- Payday loans in Des Moines follow Iowa law (Iowa delayed deposit services law (Iowa Code ch. 533D)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $35 on a $300 check.
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Des Moines; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Des Moines at a glance
| Des Moines | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 213,096 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.3% (holding steady) |
| Counties | Polk County and Warren County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Iowa’s population | 6.6% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+ |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 12 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 39 (about 424,647 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Des Moines follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Des Moines, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions in Des Moines
These credit unions have their main office in Des Moines, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Affinity Credit Union (state charter)
- Capitol View Credit Union (state charter)
- Premier Credit Union (state charter)
- Journey Credit Union (state charter)
- Des Moines Metro Credit Union (state charter)
- Des Moines Fire Department Credit Union (state charter)
- Polk County Credit Union (state charter)
- Serve 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Des Moines
| Rule | Iowa |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Checks at once | Up to two per lender |
What a $300 loan costs in Des Moines
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 Polk County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Polk 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 Des Moines
- Pleasant Hill · 6 mi
- Windsor Heights · 6 mi
- Carlisle · 7 mi
- Norwalk · 8 mi
- Altoona · 9 mi
- West Des Moines · 9 mi
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 Des Moines?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Des Moines under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Des Moines?
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 Des Moines?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Des Moines, including Affinity Credit Union and Capitol View 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