- Payday loans in Milwaukee follow Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 138.14).
- Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- 5 credit unions are headquartered in Milwaukee; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Milwaukee at a glance
| Milwaukee | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 563,531 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.4% (shrinking) |
| Counties | Milwaukee County, Washington County and Waukesha County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Wisconsin’s population | 9.5% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 5 |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 11 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 59 (about 959,274 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront or online from Milwaukee, the lender must hold a Wisconsin license from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Milwaukee
These credit unions have their main office in Milwaukee, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Air Tech Credit Union (state charter)
- Northwestern Mutual Credit Union (state charter)
- Brewery Credit Union (state charter)
- Wisconsin Latvian, Inc. Credit Union (state charter)
- Holy Redeemer Community of Se Wis. 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Milwaukee
| 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 Milwaukee
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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
- Wauwatosa · 3 mi
- West Milwaukee · 4 mi
- Shorewood · 4 mi
- Glendale · 5 mi
- Whitefish Bay · 5 mi
- West Allis · 5 mi
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 Milwaukee?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Milwaukee under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Milwaukee?
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 Milwaukee?
Yes. NCUA data lists 5 credit unions with a main office in Milwaukee, including Air Tech Credit Union and Northwestern Mutual 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