- Payday loans in Olympia follow Washington law (RCW 31.45 (Check Cashers and Sellers)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- 4 credit unions are headquartered in Olympia; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Olympia at a glance
| Olympia | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 56,271 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.2% (growing) |
| County | Thurston County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 24th |
| Share of Washington’s population | 0.7% |
| Nearest larger city | Lacey (about 5 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Thurston County | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 18 (about 274,144 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Olympia payday law: Washington rules apply here, and any lender serving Olympia residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Olympia
These credit unions have their main office in Olympia, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Washington State Employees Credit Union (state charter)
- Peak Credit Union (state charter)
- Wcla Credit Union (state charter)
- Olympia 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Olympia
In short, Washington rules that cover Olympia 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 Olympia
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 Thurston County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Olympia residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Thurston 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 Olympia
The nearest larger city is Lacey, about 5 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 Olympia?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Olympia under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Olympia?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Olympia?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Olympia, including Washington State Employees Credit Union and Peak 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