State reference · MO

Missouri lending rules

Missouri has 937 Census places covered on Paydayloaning, with a combined estimated population of 4,119,349. Payday and small-loan terms in Missouri are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.

Advertising disclosure: Paydayloaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.

The verdict

Legal and licensed

Source: Missouri Revisor of Statutes · as of 2026-09-16

Maximum rate
10% per annum, or the higher published 'market rate' (RSMo § 408.030)
Missouri Revisor of Statutes
Licensing
Consumer credit lenders licensed and regulated by the Division of Finance's consumer credit section…
Missouri Division of Finance
Regulator
Missouri Division of Finance (Department of Commerce and Insurance)
Missouri Division of Finance

Rules are quoted from the cited sources. How payday lending is regulated.

By the Paydayloaning Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-09-16

Key rules for borrowers in Missouri

Quoted from the statute, regulator or agency named in each row.

RuleDetailSource
Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) 10% per annum, or the higher published 'market rate' (RSMo § 408.030)
Source says: "a rate of interest not exceeding ten percent per annum on money due or to become due upon any contract"
Missouri Revisor of Statutes
as of 2026-09-16
Payday lending status Legal and licensed — unsecured loans of $500 or less require a license from the Director of the Division of Finance (RSMo § 408.500)
Source says: "in the business of making unsecured loans of five hundred dollars or less shall obtain a license from the director of the division of finance"
Missouri Revisor of Statutes
as of 2026-09-16
Small-loan / installment lender licensing Consumer credit lenders licensed and regulated by the Division of Finance's consumer credit section (Chapters 367 and 408, RSMo)
Source says: "The consumer credit section of the Missouri Division of Finance is responsible for licensing and regulating various types of consumer finance companies"
Missouri Division of Finance
as of 2026-09-16
State lending regulator Missouri Division of Finance (Department of Commerce and Insurance)
Source says: "We regulate state-chartered banks, trust companies, consumer credit facilities, mortgage brokers, and savings and loan institutions"
Missouri Division of Finance
as of 2026-09-16
Additional loan fee cap (30+ day loans) Up to 10% of principal, capped at $100 (RSMo § 408.140)
Source says: "a fee, not to exceed ten percent of the principal amount loaned not to exceed one hundred dollars may be charged by the lender"
Missouri Revisor of Statutes
as of 2026-09-16

Cities in Missouri

All Missouri cities

We cover 937 Census places in Missouri.

Advertising disclosure: Paydayloaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What interest rate can a lender charge in Missouri?
It depends on the product and the statute that governs it. The sourced table on this page lists Missouri's usury cap and the licensing rules, each with its publisher and a link to the primary source.
Are payday loans legal in Missouri?
Payday lending is regulated state by state; some states permit it, some cap it, and some prohibit it outright. See the sourced figure on this page for the current position.
Do I need a license to lend money in Missouri?
Most consumer lenders must be licensed by the state regulator named on this page. You can verify a lender's license with that regulator before you sign anything.

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Advertising disclosure: we may receive a referral fee. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants.

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