- Payday loans in Appleton follow Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 138.14).
- Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- 3 credit unions are headquartered in Appleton; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Appleton at a glance
| Appleton | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 75,344 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.3% (holding steady) |
| Counties | Calumet County, Outagamie County and Winnebago County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 6th |
| Share of Wisconsin’s population | 1.3% |
| Nearest larger city | Green Bay (about 26 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 3 |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 11 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 32 (about 327,945 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Green Bay or online from Appleton, the lender must hold a Wisconsin license from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Appleton
These credit unions have their main office in Appleton, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Community First Credit Union (state charter)
- Prospera Credit Union (state charter)
- Fox Communities 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.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
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PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Payday loan rules that apply in Appleton
Key Wisconsin limits that apply to Appleton borrowers: maximum loan: $1,500 or 35% of your gross monthly income, whichever is less; loan term: 90 days or less; renewals: one renewal; 24-hour cooling-off period after repaying a renewed loan. See the full Wisconsin payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Appleton
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Wisconsin at 537% (June 2023). Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Calumet 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 Appleton 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 Appleton
- Kimberly · 3 mi
- Little Chute · 3 mi
- Combined Locks · 4 mi
- Menasha · 5 mi
- Fox Crossing · 6 mi
- Kaukauna · 6 mi
The nearest larger city is Green Bay, about 26 miles away. See all 561 Wisconsin 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 Appleton?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Appleton under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Appleton?
Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. The typical statewide APR was 537% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Appleton?
Yes. NCUA data lists 3 credit unions with a main office in Appleton, including Community First Credit Union and Prospera 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)
- Wisconsin DFI — Licensed financial services FAQ
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary