- Payday loans in Tacoma 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 Tacoma; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Tacoma at a glance
| Tacoma | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 228,202 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.8% (growing) |
| County | Pierce County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 3rd |
| Share of Washington’s population | 2.9% |
| Nearest larger city | Seattle (about 26 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Pierce County | 8 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 40 (about 1,090,005 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Seattle or online from Tacoma, the lender must hold a Washington license from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Tacoma
These credit unions have their main office in Tacoma, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Spark Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Sound Credit Union (state charter)
- Harborstone Credit Union (state charter)
- Tacoma Longshoremen 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 Tacoma
| 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 Tacoma
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 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
The nearest larger city is Seattle, about 26 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 Tacoma?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Tacoma under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Tacoma?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Tacoma?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Tacoma, including Spark Federal Credit Union and Sound 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