Payday Loans in Louisiana

Steps

1. Submit one request through LendUp or contact a licensed lender directly.
2. Pick your loan amount (up to $350) and confirm the repayment date aligns with your next payday.
3. Review the lender's offer and disclosures - check the total cost (finance charge), due date, and how repayment is taken.
4. Accept only if you can repay in full on the due date without triggering overdraft fees.

What to expect

• Bad credit: Many payday lenders do not rely solely on a traditional credit check; income and bank account history matter more.
• Credit check: Some lenders run a soft or alternative credit check. Ask before you apply if this matters to you.
• Louisiana gate: You must fully pay off any existing payday loan before the same licensed Louisiana lender can issue you a new one. You may have loans with different lenders, but this is not advisable.
• Timing: Funding time depends on the lender and your bank; same-day funding is not guaranteed.
• Military: Federal law caps the cost of payday loans to active-duty servicemembers and their dependents at 36% APR - confirm your status with the lender.

Before you share your Social Security number or bank info, confirm the lender holds an active Louisiana license.

Louisiana OFI - Active Payday Licensees list

1. Open the Active Payday Licensees page. The page displays a list of all currently licensed payday lenders in Louisiana.
2. Look for the lender's legal business name in the list. Use the company's registered name, not just its website or trade name.
3. Confirm the lender appears in the results and that its status shows as active.
4. Match the address or phone number in the list to what the lender provided you - especially if you applied online.
5. If the lender is not on the list, do not proceed. Loans made by unlicensed lenders may not be legally collectible under Louisiana law.

To file a complaint, contact the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions - Non-Depository Complaints.

You can use LendUp to compare options from providers, then verify the one you choose before you apply.

Your rights in Louisiana

• You have the right to make partial payments of $50 or more before the due date, and the lender must apply them to your balance.
• Rollovers are not permitted. However, if you pay the fees and repay at least 25% of the amount borrowed, you may refinance the remaining balance - additional fees will apply based on the remaining amount.
• If you cannot repay when due, you may elect once in any 12-month period to repay the amount owed in installments (a repayment plan) - ask your lender before the due date.
• A loan made by a lender without a valid Louisiana license may not be legally enforceable or collectible against you - confirm the license before signing.

Walk away if

• An upfront fee is required before you can receive the loan funds.
• The due date, total cost, or payment method is missing from the written agreement.
• The lender cannot confirm its licensed name and Louisiana license status.
• You are pressured to sign before you can read the full agreement and disclosures.
• The lender demands payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.

For cost details, see Louisiana rates & fees. If a payday loan isn't the right fit, explore Louisiana alternatives. For red flags and scam warnings, read scams and safety.