- Payday loans in Ottawa 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 Gardner, about 23 miles away.
Ottawa at a glance
| Ottawa | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 12,733 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.8% (holding steady) |
| County | Franklin County |
| Size rank among 367 Kansas places we cover | 28th |
| Nearest larger city | Gardner (about 23 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 19 (about 157,017 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Ottawa follows Kansas state law. Lenders that serve Ottawa, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
Credit unions near Ottawa
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Ottawa or Franklin 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Ottawa
The main Kansas rules for a payday loan in Ottawa: 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 Ottawa
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 Franklin County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Franklin 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 Ottawa
The nearest larger city is Gardner, about 23 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 Ottawa?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Ottawa 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Ottawa 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