- Payday loans in Waterloo follow Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 138.14).
- Wisconsin law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Waterloo; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Waterloo at a glance
| Waterloo | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 3,611 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.3% (growing) |
| County | Jefferson County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 191st |
| Nearest larger city | Sun Prairie (about 12 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Jefferson County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 34 (about 507,523 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
Payday lending in Waterloo follows Wisconsin state law. Lenders that serve Waterloo, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Waterloo
These credit unions have their main office in Waterloo, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Avestar 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 Waterloo
The main Wisconsin rules for a payday loan in Waterloo: 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 Waterloo
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 Jefferson County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Jefferson 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 Waterloo
- Marshall · 4 mi
- Lake Mills · 8 mi
- Deerfield · 10 mi
- Columbus · 11 mi
- Reeseville · 11 mi
- Cambridge · 12 mi
The nearest larger city is Sun Prairie, about 12 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 Waterloo?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Waterloo under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Waterloo?
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 Waterloo?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Waterloo, including Avestar 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