- Payday loans in Tomahawk 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 36 miles away.
Tomahawk at a glance
| Tomahawk | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 3,390 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.4% (shrinking) |
| County | Lincoln County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 197th |
| Nearest larger city | Wausau (about 36 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Lincoln County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 2 (about 17,731 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
There is no separate Tomahawk payday law: Wisconsin rules apply here, and any lender serving Tomahawk residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Tomahawk
No credit union has its main office in Tomahawk, but these are based elsewhere in Lincoln County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Park City Credit Union in Merrill (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 Tomahawk
In short, Wisconsin rules that cover Tomahawk 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 Tomahawk
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 Lincoln County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Tomahawk residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Lincoln 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 Tomahawk
The nearest larger city is Wausau, about 36 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 Tomahawk?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Tomahawk under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Tomahawk?
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 Tomahawk?
No credit union is headquartered in Tomahawk, but Park City Credit Union is based in Merrill, also in Lincoln 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