WA state reference
Washington lending rules
Washington has 281 Census places covered on Personalloaned, with a combined estimated population of 5,126,107. Personal-loan terms in Washington are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.
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- Usury cap 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020)
- Payday lending Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45)
- State regulator Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
Sourced rules
Key rules for borrowers in Washington
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum |
Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. |
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. |
Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. |
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
Cities in Washington
We cover 281 Census places in Washington. The count and the combined population figures are summed from the US Census Bureau's Vintage 2023 subcounty population estimates (retrieved 2026-09-17).
Common questions