- Payday loans in Lynden 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 14 miles away.
Lynden at a glance
| Lynden | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 16,783 |
| Change since 2020 | +6.2% (growing fast) |
| County | Whatcom County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 66th |
| Nearest larger city | Bellingham (about 14 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Whatcom County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 6 (about 125,464 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Lynden follows Washington state law. Lenders that serve Lynden, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Lynden
No credit union has its main office in Lynden, 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 Lynden
The main Washington rules for a payday loan in Lynden: 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 Lynden
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
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Whatcom 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 Lynden
The nearest larger city is Bellingham, about 14 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 Lynden?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Lynden under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Lynden?
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 Lynden?
No credit union is headquartered in Lynden, 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