Texas Payday Loans Guide - Laws, Regulations & Top Lenders (2026)
π Texas Payday Loan Quick Facts
- Maximum Loan: No limit (state law) - lenders offer $100-$2,500
- Typical Cost: 15-20% fee ($75-100 for $500/14-day loan)
- APR Range: 400-600% (no state cap)
- Regulator: Texas OCCC (Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner)
- Local Ordinances: 45+ cities have stricter rules (20% income limit)
- Free Payment Plan: Required if requested 1 day before due date
Texas Payday Loan Laws & Regulations (2026)
Texas has some of the most permissive payday loan laws in the United States. Unlike most states, Texas does not cap loan amounts, interest rates, or fees for payday loans under $2,500. This makes Texas a high-cost market for borrowers but also provides access to larger loan amounts.
Key Texas Payday Loan Regulations
No Loan Amount Cap
Texas does not limit how much you can borrow. Lenders typically offer $100-$2,500 based on income.
No Interest Rate Cap
Texas allows lenders to charge any APR (typically 400-600%). No usury limit for loans under $2,500.
Credit Access Business (CAB) Model
Texas uses a unique CAB model where a third party arranges credit between you and an out-of-state lender.
OCCC Licensing Required
All payday lenders must be licensed by the Texas OCCC. Unlicensed lending is illegal.
Free 60-Day Payment Plan
Lenders must offer a free payment plan if you request it at least 1 day before the due date.
Local Ordinances Apply
45+ cities have stricter ordinances limiting loans to 20% of gross monthly income and restricting rollovers.
β οΈ Important: Check Your City Ordinance
If you live in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, or 40+ other Texas cities, your city may have a payday loan ordinance that is stricter than state law. These ordinances typically limit total payday loans to 20% of your gross monthly income and restrict rollovers to 3 times. Always check if your city has an ordinance before borrowing.
How Much Do Texas Payday Loans Cost?
Texas payday loans are among the most expensive in the nation due to the lack of fee caps. Here is what you can expect to pay:
| Loan Amount | 14-Day Fee (15%) | 14-Day Fee (20%) | Total Repayment (20%) | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300 | $45 | $60 | $360 | 521% |
| $500 | $75 | $100 | $600 | 521% |
| $1,000 | $150 | $200 | $1,200 | 521% |
| $1,500 | $225 | $300 | $1,800 | 521% |
Note: APR is calculated annually. You are only borrowing for 14 days, so the actual cost is the fee amount, not the full APR. However, if you roll over the loan multiple times, the total cost compounds quickly.
β οΈ Rollover Warning
Rolling over a $500 loan 3 times (allowed in most of Texas, but limited in cities with ordinances) results in $300 in fees ($100 per rollover) before you even pay the principal. Always try to repay on time or request the free 60-day payment plan instead of rolling over.
Top 10 Payday Lenders in Texas (2026)
These lenders are licensed by the Texas OCCC and offer payday loans to Texas residents:
1. Check Into Cash
Lowest FeesWhy it is great for Texas: Check Into Cash has 100+ Texas locations and offers the lowest fees in the state (13-15% vs 20% industry average). Online and in-store options available.
- β’ Amount: $100-$1,500
- β’ Fee: 13-15% (lowest in Texas)
- β’ Locations: 100+ stores across Texas
- β’ OCCC License: #123456 (verify at occc.texas.gov)
2. CashNetUSA
Why it is great for Texas: Fully online application, same-day funding, and first-time borrower discounts in some Texas cities. Clear fee disclosure and no hidden charges.
- β’ Amount: $100-$1,500
- β’ Fee: 15% (standard)
- β’ Approval: 15 minutes online
- β’ OCCC License: Licensed CAB
3. ACE Cash Express
Why it is great for Texas: Texas-based company with 200+ locations statewide. Offers both payday loans and installment loans. In-store pickup option for immediate cash.
- β’ Amount: $100-$1,200
- β’ Fee: 15-18%
- β’ Locations: 200+ Texas stores
- β’ Founded: 1968 (Texas-based)
4. Speedy Cash
Why it is great for Texas: Guaranteed same-day funding if you apply before 2 PM on weekdays. 150+ Texas locations plus online option.
- β’ Amount: $100-$1,500
- β’ Fee: 15%
- β’ Funding: Same-day (before 2 PM)
- β’ Locations: 150+ in Texas
5. Advance America
Why it is great for Texas: National lender with 50+ Texas stores. Offers both online and in-store applications. First-time borrower education program.
- β’ Amount: $100-$1,000
- β’ Fee: 14.2% (slightly lower than average)
- β’ Locations: 50+ Texas stores
- β’ Education: Free financial literacy resources
6. MoneyLion
Why it is great for Texas: App-based lender with instant approval and credit-builder program. Lower fees than traditional payday loans.
- β’ Amount: $100-$1,000
- β’ Fee: Membership-based (lower than 15%)
- β’ Platform: Mobile app only
- β’ Bonus: Credit score monitoring included
7. Possible Finance
Why it is great for Texas: Flexible 4-payment installment structure (not lump sum). Reports to credit bureaus to help build credit.
- β’ Amount: $50-$500
- β’ Fee: Lower than traditional payday (varies)
- β’ Repayment: 4 installments (bi-weekly)
- β’ Credit Building: Reports to all 3 bureaus
8. NetCredit
Why it is great for Texas: Installment loans (not payday) with lower APR (34-155% vs 400-600%). Better for larger amounts and longer repayment.
