days for over $400; substantially equal installments on/after pay dates, at least 14 days apart.
- If the due date is extended, the request right follows the extended date.
- While in a plan (until paid or 2 years), no new small loan from any licensee.
A federal rule also protects your bank account: after two payment attempts in a row fail, the lender needs your new permission before it tries again (CFPB payday rule).
How to check a lender in Washington
Payday lenders in Washington need a state license. Look the lender up in the official license search before you sign. Complaints go to the Washington Department of Financial Institutions. Lenditup does not check lender licenses for you (see how we verify).
Looking for a loan in Washington?
A payday loan is due in one payment within weeks. If you would rather spread the cost, compare a personal installment loan first. If a payday loan is still the right fit, you can send one request and see what lenders and lending marketplaces in our network offer.
Lenditup is not a lender. Sending a request does not mean you will be approved; each lender sets its own rates and terms within Washington law.
Payday loan questions for Washington
01What is the most a payday lender can charge in Washington?
02How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Washington?
03How long can a payday loan last in Washington?
04Can I roll over a payday loan in Washington?
05What if I can't repay a payday loan in Washington on time?
06Can I cancel a payday loan in Washington after I sign?
07How do I check that a payday lender is licensed in Washington?
08Is Lenditup a payday lender in Washington?
Other loan rules in Washington
Car title loans have their own law: see title loan rules in Washington. To compare payday rules across states, use the state payday loan law table, or read how payday loans work.