- Payday loans in Madison follow Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 138.14).
- Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- 6 credit unions are headquartered in Madison; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Madison at a glance
| Madison | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 285,300 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.8% (growing) |
| County | Dane County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 2nd |
| Share of Wisconsin’s population | 4.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Milwaukee (about 74 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 6 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Dane County | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 36 (about 265,683 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
Payday lending in Madison follows Wisconsin state law. Lenders that serve Madison, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Madison
These credit unions have their main office in Madison, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Madison Credit Union (state charter)
- University of Wisconsin Credit Union (state charter)
- Madison Fire Department Credit Union (state charter)
- Wea Credit Union (state charter)
- Heartland Credit Union (state charter)
- Summit 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
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
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 Madison
| Rule | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Fee cap | None on the initial term |
What a $300 loan costs in Madison
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 Dane County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Dane 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 Madison
- Shorewood Hills · 1 mi
- Maple Bluff · 4 mi
- Middleton · 4 mi
- Monona · 5 mi
- Waunakee · 7 mi
- Fitchburg · 7 mi
The nearest larger city is Milwaukee, about 74 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 Madison?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Madison under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Madison?
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 Madison?
Yes. NCUA data lists 6 credit unions with a main office in Madison, including Madison Credit Union and University of Wisconsin 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