- Payday loans in Prairie 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 Des Moines, about 19 miles away.
Prairie at a glance
| Prairie | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,722 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.4% (growing) |
| County | Jasper County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 184th |
| Nearest larger city | Des Moines (about 19 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Jasper County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 30 (about 426,924 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Prairie follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Prairie, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Prairie
No credit union has its main office in Prairie, but these are based elsewhere in Jasper County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Advantage Credit Union in Newton (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 Prairie
The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Prairie: 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 Prairie
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 Jasper County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Jasper 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 Prairie
The nearest larger city is Des Moines, about 19 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 Prairie?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Prairie under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Prairie?
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 Prairie?
No credit union is headquartered in Prairie, but Advantage Credit Union is based in Newton, also in Jasper 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