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Payday loans by state

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

Payday loans are legal in Denison, Iowa, a city of 8,302 people about 60 miles from Council Bluffs. Before you borrow, compare the cost with credit unions in the area.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Denison 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 Council Bluffs, about 60 miles away.

Denison at a glance

Denison
Population (2024 Census estimate)8,302
Change since 2020-0.7% (holding steady)
CountyCrawford County
Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover49th
Nearest larger cityCouncil Bluffs (about 60 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Other towns within 25 miles22 (about 14,453 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)247%

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

Credit unions near Denison

NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Denison or Crawford 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 Denison

In short, Iowa rules that cover Denison 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 Denison

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 Crawford County before you borrow

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

  1. Local assistance through 211 covering Crawford 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 Denison

The nearest larger city is Council Bluffs, about 60 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 Denison?

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

How much does a payday loan cost in Denison?

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 Denison?

NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Denison 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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