State rules

Louisiana lending rules

Louisiana has 302 Census places covered on EmergencyLoaning, with a combined estimated population of 1,761,861. Emergency-loan terms in Louisiana are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.

Advertising disclosure: EmergencyLoaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.

  • Sourced figures
  • As-of dates shown
  • Not advice

By the EmergencyLoaning Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-09-16

Key rules for borrowers in Louisiana

RuleDetailSource
Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) 12% per annum maximum conventional interest (La. R.S. 9:3500(C)(1))
Source says: "The amount of the conventional interest cannot exceed twelve percent per annum."
Louisiana State Legislature
as of 2026-09-16
Payday lending status Legal and licensed — deferred presentment and small loans ($350 or less, 60 days or less) under OFI-issued licenses
Source says: "Persons who make loans of $350 or less for a term of 60 days or less."
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions
as of 2026-09-16
Small-loan / installment lender licensing Consumer loan license required from OFI before making consumer loans
Source says: "Persons who wish to engage in the business of making consumer loans must hold a consumer loan license issued by this Office"
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions
as of 2026-09-16
State lending regulator Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), Non-Depository Division
Source says: "OFI is responsible for the supervision of various entities which provide financial services to the citizens of the State of Louisiana."
Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions
as of 2026-09-16
Licensed-lender consumer loan finance charge caps 36% first $1,400; 27% to $4,000; 24% to $7,000; 21% above (R.S. 9:3519(A))
Source says: "Thirty-six percent per year for that portion of the unpaid principal amount of the loan not exceeding one thousand four hundred dollars"
Louisiana State Legislature
as of 2026-09-16

Cities in Louisiana

We cover 302 Census places in Louisiana.

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Advertising disclosure: EmergencyLoaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What interest rate can a lender charge in Louisiana?
It depends on the product and the statute that governs it. The sourced table on this page lists Louisiana's usury cap and the licensing rules, each with its publisher and a link to the primary source.
Are payday loans legal in Louisiana?
Payday lending is regulated state by state; some states permit it, some cap it, and some prohibit it outright. See the sourced figure on this page for the current position.
Do I need a license to lend money in Louisiana?
Most consumer lenders must be licensed by the state regulator named on this page. You can verify a lender's license with that regulator before you sign anything.

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