North Dakota Payday Loans

Updated November 2026 · By Payday Loans Reviews Editorial Team · Not a lender

Payday loans are legal in North Dakota, but only through licensed lenders operating under the North Dakota Deferred Presentment Act. The state keeps a tight lid on borrowing costs: you cannot take out more than $500 at once, and the lender's fee is capped at 20% of whatever amount you borrow.

That 20% fee translates to a maximum charge of $100 on a $500 loan. Terms can stretch up to 60 days, which is longer than many other states allow. The only worked example provided by regulators is a $500 loan for 14 days: a $100 fee, $600 total repayment, and an APR of 521%.

North Dakota short-term loan laws

Max loan amount: $500
Min loan term: N/A
Max loan term: 60 days
Finance charge cap: 20% of amount advanced
Max absolute fee: $100
Typical APR: ~521%
Rollovers (extensions): 1 allowed
Simultaneous loans: N/A
Right to rescind: Next business day
Governing law: North Dakota Deferred Presentment Act
Regulator: ND Dept of Fin. Inst.

North Dakota in context

Population rank: 47th; of 50 states
Median household income rank: 28th; of 50 states
Households earning under $25,000: 14.6%; ▼ 0.3 pts vs US
Median home value: $251,141; ▼ 35% vs US
Home value to income: 3.2×
A $400 emergency expense: 1.9 days; of median household income

Payday lending in North Dakota cities

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Getting short-term cash in North Dakota

A sudden expense can strain any budget. We run a secure platform that matches you with lenders holding the right licenses for North Dakota.

Submit the online application in minutes, hear back fast and, upon lender approval, have money deposited by the next business day.

Why borrowers in North Dakota use us

Quick online application In about five minutes, you can complete the simple form from any location at any hour.
Fast decision Your application is evaluated instantly by lenders who hold active licenses in North Dakota.
All credit types considered A damaged credit history does not mean an automatic denial.
Transparent terms Fees and agreements must meet standards set by the North Dakota Deferred Presentment Act.

North Dakota disclosure: Short-term cash advances and payday loans are intended for temporary use, not as enduring fixes for money problems. North Dakota law (North Dakota Deferred Presentment Act) governs what lenders may charge, how long you have to repay and the largest amount you can receive. Please borrow thoughtfully and examine all terms before committing.

How a North Dakota Payday Loan Works

You start by showing the lender proof of income, a bank account, and a valid ID—no credit check required. The lender holds your post-dated check or electronic withdrawal authorization for the full repayment amount. Under state law, you may borrow up to $500, and the fee cannot exceed 20% of the advance. The example on the books is a $500, 14-day loan with a $100 fee and $600 due.

If you cannot repay on time, North Dakota allows one rollover. The exact fee rules for that rollover are not specified in the brief, so ask your lender what you would owe before you agree to extend. The maximum term is 60 days, giving you more breathing room than the typical two-week payday loan. The typical APR is about 521%, though your actual rate depends on your loan amount and term.

Before you sign, the Truth in Lending Act requires the lender to show you the APR and total finance charge in writing. Active-duty service members and their families have extra protection: the Military Lending Act caps all charges at a 36% APR. If you're considering borrowing, first check whether a credit union near you offers a Payday Alternative Loan—those cap APR at 28% and stretch repayment over 1 to 12 months.

What a payday loan costs in North Dakota

Fee on a $500 loan: $100
Share of a two-week household paycheck: 3.4%
Hours of work at the local median wage: 4.8 hours
Total fees if rolled over 1×: $200

Example based on the North Dakota maximum fee for the maximum loan and local median incomes: two-week paycheck = household income ÷ 26, hourly wage = individual income ÷ 2,080. Actual terms vary by lender.

$500 payday loan vs options in North Dakota

Option	Term	Cost	Details
Payday loan	2 weeks	$100 fee	520% APR
Credit card cash advance	30 days	$37.33 (typical)	5% fee + 30% APR
Credit union PAL	6 months	$62 total	$90.27/mo at 28% APR, $20 fee
Installment loan at state max	6 months	$54 total	$92.30/mo at 36% APR

Calculated from state rules in our database; card terms are typical, not a quote.

Top North Dakota cities for payday storefronts

City	Residents	Loan offices	Per 100,000 residents
Bismarck	95,811	1	1.0

Cities with 20,000+ residents; counts from our directory.

North Dakota at a glance

North Dakota at a glance
Metric	North Dakota	United States
Population	778,556	332.3M
Median household income	$77,573	$85,275
Median rent	$922/mo	$1,432/mo
Income spent on rent	23.9%	31.6%
Homeownership	63.4%	65.4%
Poverty rate	10.9%	12.6%
Unemployment rate	2.9%	5.3%
Without health insurance	6.7%	8.6%
Veterans	7.5%	6.5%

Max fee on a $500 loan vs. median monthly household income: $100 = 1.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, by ZIP code. City and state figures are population-weighted averages of ZIP code data and are approximate.

Payday loan cost calculator for North Dakota

Move the sliders to see what a payday loan would cost under North Dakota rules and how it compares with local incomes.

Loan amount $500

North Dakota maximum: $500

Fee per $100 borrowed $20

North Dakota maximum: $20

Loan term 14 days

Times rolled over 0

Fee: $100
Total to repay: $600
APR: 521%
Total fees with rollovers: $100
Share of a two-week household paycheck in North Dakota: 3.4%

Estimate only. APR = fee ÷ amount × 365 ÷ term. Lenders may charge less than the state maximum; actual terms vary.

North Dakota payday loan answers

What loan amounts are available to me in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, eligible borrowers can typically qualify for loans from $100 up to $500. The final approved amount depends on your regular monthly income, your ability to repay and North Dakota regulations.

What conditions must be in place for me to apply?

Here is what you need to meet to request a loan in North Dakota:

Be 18 or older, which marks the legal age of majority
Hold a current government photo ID and demonstrate North Dakota residency
Keep a checking account that stays active and belongs to you
Prove you receive a steady income that can be verified

Are past credit trouble and bankruptcy barriers to getting approved?

There is a chance. Numerous lenders we work with look past earlier credit trouble and zero in on your existing income and ability to repay. No one is assured approval.

When does the money typically post to my account?

Upon approval and your e-signature, the money is often sent to your checking account same-day or by the next business day. Timing differs based on the specific lender and your bank.

When is repayment due and how do I make it?

Loan terms follow state statute: borrowers have up to 60 days to repay. When the due date hits—commonly your next payday—the lender automatically pulls the full amount you borrowed plus any fees straight from your checking account.