- Payday loans in Dayton 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 Ames, about 28 miles away.
Dayton at a glance
| Dayton | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 766 |
| Change since 2020 | -1% (shrinking) |
| County | Webster County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 340th |
| Nearest larger city | Ames (about 28 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Webster County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 20 (about 59,992 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
There is no separate Dayton payday law: Iowa rules apply here, and any lender serving Dayton residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Dayton
No credit union has its main office in Dayton, but these are based elsewhere in Webster County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Fort Dodge Family Credit Union in Fort Dodge (state charter)
- Citizens Community Credit Union in Fort Dodge (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 Dayton
In short, Iowa rules that cover Dayton 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 Dayton
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 Webster County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Dayton residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Webster 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 Dayton
The nearest larger city is Ames, about 28 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 Dayton?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Dayton under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Dayton?
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 Dayton?
No credit union is headquartered in Dayton, but Fort Dodge Family Credit Union is based in Fort Dodge, also in Webster County.
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