- Payday loans in Lawrence follow Kansas law (Kansas Consumer Credit Code, K.S.A. 16a-2-404).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- The nearest larger city is Topeka, about 24 miles away.
Lawrence at a glance
| Lawrence | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 97,271 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.5% (growing) |
| County | Douglas County |
| Size rank among 367 Kansas places we cover | 6th |
| Share of Kansas’s population | 3.3% |
| Nearest larger city | Topeka (about 24 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 22 (about 423,721 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Topeka or online from Lawrence, the lender must hold a Kansas license from the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Lawrence
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Lawrence or Douglas 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 Lawrence
Key Kansas limits that apply to Lawrence borrowers: maximum loan: $500; maximum fee: 15% of the amount advanced; loan term: 7 to 30 days. See the full Kansas payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Lawrence
At Kansas’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 391% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Douglas County before you borrow
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Lawrence that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near Lawrence
The nearest larger city is Topeka, about 24 miles away. See all 367 Kansas 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 Lawrence?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Lawrence under Kansas state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
How much does a payday loan cost in Lawrence?
At Kansas’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Lawrence?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Lawrence 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)
- K.S.A. 16a-2-404
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary