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Payday loans by state

Payday Loans in Auburn, WA: Rules, Costs and Local Options

With about 85,513 residents (2024 Census estimate), Auburn has lost residents since 2020. If you are thinking about a payday loan here, these are the Washington rules that apply, what it costs and the local alternatives.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Auburn follow Washington law (RCW 31.45 (Check Cashers and Sellers)).
  • Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
  • The nearest larger city is Kent, about 6 miles away.

Auburn at a glance

Auburn
Population (2024 Census estimate)85,513
Change since 2020-1.8% (shrinking)
CountiesKing County and Pierce County
Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover15th
Share of Washington’s population1.1%
Nearest larger cityKent (about 6 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Credit unions headquartered in these counties19
Other towns within 25 miles46 (about 2,168,971 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)391%

There is no separate Auburn payday law: Washington rules apply here, and any lender serving Auburn residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.

Credit unions near Auburn

No credit union has its main office in Auburn, but these are based elsewhere in King County (NCUA, June 2026):

  • Cascade Federal Credit Union in Kent (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
  • Alaska Air Group Federal Credit Union in Seatac (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
  • Waterfront Federal Credit Union in Seattle (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
  • Boeing Employees Credit Union in Tukwila (state charter)
  • Salal Credit Union in Seattle (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 Auburn

In short, Washington rules that cover Auburn include: maximum loan: $700 or 30% of your gross monthly income, whichever is less; maximum fee: 15% on the first $500, 10% on amounts above $500; loans per year: no more than 8 in any 12-month period. See the full Washington payday loan rules.

What a $300 loan costs in Auburn

At Washington’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 King County before you borrow

Before a payday loan, Auburn residents can usually find something cheaper:

  1. Local assistance through 211 covering King County.
  2. A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
  3. Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
  4. A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).

Towns near Auburn

The nearest larger city is Kent, about 6 miles away. See all 262 Washington cities.

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 Auburn?

Yes. Payday loans are legal in Auburn under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.

How much does a payday loan cost in Auburn?

At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.

Where is the nearest credit union to Auburn?

No credit union is headquartered in Auburn, but Cascade Federal Credit Union is based in Kent, also in King County.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
  2. U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
  3. NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
  4. Washington DFI — Payday loans
  5. Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
  6. CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary
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