CLEARBORROW · PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 12, 2026
Payday loans in California: limits, fees and your rights
Under the California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law, your check for a payday loan cannot exceed $300 and the fee cannot exceed 15% of the check — $45 — so the most cash you receive is $255. The loan cannot last longer than 31 days. The DFPI says a 15% fee on a two-week loan equals about 460% APR. Lenders may give you an extension but cannot charge for it.
On this page
The rules
| Rule | California limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum check | $300 |
| Maximum fee | 15% of the check ($45 on $300) |
| Cash you receive at the maximum | $255 |
| Maximum term | 31 days |
| Extension | Allowed, with no additional fee |
| Returned check | One NSF fee, capped at $15 |
Sources: DFPI advisory ↗, DFPI ↗, DFPI CDDTL advisory ↗, Senate Banking Committee ↗.
What it costs
The DFPI notes that 15% may not sound like much, but it equals an APR of 460% for a two-week loan (DFPI ↗).
| Our example | Fee | Cash received |
|---|---|---|
| $300 check | $45 | $255 |
| $200 check | $30 | $170 |
| $100 check | $15 | $85 |
Check the license
Payday lenders in California must be licensed by the DFPI under the CDDTL (DFPI ↗). Search the DFPI licensee list before you borrow, online or in a store.
Larger loans in California
Amounts above the $300 payday limit are made as installment loans under different rules. Compare them on APR and total repayment; see installment loans.
Cheaper options to compare
- A payday alternative loan from a federal credit union (APR capped at 28%).
- A cash advance app — compare costs with our fee calculator.
- Asking the company you owe for more time or a payment plan.
- If you already owe a payday loan: extended payment plans and getting out of payday debt.
Questions
Can I get more than $255 from a California payday loan?
Not from one deferred deposit transaction — the check cannot exceed $300 and the fee comes out of it.
Can the lender charge me for more time?
No. The DFPI says lenders can grant an extension but cannot charge any additional fee for it.
What if my check bounces?
The lender may charge one returned-check (NSF) fee of up to $15.
Sources and limits
- California DFPI: payday lending consumer advisory ↗
- California DFPI: payday lenders (CDDTL) ↗
- California DFPI: consumer financial education — other loans ↗
- California DFPI: CDDTL advisory (extensions) ↗
- California Senate Banking Committee: payday loan background (NSF fee) ↗
Sources checked November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with your state regulator before borrowing. This is general information, not legal advice. Worked examples are our own arithmetic. How we use sources.