- Payday loans in Lincoln 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.
- The nearest larger city is Bismarck, about 5 miles away.
Lincoln at a glance
| Lincoln | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 4,502 |
| Change since 2020 | +5.4% (growing fast) |
| County | Burleigh County |
| Size rank among 137 North Dakota places we cover | 15th |
| Share of North Dakota’s population | 0.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Bismarck (about 5 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Burleigh County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 2 (about 102,560 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 521% |
Payday lending in Lincoln follows North Dakota state law. Lenders that serve Lincoln, in a store or online, must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Lincoln
No credit union has its main office in Lincoln, but these are based elsewhere in Burleigh County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Capital Credit Union in Bismarck (state charter)
- Vue Community Credit Union in Bismarck (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Lincoln
The main North Dakota rules for a payday loan in Lincoln: maximum loan: $500; maximum fee: 20% of the amount advanced, plus a database fee; loan term: up to 60 days including one renewal. See the full North Dakota payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Lincoln
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 Burleigh County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Burleigh 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 Lincoln
The nearest larger city is Bismarck, about 5 miles away. 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 Lincoln?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Lincoln 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 Lincoln?
At North Dakota’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $60 (20% fee) plus a database fee. The typical statewide APR was 521% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Lincoln?
No credit union is headquartered in Lincoln, but Capital Credit Union is based in Bismarck, also in Burleigh County.
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