- Payday loans in Portland follow Oregon law (ORS chapter 725A).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs About $39 on a 31-day loan ($30 origination fee plus 36% interest).
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Portland; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Portland at a glance
| Portland | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 635,749 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.7% (shrinking) |
| Counties | Clackamas County, Multnomah County and Washington County |
| Size rank among 211 Oregon places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Oregon’s population | 14.9% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 8 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 22 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 34 (about 798,306 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 140% |
There is no separate Portland payday law: Oregon rules apply here, and any lender serving Portland residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions in Portland
These credit unions have their main office in Portland, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Trailhead Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Pacific N W Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Consolidated Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Ibew & United Workers Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Castparts Employees Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Sunset Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Ironworkers Usa Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Northwest Adventist Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
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 Portland
| Rule | Oregon |
|---|---|
| Minimum term | 31 days |
| Interest | 36% a year |
| Origination fee | $10 per $100, up to $30 on a new loan |
| Rollovers | Restricted |
What a $300 loan costs in Portland
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Oregon at 140% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect About $39 on a 31-day loan ($30 origination fee plus 36% interest). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Clackamas County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Portland residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Clackamas County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Portland
- Maywood Park · 4 mi
- Milwaukie · 7 mi
- Lake Oswego · 9 mi
- Beaverton · 9 mi
- Johnson · 10 mi
- Happy Valley · 10 mi
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 Portland?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Portland under Oregon state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Portland?
At Oregon’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs About $39 on a 31-day loan ($30 origination fee plus 36% interest). The typical statewide APR was 140% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Portland?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Portland, including Trailhead Federal Credit Union and Pacific N W 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)
- Oregon DFR — Payday loans
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary