- Payday loans in Mason 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 Falls, about 58 miles away.
Mason at a glance
| Mason | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 26,948 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.2% (shrinking) |
| County | Cerro Gordo County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 18th |
| Share of Iowa’s population | 0.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Cedar Falls (about 58 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Cerro Gordo County | 5 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 21 (about 32,499 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Mason follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Mason, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Mason
No credit union has its main office in Mason, but these are based elsewhere in Cerro Gordo County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Iowa Heartland Credit Union in Mason City (state charter)
- North Iowa Community Credit Union in Mason City (state charter)
- Ace Credit Union in Mason City (state charter)
- Gas & Electric Employees Credit Union in Mason City (state charter)
- Cent Credit Union in Mason City (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Mason
The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Mason: 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 Mason
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 Cerro Gordo County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Cerro Gordo 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 Mason
The nearest larger city is Cedar Falls, about 58 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 Mason?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Mason under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Mason?
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 Mason?
No credit union is headquartered in Mason, but Iowa Heartland Credit Union is based in Mason City, also in Cerro Gordo 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