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Payday Loans in Louisiana: Laws, Limits and Costs

Payday loans are legal in Louisiana and regulated by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions. Here are the rules that apply, what a loan typically costs and how to check a lender before you borrow.

By PaydayEase Editorial TeamUpdated 2 min readFact-checked against official sources

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans are legal in Louisiana under the Louisiana Deferred Presentment and Small Loan Act, as amended by Act 510 (2025).
  • The typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Louisiana was 410% (CRL, June 2023, from state regulator data).
  • Borrowing $300 at the maximum fee costs $50.25 (16.75%) plus a $10 documentation fee.

Payday loan rules in Louisiana

RuleLouisiana
Maximum loan$700 since August 1, 2025 (was $350); OFI publishes an annual adjustment
Maximum fee16.75% of the amount advanced, plus a $10 documentation fee (the old $45 cap was removed)
Loan termUp to 30 days
Credit reportingAct 510 bars licensees from reporting negative information to credit bureaus

Rules checked 2026-10-04. Laws change, so confirm current limits with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.

What a payday loan costs in Louisiana

The Center for Responsible Lending found the typical APR on a $400 single-payment payday loan in Louisiana was 410%, based on data from the state regulator (June 2023). Under the state’s fee limits, borrowing $300 costs $50.25 (16.75%) plus a $10 documentation fee. Use our cost calculator to turn any offer into an APR.

Plan the repayment

Most payday loans are due in one payment on your next payday. If repaying leaves you short again, ask about an extended payment plan and avoid renewals.

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How to check a lender in Louisiana

  1. Make sure the lender is licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions. Many lenders can also be looked up on NMLS Consumer Access.
  2. Get the APR and finance charge in writing before you sign. Federal law requires them.
  3. Be careful with online lenders that say Louisiana law does not apply to them because they are tribal or offshore.
  4. File complaints with the state regulator and the CFPB.

Cheaper options in Louisiana

  • Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Louisiana 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.

Louisiana cities

Local guides for 256 Louisiana cities and towns, with credit unions, nearby towns and the rules that apply.

All 256 Louisiana cities, A to Z

Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.

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Frequently asked questions

Are payday loans legal in Louisiana?

Yes. Payday lending is legal in Louisiana under the Louisiana Deferred Presentment and Small Loan Act, as amended by Act 510 (2025) and is regulated by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.

What is the typical payday loan APR in Louisiana?

The Center for Responsible Lending reported a typical APR of 410% on a $400 payday loan in Louisiana, using state regulator data (June 2023).

Where can I complain about a payday lender in Louisiana?

Contact the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Sources

  1. Louisiana OFI — 2025 deferred presentment and small loan legislation
  2. Louisiana OFI — Payday loans pamphlet
  3. Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
  4. NMLS Consumer Access — check a lender’s license
  5. CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary
Guides

Payday Loan Laws by State: Where Payday Loans Are Legal

Which states ban payday loans, which cap rates at 36%, and which allow them with limits. Plus how to check a lender’s license in your state.

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Payday Loan APR Explained (With a Cost Calculator)

Use our free payday loan calculator to turn a lender’s fee into an APR and total cost. Learn why a $15 fee per $100 equals about 391% APR.

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Payday Alternative Loans (PALs): The Credit Union Option

Payday alternative loans from federal credit unions cap interest at 28% APR. Learn the PAL I and PAL II rules, how to apply and how they compare with payday loans.

Read guide 2 min read
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