- Payday loans in Ephrata follow Washington law (RCW 31.45 (Check Cashers and Sellers)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Ephrata; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Ephrata at a glance
| Ephrata | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 8,718 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.7% (growing) |
| County | Grant County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 100th |
| Nearest larger city | Moses Lake (about 18 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Grant County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 5 (about 38,603 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Ephrata payday law: Washington rules apply here, and any lender serving Ephrata residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Ephrata
These credit unions have their main office in Ephrata, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Granco 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Ephrata
In short, Washington rules that cover Ephrata 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 Ephrata
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 Grant County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Ephrata residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Grant 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 Ephrata
The nearest larger city is Moses Lake, about 18 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 Ephrata?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Ephrata under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Ephrata?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Ephrata?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Ephrata, including Granco 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)
- 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