Ohio Payday Loan Regulations - $1,000 Max, DCCA Rules (2026)
Ohio has some of the most comprehensive payday loan regulations in America. Since 2008, Ohio law has limited payday loans to $1,000 maximum, capped fees at 28% APR plus monthly charges, and enforced a strict 4-loan annual limit through statewide database tracking. The Division of Consumer Finance (DCCA) oversees all licensed lenders and investigates consumer complaints. This guide explains Ohio's Short-Term Loan Act, how the database system works, and what borrowers need to know about costs, limits, and consumer protections.
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Ohio Payday Loan Laws - What You Need to Know
Ohio regulates payday loans under the Short-Term Loan Act (Chapter 1321 of the Ohio Revised Code), which was enacted in 2008 to reform the industry after years of predatory lending. The law created strict limits on loan amounts, fees, and borrowing frequency to protect consumers from debt cycles.
Key Ohio Payday Loan Regulations:
- $1,000 maximum loan amount - Higher than CA ($300) and FL ($500), but strictly enforced through database
- 28% APR + monthly fees - Capped at 10% of first $500, 5% of amounts over $500
- 31-91 day loan terms - Longer minimum than most states (prevents 14-day debt traps)
- 4-loan annual limit - You can only borrow 4 payday loans per 365-day period
- One loan at a time - Database prevents multiple simultaneous loans
- No rollovers/renewals - Prohibited by law; must offer free 60-day extended payment plan
- DCCA licensing required - Division of Consumer Finance regulates all lenders
- Statewide database tracking - All loans tracked in real-time to enforce limits
The Ohio DCCA (Division of Consumer Finance) maintains a public registry of all licensed short-term lenders at com.ohio.gov. Before borrowing, verify your lender is licensed. Unlicensed lenders operating in Ohio face criminal charges and civil penalties.
How Much Do Ohio Payday Loans Cost?
Ohio law caps payday loan fees at 28% APR plus a monthly fee. The monthly fee cannot exceed 10% of the first $500 borrowed plus 5% of any amount over $500. For a typical $1,000 loan for 31 days (minimum term), here's what you would pay:
| Loan Amount | Loan Term | Finance Charge | Total Repayment | APR (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | 31 days | $62 (28% APR + 10% fee) | $562 | 293% APR |
| $750 | 31 days | $80 (28% APR + $50 + $12.50) | $830 | 254% APR |
| $1,000 (max) | 31 days | $98 (28% APR + $50 + $25) | $1,098 | 235% APR |
| $1,000 | 91 days (max) | $217 (28% APR + fees Γ 3 months) | $1,217 | 87% APR |
Cost Comparison: Ohio vs Other States
For a maximum loan amount held for 31 days:
- Ohio ($1,000): $98 fee = $1,098 total (235% APR)
- Texas ($1,000): $150 fee = $1,150 total (360% APR) - no loan cap, higher fees
- Florida ($500 max): $55 fee = $555 total (286% APR for 14 days) - lower cap, stricter limits
- California ($300 max): $45 fee = $345 total (195% APR for 31 days) - lowest cap, 15% fee max
Ohio's $1,000 maximum is moderate compared to Texas (no cap) but higher than California and Florida. The 31-day minimum term reduces APR compared to 14-day loans common in other states.
Top 10 Payday Lenders Licensed in Ohio (2026)
All lenders below are licensed by the Ohio Division of Consumer Finance under the Short-Term Loan Act. Verify license status at com.ohio.gov before applying.
1. Check Into Cash
Licensed in Ohio | 80+ Locations | In-Store & Online
Check Into Cash has operated in Ohio since 2008 with over 80 storefront locations in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and Dayton. They offer payday loans up to $1,000 with 31-91 day terms. Typical fees are 10-12% for the maximum loan amount.
2. CashNetUSA
Licensed in Ohio | Online Only | Next Business Day Funding
CashNetUSA is one of Ohio's largest online payday lenders, licensed since 2008. They offer loans up to $1,000 with next-business-day direct deposit. Their online application takes 3 minutes and approval is typically instant. Fees are competitive at 10-15% of loan amount.
3. ACE Cash Express
Licensed in Ohio | 60+ Locations | In-Store & Online
ACE Cash Express operates 60+ stores across Ohio in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton. They offer payday loans up to $1,000 with flexible 31-91 day terms. ACE also provides check cashing, bill pay, and prepaid debit cards. Many locations open until 9pm on weekdays.
