Washington, DC · South · Not permitted
Payday loans in Washington
Washington is governed by Washington, D.C.'s statewide lending law — cities don't set their own loan rules. Payday lending is not permitted in Washington, D.C.. Any company offering two-week, high-fee loans here is operating outside state law — the state regulator is the right place to report it.
No license exists for this product in this state, so any lender offering it deserves a report.
Lending storefronts in Washington
681,170 residents · District of Columbia County Median household income is $70,848 — above the Washington, D.C. median of $70,848.
| Nearest storefronts | Town | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| State Department Federal Credit Union | Arlington 4 mi | — |
| Wells Fargo Bank | Arlington 4 mi | (703) 284-6492 |
Listing data: public business directory, collected 2022-02-20. Stores close and relocate — confirm with the regulator's license lookup on the Washington, D.C. page before visiting. Spot an error? Report it.
The online route in Washington
The Washington, D.C. ban covers every lender serving Washington residents, online or off. Sites that still advertise high-fee short-term loans here route through partner banks or tribal charters outside state licensing — treat them accordingly.
From the online lenders directory — terms each lender publishes about itself, checked September 2026. Directory only: we are not affiliated and make no availability promises — verify with the lender and the Washington, D.C. regulator.
The rules behind the numbers
Payday lending is illegal in the District of Columbia under district usury caps limiting interest rates to 24% APR.
Statute: D.C. Code § 28-3301 / D.C. Code § 26-301 et seq.
Regulator: District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking · disb.dc.gov
Questions people ask in Washington
Are payday loans legal in Washington, DC?
No. Payday lending is illegal in the District of Columbia under district usury caps limiting interest rates to 24% APR. The ban applies to Washington like every other city in the state — any store or site offering two-week, high-fee loans here is operating outside the law.
Where can I borrow legally in Washington?
Federal credit-union PALs (28% APR ceiling), installment lenders priced under the state cap, employer advances, and local assistance programs. Each costs a fraction of payday pricing.
A storefront in Washington offered me a payday loan. Is that legal?
No. The state ban covers every lender making loans to Washington, D.C. residents, wherever the company is based. Save the contract, the website and the payment details — they are evidence.
Who do I report an illegal lender to in Washington?
Complaints about a lender go to the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (disb.dc.gov) — keep the loan agreement and every fee disclosure you were given.