Payday Loans in Nebraska: The 36% Cap and What You Can Borrow
Page last reviewed: October 29, 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy by Kelly Etheridge
Nebraska allows payday loans only at 36% APR or less, and from 2021 through 2024 the state counted no licensed payday lenders at all. The realistic option is a licensed installment loan, at no more than 24% a year on the first $1,000 of the balance and 21% on the rest.
| Payday loans | 36% cap No licensed lenders in NDBF's 2021 to 2024 reports |
| Installment | 24% a year on the first $1,000 of the balance, 21% above |
| Example | $2,000 over 12 months: about $188.28 a month at the maximum |
| Fees | Origination up to 7% of the first $2,000 and 5% above, $500 max |
| You need | ID, proof of income and a bank account |
What a $1,000 to $5,000 Nebraska Installment Loan Costs
| Loan | Payments | Interest + fee | APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000, 12 mo | 12 × $94.56 | $135 + $70 | ~38% |
| $2,000, 12 mo | 12 × $188.28 | $259 + $140 | ~38% |
| $3,000, 24 mo | 24 × $156.41 | $754 + $190 | ~30% |
| $5,000, 36 mo | 36 × $190.76 | $1,867 + $290 | ~26% |
Worked out from Nebraska law, not offers from lenders in our network; a lender can charge less. APRs assume the origination fee comes out of the loan; it isn't refunded if you repay early.
Beyond interest and the origination fee, a licensed installment lender can add only a late fee of 5% of a payment that's 10 or more days late and a $15 returned-payment fee.
Where Nebraska's Payday Loans Went
In 2019, 49,016 Nebraskans took out 507,040 payday loans at an average contracted APR of 405%. In November 2020, 82.8% of voters backed Initiative 428, and on December 8, 2020, a 36% APR cap replaced the old fee of $15 per $100. The cap counts every fee and interest charge, apart from returned-check charges.
Nebraska had 102 payday loan stores on May 1, 2020. NDBF's annual reports show no licensed payday lenders and no payday loans from 2021 through 2024.
Online Payday Offers Aimed at Nebraskans
- A payday loan has to be made at a licensed place of business in Nebraska, so an online payday loan to a Nebraskan is unlicensed and void.
- A payday loan above 36% APR is void too: the lender can't collect the principal, interest or fees.
- Making payday loans without a Nebraska license is a felony.
- Even a legal one is limited to $500 in checks per lender and 34 days, and you can cancel it until 5 p.m. the next business day.
Nebraska's New Installment Loan Law
- New law, same rates. Since October 1, 2025, lenders are licensed under the Installment Loan and Sales Act (LB 474), which kept the old rates.
- Refinancing has to help you. Under LB 717, a lender refinancing your loan must give you a written net tangible benefit disclosure (in effect July 18, 2026, NDBF says).
- No fee on old money. If the same lender lent to you in the last 12 months, a new origination fee applies only to new money.
- Pay early any time. Prepayment penalties are allowed only on real-estate-secured loans of $7,500 or more.
Applying for a Nebraska Loan: Amount, Term and Fee Check
- Choose an amount and a term. Loans of $3,000 or less can run up to 36 months.
- Submit one request through LendUp. Lenders in our network review it, and any offer shows the APR, payments and total cost before you sign.
- Check the offer's rate and origination fee against the caps above before you sign.
Is the Lender Licensed in Nebraska?
- Search NMLS Consumer Access by the lender's legal name or NMLS number.
- Look for an active Nebraska Installment Loan license.
- You can also use NDBF's license searches, and match the name and address to your agreement.
NDBF takes complaints in writing: its online form, a letter or [email protected]. The consumer hotline is (877) 471-3445.
Common Questions
Are payday loans legal in Nebraska?
Yes, but only at 36% APR or less, from a licensed office in Nebraska. NDBF's reports show no licensed payday lenders from 2021 through 2024.
Can I get a payday loan online in Nebraska?
No. A payday loan has to be made at a licensed place of business in Nebraska, so an online payday loan to a Nebraskan is unlicensed and void.
Can I get a $3,000 loan in Nebraska?
You can apply to a licensed installment lender; each lender sets its own credit standards. At the maximum rates, $3,000 over 24 months comes to about $156.41 a month, or $754 in interest, plus an origination fee of up to $190.
What if I took a payday loan that charges more than 36%?
It's void, and the lender has no right to collect the principal, interest or fees. Send NDBF a written complaint at [email protected].
What can a Nebraska installment lender charge?
Interest of up to 24% a year on the first $1,000 of the balance and 21% on the rest, an origination fee of up to 7% of the first $2,000 plus 5% of the rest ($500 at most), a 5% late fee after 10 days and a $15 returned-payment fee.
Official Sources
General information, not legal advice. Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 28, 2026.
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-918 - 36% APR cap on delayed deposits
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-919 - Delayed deposit limits
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-915 - Licensed place of business
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-918.03 - Right to rescind
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-926 - Unlicensed delayed deposit services
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-349 - Installment loan charges
- Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-350 - Installment loan terms
- Nebraska Legislative Research Office - Payday loans and Initiative 428 (2020)
- Nebraska Secretary of State - 2020 general election canvass
- NDBF - Delayed deposit services annual report, 2019
- NDBF - Delayed deposit services annual report, 2024
- NDBF - Delayed deposit services FAQ
- Nebraska LB 474 (2025) - Installment Loan and Sales Act
- NDBF - LB 717 (2026) updates
- NDBF - Consumer lending licenses
- NDBF - License searches
- NDBF - Consumer complaints
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