- Payday loans in Onalaska follow Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 138.14).
- Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Onalaska; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Onalaska at a glance
| Onalaska | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 19,898 |
| Change since 2020 | +5.5% (growing fast) |
| County | La Crosse County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 43rd |
| Nearest larger city | La Crosse (about 5 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in La Crosse County | 5 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 14 (about 90,324 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
Payday lending in Onalaska follows Wisconsin state law. Lenders that serve Onalaska, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Onalaska
These credit unions have their main office in Onalaska, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Altra Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Firefighters 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 Onalaska
The main Wisconsin rules for a payday loan in Onalaska: 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 Onalaska
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 La Crosse County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in La Crosse 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 Onalaska
The nearest larger city is La Crosse, about 5 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 Onalaska?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Onalaska under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Onalaska?
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 Onalaska?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Onalaska, including Altra Federal Credit Union and Firefighters Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
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