Last updated December 19 2025
**Update**
Assembly Bill 539 passed the Senate and Assembly in September and became Law in 2020. This Bill has changed the entire lending environment in California. AB 539 caps interest rates on all payday loans between $2,500 and $10,000. The interest rate for the loans (which include installment loans and car title loans) is capped at 36%. Even with this bill, we expect to see more regulations and restrictions added in 2026.
Please remember a few things for this article and others. We’re not attorneys, and we don’t give legal advice. We’re merely looking to give our readers a better understanding of the lending environment.
Various bills working through the California Senate and House should impact California’s payday and installment loan laws. They would set up a state-controlled database of outstanding loans. The goal is to document and limit the number of payday and installment loans a California consumer can take out. The bill will set a limit of 4 payday loans per person yearly. Additionally, it will increase the time a consumer has to pay off a short term loan. It would set a minimum of 30 days for every $100 borrowed.
These regulations will establish prudent requirements for borrowers. The goal is to verify that an applicant can pay back a payday advance. It will be interesting to see if any more bills are proposed during the upcoming legislative sessions. Stay tuned for more news about changes to California small dollar lending regulations. These regulations will affect retail payday loan locations in California.
Direct Lender Payday Loan Laws In California
Compared to most states, California has aggressive rules that govern the rates and terms of online payday and installment loans. Larger companies do not offer payday loans here, as other states and jurisdictions make it easier to do business. Most of these companies offer payday loans online, not companies with an office where you can meet someone face to face.
California sanctioned dozens of lenders for failing to comply with state regulations over the last few years. A lender must have an active, deferred deposit transaction law license to provide financing in California. This means unlicensed lenders can attempt to dodge financing laws. Some new regulations about cash advances will be added to the books as we head into 2026. Check back for updates as we update these new regulations and rules. We recently discussed whether an online lender could sue you for an unpaid payday loan.
Our state’s claims regulations are in place to protect consumers from being taken advantage of by lenders. The maximum term for an online payday loan will be 31 days. Lastly, the most a California payday loan company can charge is 10% of the face amount of the check. These regulations apply to short term cash advances. With this type of financing, the lender holds a consumer’s check. It will be used to debit the borrower’s bank account. Most online bank lenders and credit unions aren’t included in this group. However, other finance companies, such as car title lenders, will be subject to these regulations.
Installment loan and payday loan laws in California are constantly changing!
There are other issues regarding the upcoming payday loan regulations in CA. For example, a company can charge only one fee if you bounce your monthly payment. A lender can’t offer you a new payday loan to roll over the original amount borrowed. The lender can charge no more fees if you need an extension. As a California resident, you can request and receive all documents that apply to your loan. This applies to loans offered in a brick-and-mortar office and to loans provided online as well.
All reputable companies will need a California Finance Lenders License issued by the DBO. Lenders must limit lending to active-duty military members and their immediate families. Licensed lenders must always abide by the Military Lending Act. This Federal regulation states that no lender may offer a loan with an interest rate above 36%. This regulation applies to payday, installment, and auto title loans. This law applies to you if you’re an active duty service or the spouse of a family member of someone on active duty.
Payday Loan Laws & Updates To Expect With Unsecured Loan Companies & Tribal Lenders
Also, legal challenges have challenged the rights of tribal lending companies to offer California payday loans. A 2017 California Supreme Court Decision sets current case law on tribal lending. This landmark ruling declined to extend tribal sovereign immunity to lenders. As a result, we saw an increase in companies offering payday loans in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and other large cities in CA. The court found tribal business operations were not part of the tribe and should not have immunity.
Remember, these regulations apply to online companies that offer installment and payday loans in California. Most reputable lenders will honor these guidelines. However, there are always companies that provide online funding. Some of these lenders will attempt to get around these regulations. Some California payday loan lenders claim they’re not headquartered in the state. As such, the state’s rules and regulations are not applicable. Also, some lenders feel these regulations aren’t an issue because they either operate on tribal land or are based offshore. Check this page at least once a month for updates on pending legislation. The payday loan industry in California is changing rapidly and there are bills and regulations already scheduled for debate in the California legislature in 2026.. We can expect further changes and additions to the rules governing payday loans in California. We will update the payday loan rules and regulations when new issues arise.
