- Payday loans in Salem 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 44 miles away.
Salem at a glance
| Salem | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 380 |
| Change since 2020 | -3.8% (shrinking) |
| County | Henry County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 503rd |
| Nearest larger city | Ottumwa (about 44 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Henry County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 20 (about 42,504 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Salem follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Salem, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Salem
No credit union has its main office in Salem, but these are based elsewhere in Henry County (NCUA, June 2026):
- 5 Star Community Credit Union in Mount Pleasant (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 Salem
The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Salem: 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 Salem
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 Henry County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Henry 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 Salem
- Mount Pleasant · 9 mi
- Stockport · 11 mi
- New London · 12 mi
- West Point · 13 mi
- Bonaparte · 14 mi
- Donnellson · 15 mi
The nearest larger city is Ottumwa, about 44 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 Salem?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Salem under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Salem?
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 Salem?
No credit union is headquartered in Salem, but 5 Star Community Credit Union is based in Mount Pleasant, also in Henry 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