State reference · WV
West Virginia lending rules
West Virginia has 230 Census places covered on Paydayloaning, with a combined estimated population of 602,231. Payday and small-loan terms in West Virginia are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.
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The verdict
Traditional payday lending is generally prohibited
Source: West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) · as of 2026-09-16
- Maximum rate
- 31% per year on unsecured loans of $3,500 or less
- West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code)
- Licensing
- Regulated consumer lender license required from the Commissioner
- West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code)
- Regulator
- West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI)
- West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI)
Rules are quoted from the cited sources. How payday lending is regulated.
Key rules for borrowers in West Virginia
Quoted from the statute, regulator or agency named in each row.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 31% per year on unsecured loans of $3,500 or less; 27% on $3,500–$15,000; 18% above $15,000 (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-107) Source says: the loan finance charge, calculated according to the actuarial method, may not exceed 31 percent per year |
West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Traditional payday lending is generally prohibited; check cashers are regulated under W. Va. Code ch. 32A Source says: Traditional "Payday Lenders" are generally prohibited within this state. |
West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Regulated consumer lender license required from the Commissioner (W. Va. Code § 46A-4-101) Source says: Unless a person has first obtained a license from the commissioner authorizing the person to make regulated consumer loans |
West Virginia Legislature (West Virginia Code) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) Source says: The West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions is charged with the regulation and supervision of financial institutions chartered by the State of West Virginia. |
West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions (WV DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
Cities in West Virginia
All West Virginia citiesWe cover 230 Census places in West Virginia.
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.