- Payday loans in Leon 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 West Des Moines, about 56 miles away.
Leon at a glance
| Leon | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,779 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.7% (shrinking) |
| County | Decatur County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 182nd |
| Nearest larger city | West Des Moines (about 56 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 6 (about 10,733 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Leon follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Leon, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Leon
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Leon or Decatur 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 Leon
The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Leon: 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 Leon
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 Decatur County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Decatur 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 Leon
The nearest larger city is West Des Moines, about 56 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 Leon?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Leon under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Leon?
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 Leon?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Leon or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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