- Payday loans in Ferndale 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 Bellingham, about 9 miles away.
Ferndale at a glance
| Ferndale | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 16,706 |
| Change since 2020 | +10.3% (growing fast) |
| County | Whatcom County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 67th |
| Nearest larger city | Bellingham (about 9 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Whatcom County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 6 (about 125,541 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Bellingham or online from Ferndale, the lender must hold a Washington license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Ferndale
No credit union has its main office in Ferndale, but these are based elsewhere in Whatcom County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Westedge Federal Credit Union in Bellingham (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Industrial CU of Whatcom County in Bellingham (state charter)
- Whatcom Educational Credit Union in Bellingham (state charter)
- North Coast Credit Union in Bellingham (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Ferndale
Key Washington limits that apply to Ferndale borrowers: 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 Ferndale
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
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Ferndale that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near Ferndale
The nearest larger city is Bellingham, about 9 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 Ferndale?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Ferndale under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Ferndale?
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 Ferndale?
No credit union is headquartered in Ferndale, but Westedge Federal Credit Union is based in Bellingham, also in Whatcom County.
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