- Payday loans in Bellingham follow Washington law (RCW 31.45 (Check Cashers and Sellers)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- 4 credit unions are headquartered in Bellingham; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Bellingham at a glance
| Bellingham | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 95,860 |
| Change since 2020 | +4.3% (growing) |
| County | Whatcom County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 12th |
| Share of Washington’s population | 1.2% |
| Nearest larger city | Everett (about 56 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Whatcom County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 12 (about 125,455 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Bellingham payday law: Washington rules apply here, and any lender serving Bellingham residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Bellingham
These credit unions have their main office in Bellingham, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Westedge Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Industrial CU of Whatcom County (state charter)
- Whatcom Educational Credit Union (state charter)
- North Coast 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 Bellingham
In short, Washington rules that cover Bellingham 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 Bellingham
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Washington at 391% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $45 (15% fee). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Whatcom County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Bellingham residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Whatcom 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 Bellingham
The nearest larger city is Everett, about 56 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.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Bellingham?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Bellingham under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Bellingham?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Bellingham?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Bellingham, including Westedge Federal Credit Union and Industrial CU of Whatcom County. 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)
- Washington DFI — 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