Personalloaner

Washington lending rules

Personalloaner covers 281 Census places in Washington, which together hold an estimated 5,126,107 people. Licensed lenders set personal-loan terms here under Washington law, and the sourced rules below reach every borrower in the state.

By the Personalloaner Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-09-16

Compare loan offers Run the numbers first

How we get paid: if you apply through the link above, a lending partner may send us a referral fee. It never changes the rate you are offered or what we publish. We are not a lender and we do not process applications. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Full disclosure.

Key rules for borrowers in Washington

RuleDetailSource
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

Places we cover in Washington

The Census Bureau counts 281 places in Washington, and the largest are linked below.

Compare personal loan offers Run the numbers first

How we get paid: if you apply through the link above, a lending partner may send us a referral fee. It never changes the rate you are offered or what we publish. We are not a lender and we do not process applications. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Full disclosure.

Common questions

How high can interest rates legally go in Washington?
The answer turns on the product and on which statute applies to it. This page's table sets out Washington's usury cap and licensing rules, and each row carries its publisher and a link to the primary source.
What is Washington'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 Washington's current position.
How do I know a lender is licensed in Washington?
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.

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