Louisiana lending rules
Personalloaner covers 302 Census places in Louisiana, which together hold an estimated 1,761,861 people. Licensed lenders set personal-loan terms here under Louisiana law, and the sourced rules below reach every borrower in the state.
Key rules for borrowers in Louisiana
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1)) Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum." |
Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less." |
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office" |
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana." |
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps | 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A)) Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars" |
Louisiana State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
Places we cover in Louisiana
The Census Bureau counts 302 places in Louisiana, and the largest are linked below.
Common questions
How high can interest rates legally go in Louisiana?
The answer turns on the product and on which statute applies to it. This page's table sets out Louisiana's usury cap and licensing rules, and each row carries its publisher and a link to the primary source.
What is Louisiana's position on payday lending?
Each state handles payday lending on its own: some permit it, some cap it, some prohibit it. The sourced row on this page gives Louisiana's current position.
How do I know a lender is licensed in Louisiana?
Consumer lenders generally need a licence issued by the state regulator identified on this page. Verify that licence with the regulator before you commit to anything.