CLEARBORROW · PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 12, 2026
Payday loans in Missouri: limits, renewals and the 75% cap
Missouri allows payday (“small, small”) loans of $500 or less from lenders licensed by the Division of Finance. Each loan runs 14 to 31 days, renewals are limited to six, and total interest and fees on the loan and all renewals cannot exceed 75% of the original amount — up to $375 on a $500 loan. Missouri is one of few nearby states that allow renewals at all.
On this page
The rules
| Rule | Missouri limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum amount | $500 |
| Term | 14 to 31 days |
| Renewals | No more than six |
| Total cost cap | Interest and fees ≤ 75% of the original loan, including renewals |
Source: Missouri Division of Finance ↗.
What the 75% cap means
| Loan | Most you can be charged | Most you repay |
|---|---|---|
| $200 | $150 | $350 |
| $300 | $225 | $525 |
| $500 | $375 | $875 |
Our arithmetic from the 75% cap. The cap is on the total, not per renewal, so the cost per two weeks can be high at the start.
Renewals
A St. Louis Fed review of the Division’s 2009 report found that, of nine contiguous states, only Missouri allowed payday loan renewals (St. Louis Fed ↗). Before renewing, ask how much of the 75% cap has been used and whether you can pay part of the principal.
Check the license
Payday lenders must be licensed by the Missouri Division of Finance (Division of Finance ↗). Use its licensee search and complaint page.
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
How many times can a Missouri payday loan be renewed?
No more than six times.
What is the most a $500 payday loan can cost in Missouri?
Total interest and fees are capped at 75% of the original amount — $375.
Who regulates payday lenders in Missouri?
The Missouri Division of Finance licenses payday lenders and takes complaints.
Sources and limits
- Missouri Division of Finance: payday lenders ↗
- Missouri Division of Finance: payday report to the legislature (2023) ↗
- St. Louis Fed (2009): of nine contiguous states, only Missouri allows renewals ↗
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.