State reference · WI
Wisconsin lending rules
Wisconsin has 605 Census places covered on Paydayloaning, with a combined estimated population of 4,311,076. Payday and small-loan terms in Wisconsin 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 by the DFI Division of Banking
Source: Wisconsin State Legislature · as of 2026-09-16
- Maximum rate
- 12% per year maximum ($12 per $100) on the declining principal balance, except as authorized by other statutes
- Wisconsin State Legislature
- Regulator
- Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Banking
- Wisconsin State Legislature
Rules are quoted from the cited sources. How payday lending is regulated.
Key rules for borrowers in Wisconsin
Quoted from the statute, regulator or agency named in each row.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per year maximum ($12 per $100) on the declining principal balance, except as authorized by other statutes (Wis. Stat. § 138.05(1)(a)) Source says: At the rate of $12 upon $100 for one year computed upon the declining principal balance of the loan or forbearance |
Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal and licensed by the DFI Division of Banking; statewide database tracking (Wis. Stat. § 138.14) Source says: "Licensee" means a person holding a license issued by the division under sub. (5) |
Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Licensed lender license required from the Division of Banking (Wis. Stat. § 138.09) Source says: Before any person may do business under this section, that person shall first obtain a license from the division. |
Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Division of Banking Source says: "Department" means the department of financial institutions |
Wisconsin State Legislature as of 2026-09-16 |
Cities in Wisconsin
All Wisconsin citiesWe cover 605 Census places in Wisconsin.
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.