- Payday loans in Buffalo Center 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 Mason, about 41 miles away.
Buffalo Center at a glance
| Buffalo Center | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 839 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.6% (shrinking) |
| County | Winnebago County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 324th |
| Nearest larger city | Mason (about 41 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 10 (about 11,515 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
There is no separate Buffalo Center payday law: Iowa rules apply here, and any lender serving Buffalo Center residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Buffalo Center
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Buffalo Center or Winnebago 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 Buffalo Center
In short, Iowa rules that cover Buffalo Center 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 Buffalo Center
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 Winnebago County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Buffalo Center residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Winnebago 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 Buffalo Center
The nearest larger city is Mason, about 41 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 Buffalo Center?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Buffalo Center under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Buffalo Center?
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 Buffalo Center?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Buffalo Center 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