- Payday loans in Ely 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 Cedar Rapids, about 8 miles away.
Ely at a glance
| Ely | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 2,371 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.2% (growing) |
| County | Linn County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 147th |
| Nearest larger city | Cedar Rapids (about 8 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Linn County | 7 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 35 (about 365,464 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Ely follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Ely, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Ely
No credit union has its main office in Ely, but these are based elsewhere in Linn County (NCUA, June 2026):
- First Federal Credit Union in Hiawatha (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Metco Credit Union in Cedar Rapids (state charter)
- Collins Community Credit Union in Cedar Rapids (state charter)
- Corda Credit Union in Cedar Rapids (state charter)
- Quaker Oats Credit Union in Cedar Rapids (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 Ely
The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Ely: 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 Ely
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 Linn County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Linn 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 Ely
The nearest larger city is Cedar Rapids, about 8 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 Ely?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Ely under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Ely?
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 Ely?
No credit union is headquartered in Ely, but First Federal Credit Union is based in Hiawatha, also in Linn 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