- Payday loans in Council Bluffs follow Iowa law (Iowa delayed deposit services law (Iowa Code ch. 533D)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $35 on a $300 check.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Council Bluffs; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Council Bluffs at a glance
| Council Bluffs | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 62,665 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.2% (holding steady) |
| County | Pottawattamie County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 10th |
| Share of Iowa’s population | 1.9% |
| Nearest larger city | Sioux (about 91 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Pottawattamie County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 12 (about 19,454 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Council Bluffs follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Council Bluffs, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions in Council Bluffs
These credit unions have their main office in Council Bluffs, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- North Western Employees Credit Union (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Council Bluffs
The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Council Bluffs: 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 Council Bluffs
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 Pottawattamie County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Pottawattamie County.
- Ask a federal credit union about a PAL: $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR (how PALs work).
- Check your bank app for a small-dollar loan or early pay (bank options).
- Try a cash advance app if you have direct deposit (apps compared).
Towns near Council Bluffs
The nearest larger city is Sioux, about 91 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 Council Bluffs?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Council Bluffs under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Council Bluffs?
At Iowa’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $35 on a $300 check. The typical statewide APR was 247% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Council Bluffs?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Council Bluffs, including North Western Employees Credit Union.
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