- Payday loans in Buffalo follow Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 138.14).
- Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- The nearest larger city is La Crosse, about 42 miles away.
Buffalo at a glance
| Buffalo | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,023 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.9% (holding steady) |
| County | Buffalo County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 370th |
| Nearest larger city | La Crosse (about 42 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 7 (about 8,306 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
There is no separate Buffalo payday law: Wisconsin rules apply here, and any lender serving Buffalo residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Buffalo
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Buffalo or Buffalo County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Buffalo
In short, Wisconsin rules that cover Buffalo include: 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 Buffalo
Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 537% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Buffalo County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Buffalo residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Buffalo 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 Buffalo
The nearest larger city is La Crosse, about 42 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 Buffalo?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Buffalo under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Buffalo?
Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. The typical statewide APR was 537% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Buffalo?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Buffalo or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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