- Payday loans in Lakewood 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 Lakewood; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Lakewood at a glance
| Lakewood | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 62,709 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.4% (shrinking) |
| County | Pierce County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 22nd |
| Share of Washington’s population | 0.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Tacoma (about 7 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Pierce County | 8 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 36 (about 1,088,122 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Tacoma or online from Lakewood, the lender must hold a Washington license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Lakewood
These credit unions have their main office in Lakewood, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- American Lake Credit Union (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.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Payday loan rules that apply in Lakewood
Key Washington limits that apply to Lakewood 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 Lakewood
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 Pierce 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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
The nearest larger city is Tacoma, about 7 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 Lakewood?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Lakewood under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Lakewood?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Lakewood?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Lakewood, including American Lake Credit Union.
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