- Payday loans in Vancouver 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 Vancouver; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Vancouver at a glance
| Vancouver | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 198,992 |
| Change since 2020 | +4% (growing) |
| County | Clark County |
| Size rank among 262 Washington places we cover | 4th |
| Share of Washington’s population | 2.5% |
| Nearest larger city | Tacoma (about 112 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 2 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Clark County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 7 (about 95,971 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Vancouver follows Washington state law. Lenders that serve Vancouver, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Vancouver
These credit unions have their main office in Vancouver, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Longshoremen'S Local 4 Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- People'S Community Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Iq Credit Union (state charter)
- Columbia Community 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 Vancouver
| 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 Vancouver
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 Clark County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Clark 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 Vancouver
The nearest larger city is Tacoma, about 112 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 Vancouver?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Vancouver under Washington state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Vancouver?
At Washington’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Vancouver?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Vancouver, including Longshoremen'S Local 4 Federal Credit Union and People'S Community Federal 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