- Payday loans in Fairbanks follow Alaska law (Alaska Statutes chapter 06.50 (Deferred Deposit Advances)).
- We could not verify a fee cap for Alaska; check current limits with the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Fairbanks; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Fairbanks at a glance
| Fairbanks | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 31,732 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.1% (shrinking) |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough |
| Size rank among 93 Alaska places we cover | 2nd |
| Share of Alaska’s population | 4.3% |
| Nearest larger city | Anchorage (about 258 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Fairbanks North Star Borough | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 1 (about 2,505 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 424% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Anchorage or online from Fairbanks, the lender must hold a Alaska license from the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Fairbanks
These credit unions have their main office in Fairbanks, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
Only federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans (PALs), capped at 28% APR; state-chartered credit unions often have their own small-loan products. Membership rules apply, and only main offices are listed here; find branches near you with the NCUA Credit Union Locator. See how PALs work.
Payday loan rules that apply in Fairbanks
Key Alaska limits that apply to Fairbanks borrowers: licensing: lenders must be licensed by the Division of Banking and Securities; limits: set by AS 06.50; check the Division’s deferred deposit page for current amounts and fees. See the full Alaska payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Fairbanks
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Alaska at 424% (June 2023). We could not verify a fee cap for Alaska; check current limits with the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Fairbanks North Star Borough before you borrow
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Fairbanks that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near Fairbanks
- North Pole · 10 mi
- Nenana · 47 mi
- Delta Junction · 79 mi
- Fort Yukon · 139 mi
- Palmer · 228 mi
- Wasilla · 232 mi
The nearest larger city is Anchorage, about 258 miles away. See all 93 Alaska cities.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Fairbanks?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Fairbanks under Alaska state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities.
How much does a payday loan cost in Fairbanks?
We could not verify a fee cap for Alaska; check current limits with the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities. The typical statewide APR was 424% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Fairbanks?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Fairbanks, including Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
- NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
- Alaska Division of Banking and Securities — Deferred deposit advance
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary