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Payday loans by state

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

With about 788 residents (2024 Census estimate), Eldon has held steady 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 Eldon 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 Ottumwa, about 13 miles away.

Eldon at a glance

Eldon
Population (2024 Census estimate)788
Change since 2020+0.4% (holding steady)
CountyWapello County
Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover332nd
Nearest larger cityOttumwa (about 13 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Credit unions headquartered in Wapello County3
Other towns within 25 miles16 (about 44,008 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)247%

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

Credit unions near Eldon

No credit union has its main office in Eldon, but these are based elsewhere in Wapello County (NCUA, June 2026):

  • Meridian Credit Union in Ottumwa (state charter)
  • River Community Credit Union in Ottumwa (state charter)
  • Community 1st Credit Union in Ottumwa (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 Eldon

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

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 Wapello County before you borrow

  • Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Wapello 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 Eldon

The nearest larger city is Ottumwa, about 13 miles away. See all 609 Iowa cities.

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Frequently asked questions

Are payday loans legal in Eldon?

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

How much does a payday loan cost in Eldon?

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 Eldon?

No credit union is headquartered in Eldon, but Meridian Credit Union is based in Ottumwa, also in Wapello County.

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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