- β’ Amount: $1,000-$10,000
- β’ APR: 34-155% (lower than payday)
- β’ Term: 6-60 months
- β’ Best For: Larger loans, longer repayment
9. RISE Credit
Why it is great for Texas: APR reduction program - your rate decreases with each on-time payment. Good for building credit while borrowing.
- β’ Amount: $500-$5,000
- β’ APR: 60-299% (decreases over time)
- β’ Term: 4-26 months
- β’ Loyalty Rewards: Lower APR with each loan
10. OppFi (formerly OppLoans)
Why it is great for Texas: Installment loans for bad credit (under 600 score). Lower APR than payday loans and reports to credit bureaus.
- β’ Amount: $500-$4,000
- β’ APR: 59-160%
- β’ Term: 9-36 months
- β’ Best For: Bad credit, credit building
Texas City Payday Loan Ordinances
Over 45 Texas cities have passed local ordinances to provide stronger consumer protections than state law. If you live in one of these cities, the ordinance limits apply:
Typical City Ordinance Restrictions
- 1. 20% Income Limit: Total payday loans cannot exceed 20% of your gross monthly income (all lenders combined).
- 2. 3 Rollover Maximum: You can only roll over a loan 3 times (vs unlimited in non-ordinance cities).
- 3. Database Reporting: Lenders must check a shared database to enforce the 20% limit across all lenders.
- 4. Payment Plan Required: Lenders must offer a free payment plan (already required by state law).
| City | Population | Ordinance Active | Key Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 2.3 million | β Yes | 20% income, 3 rollovers |
| Dallas | 1.3 million | β Yes | 20% income, 3 rollovers |
| San Antonio | 1.5 million | β Yes | 20% income, 3 rollovers |
| Austin | 978,000 | β Yes | 20% income, 3 rollovers |
| El Paso | 680,000 | β Yes | 20% income limit |
Full list of cities with ordinances: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock, Garland, Irving, Amarillo, Grand Prairie, Brownsville, Pasadena, Mesquite, McAllen, Killeen, Waco, Carrollton, Beaumont, Abilene, Denton, Round Rock, Midland, Wichita Falls, Odessa, College Station, Richardson, Lewisville, and 13 more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum payday loan amount in Texas?
Texas has NO maximum payday loan amount limit. Unlike most states, Texas does not cap how much you can borrow from a payday lender. However, lenders typically offer $100-$1,500 for first-time borrowers and up to $2,500 for repeat customers. The actual amount depends on your income verification and the lender policy, not state law.
How much do payday loans cost in Texas?
Texas payday loans typically cost 15-20% of the loan amount for a 14-day term. For example, a $500 loan for 14 days costs $75-100 in fees, totaling $575-600 repayment. Texas allows lenders to charge fees without restriction, resulting in APRs of 400-600%. The OCCC does not cap interest rates or fees on payday loans under $2,500.
Who regulates payday lenders in Texas?
The Texas Office of the Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) regulates payday lenders (called Credit Access Businesses or CABs in Texas). All payday lenders must be licensed with the OCCC and display their license number on their website. You can verify a lender license at occc.texas.gov or call 800-538-1579. Unlicensed lenders are illegal in Texas.
Can I have multiple payday loans at once in Texas?
Yes, Texas law does not prohibit having multiple payday loans simultaneously. However, responsible lenders check databases like Clarity Services or Teletrack to see if you have outstanding loans. Taking multiple loans increases your debt burden and can trigger a debt cycle. Most cities with payday loan ordinances (like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin) restrict you to 20% of gross monthly income across all payday loans.
What are the repayment terms for Texas payday loans?
Texas payday loans typically have 7-31 day terms, most commonly 14 days. There is no minimum or maximum term required by state law. Some lenders offer installment plans (2-6 months) as an alternative. If you cannot repay on time, Texas law requires lenders to offer a free 60-day payment plan if you request it at least 1 day before the due date.
Do Texas payday loans require a credit check?
No, most Texas payday lenders do not check traditional credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Instead, they verify your income through bank account analysis and check alternative databases to ensure you do not have recent defaults. This means you can get approved with bad credit (500-600 score) or no credit history, as long as you have regular income.
What cities in Texas have payday loan ordinances?
Over 45 Texas cities have local payday loan ordinances with stricter rules than state law. Major cities include: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock, Garland, Irving, Amarillo, Grand Prairie, and Brownsville. These ordinances typically limit loans to 20% of gross monthly income and restrict rollovers to 3 times.
How do I file a complaint about a Texas payday lender?
File complaints with the Texas OCCC online at occc.texas.gov/complaint or call 800-538-1579. Common complaint reasons: unauthorized withdrawals, failure to offer payment plan, misleading terms, harassment, or charging fees not disclosed in the contract. The OCCC investigates complaints and can take action against licensed lenders. You can also file with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov.
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Texas Payday Loan Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Texas payday loan laws are subject to change. Always verify lender OCCC licensing at occc.texas.gov before borrowing. If you live in a city with a payday loan ordinance, additional restrictions apply.
Payday loans are high-cost, short-term products intended for emergencies only. Borrowing more than you can afford to repay can lead to a debt cycle. Always request the free 60-day payment plan if you cannot repay on time instead of rolling over.
Credizen.net is a loan comparison platform and earns commissions from lenders. We are not a lender and do not make credit decisions. For questions about Texas payday loan regulations, contact the Texas OCCC at 800-538-1579 or visit occc.texas.gov.