- Payday loans in Seattle follow Washington law (RCW 31.45 (Check Cashers and Sellers)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- 5 credit unions are headquartered in Seattle; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Seattle at a glance
| Seattle | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 780,995 |
| Change since 2020 | +5.5% (growing fast) |
| County | King County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Washington’s population | 9.8% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 5, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in King County | 11 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 47 (about 1,613,720 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Seattle payday law: Washington rules apply here, and any lender serving Seattle residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Seattle
These credit unions have their main office in Seattle, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Waterfront Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Salal Credit Union (state charter)
- Express Credit Union (state charter)
- Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union (state charter)
- Verity 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Seattle
| 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 Seattle
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 King County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Seattle 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 Seattle
- Medina · 5 mi
- Hunts Point · 6 mi
- Clyde Hill · 6 mi
- Yarrow Point · 6 mi
- Mercer Island · 7 mi
- Beaux Arts Village · 7 mi
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 Seattle?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Seattle under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Seattle?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Seattle?
Yes. NCUA data lists 5 credit unions with a main office in Seattle, including Waterfront Federal Credit Union and Salal 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