# Arizona Payday Loans: 36% APR Cap & Alternatives (2026) | PayKedge > Arizona caps small-dollar loans at 36% APR. Real costs, installment-only (36% apr cap) lending rules, and lower-cost alternatives for 7.43M residents. Источник: https://paykedge.com/by-region/arizona/ --- # Arizona Payday Loan Options & Regulations **Single-payment payday loans are prohibited in Arizona — the state's 36% APR ceiling permits only extended-term installment loans at roughly 36% APR (a 36%-APR installment loan costs approximately $1.38 per $100 borrowed).** Below: how the rate limit affects 7.43M Arizona residents, your statutory safeguards, and more affordable options to evaluate first. PayKedge is paid by the lenders we match you with. We rank options by cost, not commission. JC **Reviewed by [Jared Castellano, AFC®](/authors/jared-castellano/)** · Reviewed by [Laura Castellano, CFP®](/authors/laura-castellano/) · Last updated 2026-05-24 **On this page** What does a 36% APR loan in Arizona actually cost? Is a 36% APR loan in Arizona affordable? What are the cheapest alternatives to an installment loan in Arizona? How do I file a complaint against a lender in Arizona? A checklist before you borrow in Arizona Common questions about Arizona loans Seeking financing in Arizona? Begin with the numbers. Licensed installment lenders here cannot charge above 36% APR. This guide breaks down precisely what you'll pay, how to locate a compliant provider, and where to seek more economical assistance. ### Quick Facts: Arizona Small-Dollar Loan Regulations - **Annual Percentage Rate Ceiling:** 36% - **Loan Size Limit:** $2,500 - **Loan Renewals:** Banned under state law - **Oversight Agency:** Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions - **Service Member Rate Cap:** 36% APR for military borrowers - **Grievance Timeline:** Usually 30–60 days ## Actual costs of a 36% APR loan in Arizona The cost is the same for every loan size when calculated as a fee per $100. A 36% APR works out to a fee of $1.38 for every $100 you borrow over a 14-day term. This is the absolute ceiling; your actual fee may be lower. This system replaced traditional payday lending, which Arizona voters ended in 2010. Now, all licensed lenders must operate under this 36% APR cap. They cannot add extra fees for origination or applications. The total cost must stay within the cap. | Loan amount | Term | Typical fee | Total cost | APR | $100 | 14 days | $1.38 | $101.38 | 36% | $300 | 14 days | $4.14 | $304.14 | 36% | $500 | 14 days | $6.90 | $506.90 | 36% | $1,000 | 14 days | $13.81 | $1013.81 | 36% ## Can you afford a 36% APR loan in Arizona? It is far cheaper than the 400%+ payday loans Arizona used to allow, but 36% APR is still real money. For comparison, it's similar to a high-rate credit card. A $500 loan for two weeks costs $6.90 in fees. Over a longer period, the interest adds up. With a median household income of $74,568, the difference between a cheaper credit-union loan and a storefront installment loan is rarely small. Always check for lower-cost options first. ## Lower-cost options besides Arizona installment loans The cheapest options often come from your employer or your own bank. They can cost little to nothing. Consider these options before taking a loan: - **Employer-linked $0 APR programs:** Arizona employers like Banner Health, Walmart, and the State of Arizona are increasingly offering Earned Wage Access (EWA). This lets you draw earned pay early at near-zero cost. - **Bank small-dollar programs:** If you bank with a major institution in Arizona, ask about its small-dollar product. These are for existing customers and are judged on your deposit history. Their APR is typically 100–200%, which is far below old-style payday loans. - **Salvation Army emergency aid:** Salvation Army centers across Arizona provide one-time emergency help for rent, utilities, and food at a $0 cost. - **Free tax prep and EITC advances:** If you have a refund coming, free tax prep can get it to you faster. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can add $1,000–$6,400 to your refund. This is a free service for incomes below about $60,000. ## Filing a complaint against an Arizona lender You file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions at no cost. This is the state regulator that licenses lenders. The department accepts resident complaints through its online portal. It has the power to order restitution, suspend a license, or refer a case for enforcement. Most complaints are resolved within 30–60 days. You can find their complaint portal at [difi.az.gov](https://difi.az.gov). ## Pre-borrowing checklist for Arizona residents 1. Calculate the total payback amount using the 36% APR cap. 2. Contact your employer to ask about Earned Wage Access programs. 3. Check with your bank or credit union for a small-dollar loan. 4. Explore local nonprofits like the Salvation Army for emergency aid. 5. Verify the lender is licensed by the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. 6. Read the contract carefully to ensure the APR does not exceed 36%. Local options can vary. For more specific information, see our guides for [Phoenix](/city-directory/az/phoenix-az/), [Tucson](/city-directory/az/tucson-az/), and [Mesa](/city-directory/az/mesa-az/). ## Frequently asked questions on Arizona lending Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. Can I get a payday loan in Arizona? No. Arizona voters ended traditional single-payment payday lending in 2010. What remains is a licensed installment loan market with a 36% APR cap. What happens if a lender tries to charge more than 36% APR? It is a violation of state law. A contract above 36% is generally unenforceable. The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions investigates these complaints and can take action against the lender's license. Are there different rules for military members? Yes. Covered service members are protected by the federal Military Lending Act, which also caps APR at 36%. Lenders must use a database to enforce limits on how many loans a service member can have. Can I extend or "roll over" my loan if I can't pay it back? No. Rollovers are prohibited by Arizona law. Lenders cannot extend your loan with additional fees. Where can I find a licensed lender in my city? All major cities in Arizona, including [Gilbert](/city-directory/az/gilbert-az/), [Chandler](/city-directory/az/chandler-az/), [Glendale](/city-directory/az/glendale-az/), [Scottsdale](/city-directory/az/scottsdale-az/), [Peoria](/city-directory/az/peoria-az/), and others, have licensed installment lenders. Always verify the lender's license with the state regulator. #### See AZ 36% APR options We'll match you to Arizona-licensed lenders only, and show lower-cost alternatives side by side. [See 36% APR options](/apply/) 🔒 256-bit encrypted · Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions-aware --- #### Lower-cost first Always compare: [15 alternatives ranked by APR](/beyond-payday/). --- #### Compare cost See the 50-State Cost Index or read [the main payday-loans guide](/payday-loans/).