- Payday loans in Waupaca 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 Stevens Point, about 27 miles away.
Waupaca at a glance
| Waupaca | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 6,231 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.5% (shrinking) |
| County | Waupaca County |
| Size rank among 561 Wisconsin places we cover | 140th |
| Nearest larger city | Stevens Point (about 27 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 21 (about 48,320 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 537% |
Payday lending in Waupaca follows Wisconsin state law. Lenders that serve Waupaca, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Waupaca
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Waupaca or Waupaca County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Waupaca
The main Wisconsin rules for a payday loan in Waupaca: 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 Waupaca
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 Waupaca County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Waupaca 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 Waupaca
The nearest larger city is Stevens Point, about 27 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 Waupaca?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Waupaca under Wisconsin state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Waupaca?
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 Waupaca?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Waupaca or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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