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Payday loans by state

Payday Loans in Brighton, IA: Rules, Costs and Local Options

Payday loans are legal in Brighton, Iowa, a city of 592 people about 33 miles from Ottumwa. Before you borrow, compare the cost with credit unions in the area.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Brighton 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 Ottumwa, about 33 miles away.

Brighton at a glance

Brighton
Population (2024 Census estimate)592
Change since 2020-1.3% (shrinking)
CountyWashington County
Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover411th
Nearest larger cityOttumwa (about 33 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Other towns within 25 miles21 (about 40,985 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)247%

There is no separate Brighton payday law: Iowa rules apply here, and any lender serving Brighton residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Iowa Division of Banking.

Credit unions near Brighton

NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Brighton or Washington 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.

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Payday loan rules that apply in Brighton

In short, Iowa rules that cover Brighton 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 Brighton

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 Washington County before you borrow

Before a payday loan, Brighton residents can usually find something cheaper:

  1. Local assistance through 211 covering Washington County.
  2. A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
  3. Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
  4. A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).

Towns near Brighton

The nearest larger city is Ottumwa, about 33 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Are payday loans legal in Brighton?

Yes. Payday loans are legal in Brighton under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.

How much does a payday loan cost in Brighton?

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 Brighton?

NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Brighton or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
  2. U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
  3. NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
  4. Iowa Division of Banking — Delayed deposit services history
  5. Iowa Administrative Code ch. 17 — Delayed deposit services
  6. Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
  7. CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary
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