- Payday loans in Dayton 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 Walla Walla, about 24 miles away.
Dayton at a glance
| Dayton | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 2,471 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.9% (holding steady) |
| County | Columbia County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 157th |
| Nearest larger city | Walla Walla (about 24 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 4 (about 36,909 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Dayton follows Washington state law. Lenders that serve Dayton, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Dayton
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Dayton or Columbia 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 Dayton
The main Washington rules for a payday loan in Dayton: 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 Dayton
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 Columbia County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Columbia 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 Dayton
- Waitsburg · 9 mi
- Prescott · 16 mi
- Pomeroy · 21 mi
- Walla Walla · 24 mi
- College Place · 28 mi
- LaCrosse · 33 mi
The nearest larger city is Walla Walla, about 24 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 Dayton?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Dayton under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Dayton?
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 Dayton?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Dayton 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