- Payday loans in Kent 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 Kent; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Kent at a glance
| Kent | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 136,588 |
| Change since 2020 | 0% (holding steady) |
| County | King County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 6th |
| Share of Washington’s population | 1.7% |
| Nearest larger city | Bellevue (about 15 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in King County | 11 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 50 (about 2,331,786 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Kent payday law: Washington rules apply here, and any lender serving Kent residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Kent
These credit unions have their main office in Kent, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Cascade 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Kent
| Rule | Washington |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Payment plan | You can ask for an installment plan with no extra fees |
What a $300 loan costs in Kent
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 King County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Kent residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering King 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 Kent
The nearest larger city is Bellevue, about 15 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 Kent?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Kent under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Kent?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Kent?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Kent, including Cascade 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