Louisiana Payday Loan Laws, Explained

Last updated: July 17, 2026

By the US Lending Editorial Team · Reviewed for factual accuracy against the federal and state sources cited on this page.

Key takeaway

Key takeaway: Louisiana keeps payday loans small and tightly formulaic — a firm dollar cap, a fee tied directly to the loan size, and a database that keeps borrowers from holding more than one loan at once.

Who this is forThis guide is for Louisiana residents comparing a payday, cash-advance, or short-term loan, and anyone checking what is legally allowed before they borrow.

When to use itUse it before you accept any offer, so you can compare the total cost across more than one lender.

What this page covers

Loan Size and Fee Formula
One Loan at a Time, by Database Rule
What This Means for Borrowers

Loan Size and Fee Formula

Louisiana caps payday loans at $350, with the fee generally calculated as a percentage of the face value of the loan — commonly cited around 16.75%. The loan term runs up to about 60 days, and lenders are permitted to charge a documentation fee on top of the standard fee.

One Loan at a Time, by Database Rule

Louisiana requires licensed lenders to check a statewide database before issuing a payday loan, which prevents a borrower from holding more than one outstanding payday loan at a time — a structural limit on stacking multiple loans across different lenders.

What This Means for Borrowers

Because the loan amount is capped relatively low, Louisiana's payday product is generally used for smaller, short-term gaps rather than larger expenses — for a larger need, a personal installment loan through a matching service may be a better fit than trying to combine multiple payday loans.

Factor	Louisiana Rule
Maximum loan amount	$350
Fee structure	~16.75% of face value, plus a documentation fee
Loan term	Up to ~60 days
Concurrent loans	One at a time, enforced via statewide database

Terms can change — verify current requirements with the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions before assuming any figure above still applies.

Sources: NCSL — Payday Lending State Statutes · CFPB — Payday Loans

Louisiana Payday Loan FAQ

Are payday loans legal in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana caps payday loans at $350, with a fee of about 16.75% of face value plus a documentation fee.

How much can you borrow with a payday loan in Louisiana?

Up to $350, for a term of up to about 60 days.

How many payday loans can you have in Louisiana?

One at a time, enforced through a statewide database.

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