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Payday loans by state

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

With about 477 residents (2024 Census estimate), Dow has lost residents since 2020. If you are thinking about a payday loan here, these are the Iowa rules that apply, what it costs and the local alternatives.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Dow 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 51 miles away.

Dow at a glance

Dow
Population (2024 Census estimate)477
Change since 2020-1.9% (shrinking)
CountyCrawford County
Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover450th
Nearest larger cityCouncil Bluffs (about 51 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Other towns within 25 miles18 (about 24,464 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)247%

Payday lending in Dow follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Dow, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.

Credit unions near Dow

NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Dow 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 Dow

The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Dow: 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 Dow

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

  • Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Crawford 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 Dow

The nearest larger city is Council Bluffs, about 51 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 Dow?

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

How much does a payday loan cost in Dow?

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 Dow?

NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Dow 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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