4. Advance America
Licensed in Ohio | 40+ Locations | In-Store & Online
Advance America has 40+ storefronts in Ohio, including Columbus, Toledo, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown. They offer payday advances up to $1,000 with 31-day terms. First-time customers may qualify for lower fees (8-10% vs standard 12-15%). Online applications available for returning customers.
5. Speedy Cash
Licensed in Ohio | 50+ Locations | In-Store & Online
Speedy Cash operates 50+ locations in Ohio, including Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron. They offer payday loans up to $1,000 with same-day funding (in-store) or next-business-day (online). Fees are 12-15% of loan amount. Mobile app available for account management.
6. MoneyLion
Licensed in Ohio | App-Based | $0-$19.99 Fees
MoneyLion offers cash advances up to $500 to Ohio residents through their mobile app. Unlike traditional payday loans, MoneyLion charges $0-$19.99 monthly membership fees instead of high APR loans. Instant transfers available for $3.99-$8.99 fee. Credit-building tools included.
7. Possible Finance
Licensed in Ohio | App-Based | 4 Bi-Weekly Payments
Possible Finance offers short-term installment loans (not traditional payday loans) up to $500 to Ohio residents. Loans are repaid in 4 bi-weekly installments aligned with your payday. APR is 150-200% (lower than payday loans). Reports to credit bureaus to help build credit.
8. NetCredit
Licensed in Ohio | Online Only | Installment Loans
NetCredit offers installment loans (not payday loans) up to $10,000 to Ohio residents with bad credit. APR is 34-155% with monthly payments over 6-60 months. Better alternative to payday loans if you need more time to repay. Soft credit check for prequalification, reports to credit bureaus.
9. RISE Credit
Licensed in Ohio | Online Only | APR Reduction Program
RISE offers installment loans up to $5,000 to Ohio residents with bad credit. Initial APR is 60-299%, but RISE reduces your APR over time as you make on-time payments (APR Reduction Program). Loans are 4-26 months with bi-weekly or monthly payments. Reports to all 3 credit bureaus.
10. OppFi (formerly OppLoans)
Licensed in Ohio | Online Only | Bad Credit Installment Loans
OppFi offers installment loans up to $4,000 to Ohio residents with bad credit (no minimum credit score). APR is 59-199% with monthly payments over 6-24 months. Better than payday loans for larger amounts and longer repayment terms. No prepayment penalties, reports to credit bureaus.
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How Ohio's Payday Loan Database Works
Ohio operates a statewide Short-Term Lender Database managed by Veritec Solutions (the same company that runs Florida's database). All licensed payday lenders must check this database before approving any loan. The system enforces Ohio's 4-loan annual limit and prevents borrowers from having multiple loans at once.
What the Ohio Database Tracks:
- Outstanding loans - If you have an active payday loan, no other lender can approve a new loan
- Loan count per 365 days - Tracks how many payday loans you've taken in the past year (max 4)
- Repayment status - When you repay a loan, lender reports it to database within 1 business day
- Extended payment plans - If you request the free 60-day EPP, it's recorded in the database
- Lender compliance - DCCA uses database to audit lenders and identify violations
β οΈ Warning: Unlicensed Lenders Don't Use the Database
Some online lenders claim to offer Ohio payday loans without checking the state database. These lenders are operating illegally in Ohio and are not bound by the $1,000 cap, fee limits, or 4-loan limit. Borrowing from unlicensed lenders can result in predatory terms (400-800% APR) and you have no legal protection under Ohio law. Always verify your lender's license at com.ohio.gov before applying.
Ohio's Free 60-Day Extended Payment Plan
If you cannot repay your payday loan on the due date, Ohio law requires lenders to offer a free 60-day Extended Payment Plan (EPP) with no additional fees or interest. This is similar to Florida's grace period but longer (60 days vs Florida's 60 days after credit counseling).
How to Request the Ohio EPP:
- 1. Request at least 1 day before due date - You must ask for the EPP before your loan is due (not on the due date)
- 2. Lender must approve - By law, they cannot refuse if you request on time
- 3. No additional fees - The EPP is completely free; no interest accrues during the 60 days
- 4. Repay within 60 days - You have 60 days to repay the original amount plus original fees (no new charges)
- 5. EPP recorded in database - The database tracks EPP usage, but it does not count as a new loan
| Scenario | Original Cost | With Ohio EPP (60 days) | With TX Rollover (4Γ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 loan, 31 days | $1,098 (one-time fee) | $1,098 total (no extra fees) | $1,600+ (4 rollover fees) |
The Ohio EPP is a powerful consumer protection that prevents debt spirals. Unlike Texas (where rollovers cost $150 each time), Ohio's EPP is completely free. If you think you'll need more time to repay, request the EPP at least 1 day before your due date.
