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Payday Loans in North Dakota
Payday Loan Laws in North Dakota (2026)
Yes — payday loans are legal in North Dakota as “deferred presentment” transactions. A lender can advance up to $500, and you may owe no more than $600 across all lenders. The fee is capped at 20% plus a database fee, the term runs up to 60 days with one renewal, and a statewide database plus a 3-day wait between loans curb the debt cycle.
| Status | Legal — licensed & regulated |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $500 advanced; no more than $600 owed across all lenders |
| Maximum fee | 20% of the amount advanced, plus the database fee |
| Typical APR | Often 500%+ on a two-week loan |
| Loan term | Up to 60 days, including one renewal |
| Rollovers | One renewal maximum |
| Between loans | No new loan within 3 business days of finishing one |
| Statewide database | Yes — enforces the $600 limit |
| Regulator | Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) |
| Law | N.D. Cent. Code ch. 13-08 (Deferred Presentment) |
What a payday loan costs in North Dakota
North Dakota caps the fee at 20% of the amount advanced (plus a small database fee), so a $500 loan costs about $100. On a two-week loan that's well over a 500% APR. A statewide database caps your total at $600.
| Amount borrowed | Fee (20%) | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | $20 | $120 |
| $300 | $60 | $360 |
| $500 | $100 | $600 |
Your rights as a borrower in North Dakota
- A lender can advance up to $500, but a statewide database caps your total payday debt across all lenders at $600.
- The fee is 20% of the amount advanced, plus a small database fee.
- A loan may be renewed only once, and total deferral can't exceed 60 days.
- You can't take a new payday loan within 3 business days of finishing a previous one.
Problem with a lender? File a complaint
Payday (deferred presentment) lenders in North Dakota are licensed by the Department of Financial Institutions. To report a violation or an illegal lender, use the online complaint form.
Alternatives to a payday loan
Before borrowing, compare a credit-union payday-alternative loan, an employer paycheck advance, or a payment plan with the biller. See our guide to payday loans and alternatives.
Disclaimer: general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws change — verify the current rules with the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) before borrowing. Last reviewed 2026.
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Frequently asked
Are payday loans legal in North Dakota?
Yes. They are legal as “deferred presentment” transactions under N.D. Cent. Code ch. 13-08, overseen by the Department of Financial Institutions.
How much can you borrow with a payday loan in North Dakota?
A lender can advance up to $500, but your total across all lenders can't exceed $600 — enforced by a statewide database.
What is the most a North Dakota payday lender can charge?
20% of the amount advanced, plus a small database fee — well over a 500% APR on a two-week loan.
Can I roll over a payday loan in North Dakota?
Only once, and total deferral can't exceed 60 days. You also can't take a new loan within 3 business days of finishing one.