- Payday loans in Waukesha 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 Waukesha; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Waukesha at a glance
| Waukesha | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 71,461 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.5% (holding steady) |
| County | Waukesha County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 8th |
| Share of Wisconsin’s population | 1.2% |
| Nearest larger city | Milwaukee (about 15 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Waukesha County | 3 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 66 (about 1,387,891 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
There is no separate Waukesha payday law: Wisconsin rules apply here, and any lender serving Waukesha residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Waukesha
These credit unions have their main office in Waukesha, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- 1st Class Express 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 Waukesha
In short, Wisconsin rules that cover Waukesha 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 Waukesha
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 Waukesha County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Waukesha residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Waukesha 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 Waukesha
The nearest larger city is Milwaukee, about 15 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 Waukesha?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Waukesha under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Waukesha?
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 Waukesha?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Waukesha, including 1st Class Express 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