Frequently Asked Questions - Ohio Payday Loans
What is the maximum payday loan amount in Ohio?
Ohio law caps payday loans at $1,000 per loan. This limit has been in place since 2008 when Ohio reformed its payday lending laws. While $1,000 is higher than California ($300) and Florida ($500), Ohio enforces strict database tracking to prevent borrowers from exceeding the $1,000 cap across multiple lenders. The limit applies to short-term loans (under 91 days) regulated under the Short-Term Loan Act.
How much does a payday loan cost in Ohio?
Ohio payday loans typically cost 10-15% of the loan amount in fees. For a $1,000 loan for 14 days, you would pay $100-150 in fees, making the total repayment $1,100-1,150. This translates to an APR of 260-391% for a two-week loan. Ohio law limits finance charges to 28% APR plus a monthly fee not exceeding 10% of the first $500 plus 5% of amounts over $500. The DCCA (Division of Consumer Finance) enforces these caps strictly.
Does Ohio regulate payday lenders?
Yes, Ohio payday lenders are regulated by the DCCA (Division of Consumer Finance), part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. All payday lenders must be licensed under the Short-Term Loan Act (Chapter 1321 of the Ohio Revised Code). The DCCA conducts regular examinations of licensed lenders, investigates consumer complaints, and can suspend or revoke licenses for violations. Ohio also participates in a statewide database that tracks all payday loans to enforce the 4-loan annual limit and prevent borrowers from exceeding the $1,000 cap.
How many payday loans can I have in Ohio?
Ohio law limits borrowers to a maximum of 4 payday loans per year (365-day period). This is enforced through a statewide database that tracks all payday loans in real-time. Once you have taken out 4 loans, you must wait until the 365-day period expires before obtaining another payday loan. You can only have one outstanding payday loan at a time - the database prevents lenders from approving a second loan until your first loan is fully repaid. This "cooling-off" system is designed to prevent debt cycles.
What is the minimum loan term in Ohio?
Ohio requires a minimum loan term of 31 days (about 1 month) for payday loans. This is longer than most states, where 14-day loans are common. The 31-day minimum was implemented in 2008 to prevent extremely short-term debt cycles. Maximum loan term is 91 days (about 3 months) - loans longer than 91 days are regulated as installment loans under different rules. The longer minimum term gives borrowers more time to repay, reducing the risk of rollover fees.
Can payday loans be rolled over in Ohio?
No, Ohio law prohibits payday loan rollovers, renewals, and refinancing. Once you take out a payday loan, you must fully repay it before obtaining another loan. The statewide database enforces this rule by preventing lenders from approving a new loan if you have an outstanding loan. If you cannot repay on the due date, Ohio law requires lenders to offer a free 60-day extended payment plan (EPP) with no additional fees. You must request the EPP at least 1 day before your loan is due.
Do Ohio payday lenders check credit?
Most Ohio payday lenders do not perform traditional credit checks with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. However, all lenders must check the Ohio Short-Term Lender Database before approving a loan to verify you do not have an outstanding payday loan and have not exceeded the 4-loan annual limit. Some lenders may use alternative credit checks (Clarity Services, Teletrack) to verify your identity and banking information. Your payday loan activity is reported to the state database but typically not to major credit bureaus unless the loan goes to collections.
How do I file a complaint against an Ohio payday lender?
File complaints with the Ohio Division of Consumer Finance (DCCA) by calling 1-866-278-0003 or visiting com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/division-of-financial-institutions. You can also file online complaints. The DCCA investigates complaints about unlicensed lenders, excessive fees, unauthorized withdrawals, harassment, and violations of the 4-loan limit. You can also contact the Ohio Attorney General Consumer Protection Section at 1-800-282-0515. Keep all loan documents, receipts, and bank statements when filing a complaint.
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Get Started (DCCA Licensed)Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Ohio payday loan regulations are current as of January 2026. All lenders mentioned are licensed by the Ohio Division of Consumer Finance (DCCA). Verify license status at com.ohio.gov before applying.
Responsible Lending: Payday loans are expensive (235-391% APR) and should only be used for short-term emergencies. Borrow only what you can afford to repay on your next payday. Consider alternatives like credit union loans, cash advance apps, or installment loans before taking a payday loan.
Author: Rostislav Sikora is an AI Orchestrator and Loan Specialist with expertise in consumer finance regulations and payday lending compliance.