State rules

Oregon lending rules

Oregon has 240 Census places covered on EmergencyLoaning, with a combined estimated population of 2,996,209. Emergency-loan terms in Oregon 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 Oregon

RuleDetailSource
Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) 9% per annum default legal rate where the parties have not agreed to a rate.
Source says: "The rate of interest for the following transactions, if the parties have not otherwise agreed to a rate of interest, is nine percent per annum" (ORS 82.010(1)).
Oregon Legislative Assembly (Oregon Revised Statutes)
as of 2026-09-16
Payday lending status Legal for licensed payday/title lenders; term 31-60 days; one-time 10% origination fee capped at $30; interest limited to 36%/yr; max APR 153.77%.
Source says: "Interest rates are limited to 36 percent annually. The maximum APR (interest and fees) is 153.77 percent"; "A one-time 10 percent loan origination fee, up to a maximum of $30 for a new loan"; "The payday or title loan must be for at least 31 days and not longer than 60 days."
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation
as of 2026-09-16
Small-loan / installment lender licensing Consumer finance license required to make consumer finance loans of $50,000 or less; license issued by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
Source says: "a consumer finance loan of $50,000 or less... unless the person first obtains a license under this chapter" (ORS 725.045).
Oregon Legislative Assembly (Oregon Revised Statutes)
as of 2026-09-16
State lending regulator Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (Department of Consumer and Business Services)
Source says: "Protecting Oregonians' access to fair products and services through education, regulation, and consumer assistance."
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation
as of 2026-09-16
Unlicensed lending consequence (state-specific rule) Unlicensed consumer finance loans are void and uncollectible (principal, interest, fees).
Source says: "the consumer finance loan is void... may not... collect, receive or retain principal, interest, a fee or a charge related to... the consumer finance loan" (ORS 725.045(1)(b)).
Oregon Legislative Assembly (Oregon Revised Statutes)
as of 2026-09-16

Cities in Oregon

We cover 240 Census places in Oregon.

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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 Oregon?
It depends on the product and the statute that governs it. The sourced table on this page lists Oregon's usury cap and the licensing rules, each with its publisher and a link to the primary source.
Are payday loans legal in Oregon?
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 Oregon?
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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