- Payday loans in Waunakee 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 Madison, about 7 miles away.
Waunakee at a glance
| Waunakee | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 16,363 |
| Change since 2020 | +9.7% (growing fast) |
| County | Dane County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 57th |
| Nearest larger city | Madison (about 7 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Dane County | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 39 (about 547,703 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Madison or online from Waunakee, the lender must hold a Wisconsin license from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Waunakee
No credit union has its main office in Waunakee, but these are based elsewhere in Dane County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Madison Credit Union in Madison (state charter)
- University of Wisconsin Credit Union in Madison (state charter)
- Madison Fire Department Credit Union in Madison (state charter)
- Wea Credit Union in Madison (state charter)
- Heartland Credit Union in Madison (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 Waunakee
Key Wisconsin limits that apply to Waunakee borrowers: 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 Waunakee
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 Dane 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 Waunakee 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 Waunakee
The nearest larger city is Madison, about 7 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 Waunakee?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Waunakee under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Waunakee?
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 Waunakee?
No credit union is headquartered in Waunakee, but Madison Credit Union is based in Madison, also in Dane 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