
Iowa has a large number of payday lenders, but these lenders come with high costs. The average annual percentage rate (APR) on payday loans in Iowa is 526%, making them one of the most expensive forms of credit.
Many Iowans turn to payday lenders due to financial difficulties. In fact, the Iowa Department of Justice reports that payday lending is a $220 million industry in the state.
The Iowa legislature has attempted to regulate payday lending, but loopholes remain. For example, lenders can avoid interest rate caps by structuring loans as lines of credit rather than traditional payday loans.
Payday lenders often target low-income communities, where residents may be more vulnerable to predatory lending practices.
Lending Costs and Regulations
Payday lending costs Iowans a staggering $37 million a year, according to a report by the Center for Responsible Lending. This is just a small part of the $3.4 billion in fees that Americans pay annually.

In Iowa, there are 218 payday loan operations, averaging 3,904 transactions every year. This has led to a cycle of debt that's nearly impossible to escape, with 90% of payday borrowers taking out 5 or more loans per year.
The Center for Responsible Lending recommends setting a maximum APR of 36% to eliminate the debt trap. In contrast, the real APR for payday loans in Iowa can reach a staggering 337% for a $300 loan.
Here's a breakdown of the finance charges and fees in Iowa:
- A lender is not allowed to charge more than $15 for a loan of $0-$100 in terms of finance charges and fees.
- It is also allowed to charge $10 more on every $100 borrowed thereafter.
- The finance charge equals $16.67 for every $100 borrowed for 2 weeks.
Lending Costs Americans $37 Million a Year
Payday lending fees in Iowa alone cost individuals over $37 million in 2012.
The Center for Responsible Lending found that there are 218 payday loan operations in Iowa, with each one averaging 3,904 transactions every year.
This staggering number of transactions has a devastating impact on everyday Americans, who are often trapped in a cycle of debt.
Fees and penalties add up to an annual interest rate near 400 percent in Iowa, making it nearly impossible for borrowers to escape the debt trap.
In fact, 90 percent of payday borrowers go to individuals with 5+ loans per year, highlighting the predatory nature of payday lenders.
Lacking meaningful regulation in Iowa, cities have taken action to restrict where payday lenders can locate, with seven cities passing local ordinances since 2012.
Lending Is Legal

Lending is legal in Iowa, but there are limits to how much lenders can charge.
The maximum loan term in Iowa is 31 days.
Payday loans in Iowa have a $500 limit.
Finance charges should not exceed $15 for a loan up to $100, plus not more than $10 on subsequent $100.
The real APR in Iowa can be as high as 337%.
Roll-overs are not allowed in Iowa.
All lenders operating in Iowa must comply with the existing regulations, which are outlined in the Iowa Code Ann. § 533D.1 et seq. or Delayed Deposit Services Licensing Act.
Loans Regulations
In Iowa, payday lending businesses are regulated by the state law – Iowa Code Ann. § 533D.1 et seq. or Delayed Deposit Services Licensing Act. A lender must comply with these regulations to operate legally in the state.
To operate a payday lending business in Iowa, a lender must provide a detailed contract to the borrower in both English and Spanish. This contract should contain all the information about the loan transaction, fees, and terms of repayment, written in layman's terms.
A borrower is also required to provide their contact information in full to the lender. The lender must include their contact information and a toll-free number for the borrower to contact in case of any problems or questions.
Here are the key regulations to keep in mind:
- Loan amount: No more than $500 per loan
- Outstanding loans: No more than 2 loans at a time
- Finance charges and fees: $15 for loans up to $100, $10 more for every $100 borrowed thereafter
- Annual percentage rate (APR): Computed according to the federal Truth in Lending Act, but real APR can reach 337% for a $300 loan
Rates and Charges
In Iowa, payday lenders are allowed to charge a maximum of $15 for loans up to $100, plus $10 for every additional $100 borrowed. This translates to a finance charge of $16.67 for every $100 borrowed for 2 weeks.
The annual percentage rate (APR) for payday loans in Iowa can be quite high, with real APR reaching 337% for the average $300 loan. This is significantly higher than the finance charge, which is a key factor to consider when borrowing.
To give you a better idea of the rates and charges, here are the details:
Keep in mind that these rates and charges are subject to change, but as of now, they are the maximum allowed in Iowa.
By the Numbers: 2015

In 2015, there were 175 licensed payday lenders in Iowa, down from 232 in 2010. This decrease in the number of lenders might be a positive sign, but we need to dig deeper to understand the full picture.
The average amount borrowed by Iowans in 2015 was $341.50, up from $327.84 in 2010. This increase in the average loan amount suggests that people are taking on more debt, which can be a concerning trend.
Payday loans in Iowa come with an average annual interest rate of 262.84 percent, down from 289.85 percent in 2010. While this decrease in interest rate might seem like a victory, it's essential to remember that 262.84 percent is still an extremely high rate.
There were 613,461 transactions involving payday loans in 2015, down from 885,483 in 2010. This decline in transactions could be a result of the decreasing number of lenders or people becoming more cautious with their finances.

