- Payday loans in Ruston 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 Tacoma, about 4 miles away.
Ruston at a glance
| Ruston | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,048 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.7% (holding steady) |
| County | Pierce County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 203rd |
| Nearest larger city | Tacoma (about 4 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Pierce County | 8 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 39 (about 2,096,972 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Ruston payday law: Washington rules apply here, and any lender serving Ruston residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Ruston
No credit union has its main office in Ruston, but these are based elsewhere in Pierce County (NCUA, June 2026):
- America'S Credit Union, A in Dupont (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Spark Federal Credit Union in Tacoma (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Sound Credit Union in Tacoma (state charter)
- Harborstone Credit Union in Tacoma (state charter)
- Tacoma Longshoremen Credit Union in Tacoma (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 Ruston
In short, Washington rules that cover Ruston 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 Ruston
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
Before a payday loan, Ruston residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Pierce 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 Ruston
The nearest larger city is Tacoma, about 4 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 Ruston?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Ruston under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Ruston?
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 Ruston?
No credit union is headquartered in Ruston, but America'S Credit Union, A is based in Dupont, also in Pierce 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