- Payday loans in Fargo follow North Dakota law (N.D. Century Code chapter 13-08).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $60 (20% fee) plus a database fee.
- 6 credit unions are headquartered in Fargo; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Fargo at a glance
| Fargo | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 136,285 |
| Change since 2020 | +8.2% (growing fast) |
| County | Cass County |
| Size rank among 137 North Dakota places we cover | 1st |
| Share of North Dakota’s population | 17.1% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 6, 5 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Cass County | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 12 (about 55,705 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 521% |
Payday lending in Fargo follows North Dakota state law. Lenders that serve Fargo, in a store or online, must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Fargo
These credit unions have their main office in Fargo, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Fargo Public Schools Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Fargo Va Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Postal Family Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- F.F.E. Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Cce Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- United Savings 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Fargo
| Rule | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $500 |
| Maximum fee | 20% of the amount advanced, plus a database fee |
| Loan term | Up to 60 days including one renewal |
What a $300 loan costs in Fargo
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in North Dakota at 521% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $60 (20% fee) plus a database fee. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Cass County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Cass 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 Fargo
See all 137 North Dakota 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 Fargo?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Fargo under North Dakota state law, and lenders must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Fargo?
At North Dakota’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $60 (20% fee) plus a database fee. The typical statewide APR was 521% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Fargo?
Yes. NCUA data lists 6 credit unions with a main office in Fargo, including Fargo Public Schools Federal Credit Union and Fargo Va Federal 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)
- N.D.C.C. chapter 13-08
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary