- Payday loans in Topeka follow Kansas law (Kansas Consumer Credit Code, K.S.A. 16a-2-404).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- 6 credit unions are headquartered in Topeka; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Topeka at a glance
| Topeka | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 125,467 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.8% (holding steady) |
| County | Shawnee County |
| Size rank among 367 Kansas places we cover | 5th |
| Share of Kansas’s population | 4.2% |
| Nearest larger city | Olathe (about 48 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 6, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Shawnee County | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 18 (about 114,126 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Olathe or online from Topeka, the lender must hold a Kansas license from the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Topeka
These credit unions have their main office in Topeka, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Envista Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Empower Blue Credit Union (state charter)
- Azura Credit Union (state charter)
- Topeka Firemen'S Credit Union (state charter)
- 1st Kansas Credit Union (state charter)
- Topeka Police Credit Union (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.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Payday loan rules that apply in Topeka
| Rule | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $500 |
| Maximum fee | 15% of the amount advanced |
| Loan term | 7 to 30 days |
| Limits | Statewide database; limits on back-to-back loans |
What a $300 loan costs in Topeka
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 Shawnee 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 Topeka 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 Topeka
The nearest larger city is Olathe, about 48 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 Topeka?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Topeka 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 Topeka?
At Kansas’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Topeka?
Yes. NCUA data lists 6 credit unions with a main office in Topeka, including Envista Federal Credit Union and Empower Blue Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
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