Personalloaner

District of Columbia lending rules

Personalloaner covers 1 Census places in District of Columbia, which together hold an estimated 678,972 people. Licensed lenders set personal-loan terms here under District of Columbia law, and the sourced rules below reach every borrower in the state.

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

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How we get paid: if you apply through the link above, a lending partner may send us a referral fee. It never changes the rate you are offered or what we publish. We are not a lender and we do not process applications. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Full disclosure.

Key rules for borrowers in District of Columbia

RuleDetailSource
Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) 24% per annum (exemptions apply, including certain loans over $2,500 and mortgage-secured loans)
Source says: "may contract therein for the payment of interest on the principal amount thereof at a rate not exceeding 24% per annum".		 Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 28-3301
as of 2026-09-16
Payday lending status Not permitted — check cashers may not advance money on post-dated checks; the 24% usury ceiling applies to loans
Source says: "No licensee shall at any time cash or advance any monies on a post dated check".		 Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 26-319
as of 2026-09-16
Small-loan / installment lender licensing Money lender license required to lend at more than 6% per annum; $500 annual license tax; issued as a financial services endorsement
Source says: "loaning money upon which a rate of interest greater than 6% per annum is charged on any security of any kind"; "without procuring license".		 Council of the District of Columbia — D.C. Code § 26-901
as of 2026-09-16
State lending regulator District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)
Source says: "DISB regulates the following financial services entities"; including "check cashers, money transmitters, consumer sales finance companies, money lenders".		 District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
as of 2026-09-16

Places we cover in District of Columbia

The Census Bureau counts 1 places in District of Columbia, and the largest are linked below.

Compare personal loan offers Run the numbers first

How we get paid: if you apply through the link above, a lending partner may send us a referral fee. It never changes the rate you are offered or what we publish. We are not a lender and we do not process applications. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Full disclosure.

Common questions

How high can interest rates legally go in District of Columbia?
The answer turns on the product and on which statute applies to it. This page's table sets out District of Columbia's usury cap and licensing rules, and each row carries its publisher and a link to the primary source.
What is District of Columbia's position on payday lending?
Each state handles payday lending on its own: some permit it, some cap it, some prohibit it. The sourced row on this page gives District of Columbia's current position.
How do I know a lender is licensed in District of Columbia?
Consumer lenders generally need a licence issued by the state regulator identified on this page. Verify that licence with the regulator before you commit to anything.

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