- Payday loans in Fort Wayne follow Indiana law (Indiana Small Loan law (IC 24-4.5-7)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $44.
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Fort Wayne; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Fort Wayne at a glance
| Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 273,203 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.3% (growing) |
| County | Allen County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 2nd |
| Share of Indiana’s population | 3.9% |
| Nearest larger city | Indianapolis (about 105 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 8 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Allen County | 10 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 21 (about 118,175 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
There is no separate Fort Wayne payday law: Indiana rules apply here, and any lender serving Fort Wayne residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Fort Wayne
These credit unions have their main office in Fort Wayne, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Three Rivers Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Power One Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Midwest America Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Fort Financial Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Partners 1st Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Profed Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Summit Choice Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Urban Beginnings Choice 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 Fort Wayne
| Rule | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $605, and no more than 20% of your gross monthly income |
| Maximum fee | 15% of the first $250, 13% of $251–$400, 10% of $401–$605 |
| Minimum term | 14 days |
| Loans at once | Two, tracked in a statewide database |
What a $300 loan costs in Fort Wayne
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 372% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Allen County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Fort Wayne residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Allen County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Fort Wayne
- New Haven · 7 mi
- Huntertown · 9 mi
- Leo-Cedarville · 11 mi
- Grabill · 12 mi
- Churubusco · 13 mi
- Zanesville · 14 mi
The nearest larger city is Indianapolis, about 105 miles away. See all 482 Indiana 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 Fort Wayne?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Fort Wayne under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Fort Wayne?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Fort Wayne?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Fort Wayne, including Three Rivers Federal Credit Union and Power One 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)
- Indiana DFI — Small loan law borrower rights
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary