- Payday loans in Colby 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 Wausau, about 33 miles away.
Colby at a glance
| Colby | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,959 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.8% (shrinking) |
| Counties | Clark County and Marathon County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 266th |
| Nearest larger city | Wausau (about 33 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 8 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 20 (about 42,907 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
There is no separate Colby payday law: Wisconsin rules apply here, and any lender serving Colby residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Colby
No credit union has its main office in Colby, but these are based elsewhere in Clark County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Valley Communities Credit Union in Mosinee (state charter)
- Public Service Credit Union in Wausau (state charter)
- Marathon County Employees Credit Union in Wausau (state charter)
- Connexus Credit Union in Wausau (state charter)
- Cloverbelt Credit Union in Wausau (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Colby
In short, Wisconsin rules that cover Colby 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 Colby
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 Clark County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Colby residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Clark 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 Colby
The nearest larger city is Wausau, about 33 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 Colby?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Colby under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Colby?
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 Colby?
No credit union is headquartered in Colby, but Valley Communities Credit Union is based in Mosinee, also in Clark County.
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