Wisconsin Payday & Small-Dollar Loan Laws
Payday loans legal
Wisconsin has no APR cap on payday loans and allows loans up to $1,500 or 35% of gross monthly income.
Wisconsin Lending Overview
Wisconsin state law permits payday lending without a statutory cap on annual percentage rates or finance charges. Borrowers can access short-term loans for amounts up to $1,500 or 35% of their gross monthly income, whichever is less. These agreements are limited to a maximum duration of 90 days. Because the state does not regulate interest rates for these products, the cost of borrowing often remains high compared to other forms of traditional credit.
Residents frequently utilize various financing options such as payday loans, installment loans, and personal loans to manage emergency expenses. While payday products offer immediate cash flow for small amounts, longer-term installment loans may provide extended repayment periods. Many individuals also seek out unsecured personal loans from banks or online lenders when they require higher borrowing limits than short-term storefront lenders typically provide.
Maximum loan amount
$1,500 or 35% of gross monthly income
Maximum loan term
90 days max
Maximum APR / finance charge
No statutory APR cap
Rollover / renewal rule
1 rollover allowed
Cooling-off period
24 hours after rollover
Governing statute
Wis. Stat. § 138.14
Who regulates lenders in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
File a complaint with the regulator above if a lender violates state law. You can also file with the CFPB.
Wisconsin loan options
Other state loan laws
Reviewed by Darnell Pierce, MBA. Last reviewed January 2026. This page is informational, not legal advice — verify current rules with the state regulator before borrowing.