- Payday loans in Bedford 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 Council Bluffs, about 71 miles away.
Bedford at a glance
| Bedford | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,474 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.1% (shrinking) |
| County | Taylor County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 211th |
| Nearest larger city | Council Bluffs (about 71 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 7 (about 10,293 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
There is no separate Bedford payday law: Iowa rules apply here, and any lender serving Bedford residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Bedford
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Bedford or Taylor County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Bedford
In short, Iowa rules that cover Bedford 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 Bedford
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 Taylor County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Bedford residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Taylor 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 Bedford
The nearest larger city is Council Bluffs, about 71 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 Bedford?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Bedford under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Bedford?
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 Bedford?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Bedford or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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