The total value of these transactions was $220 million, down from $307.3 million in 2010. This decrease in transaction value could be a sign that people are becoming more aware of the costs associated with payday loans.
On average, each customer took out 12 loans in 2015, which is a staggering number. Furthermore, 19.3 percent of customers had 20 or more loans, highlighting the cycle of debt that many people fall into.
Loan Details
To find a payday loan in Iowa, you can use a three-step process. This process is fast and simple.
Payday loans in Iowa typically have a short repayment period, which can range from a few weeks to a few months.
Loan Amount
When borrowing money, it's essential to know the loan amount limits in different states. In Iowa, the loan amount is capped at $500.
Some states have stricter regulations, but Iowa allows borrowers to get a loan of up to $500.
If you're considering a loan in Iowa, keep in mind that you're not allowed to have more than 2 outstanding loans at a time.
This means you can have a maximum of two loans with an outstanding balance, ensuring you don't overburden yourself with debt.
Loan Term Limit

In Iowa, the maximum period for a payday loan is 31 days. This means you'll need to have a solid plan to repay the loan within this timeframe.
If you're unable to repay the loan on time, you're out of luck - rollovers or extensions are not allowed in Iowa. You'll need to make a full repayment in time.
Here are the key facts about the loan term limit in Iowa:
- The maximum period for a loan is 31 days.
- Rollovers or extensions are not allowed.
History of Loans
The history of loans in Iowa is a complex one, with significant changes over the years. Since 1998, Iowa has been quite lenient when it came to payday loans, allowing lenders to charge any maximum fee.
In 2006, the Military Lending Act effectively capped payday loans offered to the military at 36% APR. This federal law has no exceptions, so no lender in Iowa is allowed to offer loans to the military at a rate higher than 36% APR.

As of 2015, there were 175 payday loan stores in Iowa, according to the state Division of Banking. This number may have changed since then, but it gives you an idea of the prevalence of payday lending in the state.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed a Payday Loan Rule in June 2016, which is still pending and expected to come into effect in November 2020. This proposed rule could bring significant changes to the payday lending industry in Iowa.
Here's a brief timeline of significant events in the history of loans in Iowa:
- 1998: Payday lenders could charge any maximum fee.
- 2001: Payday lenders could charge any maximum fee.
- 2004: The effective maximum APR on a 14-day $100 loan increased to 435%.
- 2006: The Military Lending Act capped payday loans offered to the military at 36% APR.
- 2015: There were 175 payday loan stores in Iowa.
- 2016: The CFPB proposed a Payday Loan Rule.
Loan Process
The loan process is straightforward and fast. You'll need to read the loan terms and sign if you're happy to agree to them.
The lender will then review your request and if approved, you can expect to receive your funds on the same day or the following business day.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for an Iowa payday loan, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old.
You'll also need to be a US citizen, which is a straightforward requirement.
To receive your funds, you'll need a current account. This is a must-have for any payday loan.
You'll need to have a monthly income of at least $800. This will ensure you can repay the loan.
Loan Options and Providers
If you're looking for a payday loan in Iowa, you can use Loanza's three-step process to get started. This process is fast and simple, and can help you find a competitive lender who may be able to help you.
To be eligible for an Iowa payday loan, you'll need to meet certain requirements, including being at least 18 years old, a US citizen, having a current account to receive your funds, and a monthly income of $800 or more.
Loanza has a network of lenders across the US, including in Iowa, that cater to people with bad credit. They'll consider your ability to repay the loan, rather than just your credit score, making it a good option for those who may not have the best credit history.

Here are some key benefits of using Loanza to find a payday loan in Iowa:
Finding a Loan
Finding a loan can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. If you're looking for a payday loan in Iowa, you can use a three-step process to get one quickly and easily.
Loanza is a great resource for finding a payday loan in Iowa, as they have a simple and fast application process that's fully online. This means you can apply from the comfort of your own home, without having to leave your house or visit a physical location.
If you're not sure if a payday loan is right for you, Loanza can help you determine that too. They offer options for borrowers with bad credit, and you can get funded on the same day you request the loan or the following business day.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind when considering a payday loan:
It's also worth noting that payday loans aren't ideal for larger sums of money or longer repayment periods, so if you need a bigger loan, Loanza can connect you with lenders that offer installment or personal loans.
Loanza

Loanza is a reliable platform that connects borrowers with suitable lenders in Iowa. Loanza has a network of lenders throughout the state, making it easy to find a payday loan.
With Loanza, you can apply for a payday loan online and get funded on the same day or the following business day. This is convenient for those who need quick access to cash.
The application process is quick and simple, taking just three minutes to complete. You can use Loanza's online form to find a suitable loan, even with bad credit.
Loanza has connections with many lenders who cater to those looking for installment or personal loans. If you need a larger sum of money, Loanza can help you find a suitable loan.
Here are some key features of Loanza:
- Quick and simple application process
- Options available even with bad credit
- Funding available same or next business day
- Loanza only works with trusted lenders who are properly registered
Loanza is free to use and allows you to borrow between $100 and $35,000. Your credit score won't be affected by Loanza's loan search.
2 CFPB Complaints

In Iowa, payday lenders have been the subject of many complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Some of these complaints involve predatory lending practices, such as charging high fees and interest rates.
The CFPB has received complaints about payday lenders in Iowa charging interest rates as high as 390%.
Iowa residents have also complained about payday lenders making unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to borrow $500 immediately?
You can borrow $500 immediately through options like payday loans, cash advance apps, or title loans, but be aware of the potential costs and terms involved. Consider exploring these alternatives carefully to make an informed decision.
Sources
- https://www.iowacci.org/blog/in-the-news/payday-lending-costs-iowans-37-million-a-year-new-report-finds
- https://www.ustatesloans.org/law/ia/
- https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2016/06/02/iowa-payday-lenders-beware-new-rules-coming/85301560/
- https://loanza.us/payday-loans/iowa/
- https://www.ustatesloans.org/ia/cedar-rapids/
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