- Payday loans in Wilmington follow Delaware law (Delaware short-term consumer loan law (HB 289, 2012)).
- Delaware law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- 4 credit unions are headquartered in Wilmington; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Wilmington at a glance
| Wilmington | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 73,176 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.3% (growing) |
| County | New Castle County |
| Size rank among 47 Delaware places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Delaware’s population | 7% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 4 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in New Castle County | 10 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 11 (about 76,234 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 639% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront or online from Wilmington, the lender must hold a Delaware license from the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Wilmington
These credit unions have their main office in Wilmington, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Priority Plus Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Dexsta Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Wilmington Police & Fire Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Stepping Stones Community 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Wilmington
Key Delaware limits that apply to Wilmington borrowers: maximum loan: $1,000 (short-term consumer loan); loan term: repayment period under 60 days; loans per year: no more than five short-term consumer loans in any 12-month period. See the full Delaware payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Wilmington
Delaware law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 639% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in New Castle County 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
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 Wilmington?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Wilmington under Delaware state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
How much does a payday loan cost in Wilmington?
Delaware law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. The typical statewide APR was 639% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Wilmington?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Wilmington, including Priority Plus Federal Credit Union and Dexsta 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)
- Delaware General Assembly — HB 289
- WHYY — Delaware limits payday loans
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary