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Payday loans by state

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

Payday loans are legal in Calmar, Iowa, a city of 1,100 people about 54 miles from Waterloo. Before you borrow, compare the cost with credit unions in the area.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Calmar 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 Waterloo, about 54 miles away.

Calmar at a glance

Calmar
Population (2024 Census estimate)1,100
Change since 2020-3% (shrinking)
CountyWinneshiek County
Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover258th
Nearest larger cityWaterloo (about 54 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Other towns within 25 miles18 (about 29,949 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)247%

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

Credit unions near Calmar

NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Calmar or Winneshiek 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 Calmar

In short, Iowa rules that cover Calmar 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 Calmar

At Iowa’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $35 on a $300 check. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 247% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.

Other help in Winneshiek County before you borrow

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

  1. Local assistance through 211 covering Winneshiek 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 Calmar

The nearest larger city is Waterloo, about 54 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 Calmar?

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

How much does a payday loan cost in Calmar?

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 Calmar?

NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Calmar 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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