- Payday loans in Chelan 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 Wenatchee, about 32 miles away.
Chelan at a glance
| Chelan | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 4,462 |
| Change since 2020 | +5.4% (growing fast) |
| County | Chelan County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 129th |
| Nearest larger city | Wenatchee (about 32 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 6 (about 8,026 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Chelan follows Washington state law. Lenders that serve Chelan, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Chelan
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Chelan or Chelan County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Chelan
The main Washington rules for a payday loan in Chelan: 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 Chelan
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 Chelan County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Chelan 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 Chelan
The nearest larger city is Wenatchee, about 32 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 Chelan?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Chelan under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Chelan?
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 Chelan?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Chelan or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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