- Payday loans in Badger follow Iowa law (Iowa delayed deposit services law (Iowa Code ch. 533D)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $35 on a $300 check.
- The nearest larger city is Ames, about 49 miles away.
Badger at a glance
| Badger | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 540 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.5% (growing) |
| County | Webster County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 423rd |
| Nearest larger city | Ames (about 49 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Webster County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 19 (about 52,004 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
There is no separate Badger payday law: Iowa rules apply here, and any lender serving Badger residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Badger
No credit union has its main office in Badger, but these are based elsewhere in Webster County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Fort Dodge Family Credit Union in Fort Dodge (state charter)
- Citizens Community Credit Union in Fort Dodge (state charter)
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 Badger
In short, Iowa rules that cover Badger include: maximum: checks totaling $500 or less, including fees; maximum fee: $15 on the first $100, $10 on each additional $100; loan term: up to 31 days. See the full Iowa payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Badger
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Iowa at 247% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $35 on a $300 check. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Webster County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Badger residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Webster 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 Badger
The nearest larger city is Ames, about 49 miles away. See all 609 Iowa 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 Badger?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Badger under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Badger?
At Iowa’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $35 on a $300 check. The typical statewide APR was 247% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Badger?
No credit union is headquartered in Badger, but Fort Dodge Family Credit Union is based in Fort Dodge, also in Webster County.
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)
- Iowa Division of Banking — Delayed deposit services history
- Iowa Administrative Code ch. 17 — Delayed deposit services
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary