Payday loans are not available in Maryland. Here is what the law says, how to spot unlicensed lenders and what you can do instead.
Maryland effectively prohibits payday loans. The cap is 33% APR on the first $1,000 of a loan (2.75% a month) and 24% on amounts from $1,000 up to $2,000. Lenders offering payday loans online to Maryland residents deserve a hard look at their license.
Maryland Payday Loan Regulations
Here's what fees you can expect when obtaining online payday loans in Maryland:
| Payday lending status in Maryland: |
Prohibited |
| Reason |
33% APR cap on the first $1,000 of a loan (2.75%/month), 24% on amounts above $1,000 up to $2,000 - effectively prohibits payday lending |
| APR cap |
33% (loans under $1,000); 24% (portion $1,000-$2,000) |
| State Regulator |
Maryland Office of Financial Regulation
|
Table Data Updated: September 2026.
Above you can see what fees you can expect when obtaining online payday loans in Maryland.
Licensed Installment Lenders in Maryland
Payday Loans & Cash Advance In Maryland Near Me From Direct Lenders
ACE Cash Express
4.9★★★★☆(1276 reviews)
2329 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
Mariner Finance
4.7★★★★☆(1265 reviews)
8110 Corporate Dr, Nottingham, MD 21236, USA
ACE Cash Express
4.9★★★★☆(1010 reviews)
1600 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA
ACE Cash Express
5.0★★★★★(974 reviews)
3046 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
ACE Cash Express
4.9★★★★☆(950 reviews)
1251 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA
ACE Cash Express
4.9★★★★☆(823 reviews)
407 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
ACE Cash Express
4.9★★★★☆(772 reviews)
5416 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212, USA
ACE Cash Express
4.9★★★★☆(771 reviews)
3441 Clifton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216, USA
ACE Cash Express
4.9★★★★☆(623 reviews)
2012 West St C, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA
Bay Country Financial Services
4.2★★★★☆(623 reviews)
6619 Ritchie Hwy Suite 13, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, USA
No locations found for that city. Show all
Find Payday Loan Locations Near You in Maryland
Payday Loans Are Not Available in Maryland
Classic payday loans are not legally available in Maryland: 33% APR cap on the first $1,000 of a loan (2.75%/month), 24% on amounts above $1,000 up to $2,000 – effectively prohibits payday lending.
That protects borrowers from triple-digit rates, but it also means that a site or lender offering you a payday-style loan in Maryland deserves a hard look. Below you will find the rules, how to check a lender, and legal ways to get cash when you are short.
Why Use MaybeLoan in Maryland
- We are not a lender. We do not make loan decisions or charge you for using the site.
- We show legal options. The lenders listed on this page are licensed installment lenders, not payday lenders.
- You decide. Compare the total cost, the due date and the fees before you sign anything.
- How we are paid. Lenders may pay MaybeLoan when you apply through our links. That is how the service stays free for you.
Attention!
Be careful with online lenders that offer payday-style loans in Maryland. If a lender is not licensed in the state, you can report it to the regulator.
What You Can Do Instead in Maryland
Start with the options that cost the least:
- Ask your creditor or landlord for a payment plan before the due date.
- Check whether your employer offers a paycheck advance or earned wage access.
- Look at a credit union near you in Maryland: federal credit unions can offer Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) with a capped interest rate.
- Call 211 or your county for help with rent, utilities and food.
- Compare a small loan from a licensed lender by total cost, not by monthly payment.
Who to Contact About a Lender in Maryland
Report a problem to the Maryland Office of Financial Regulation.
Sources: Md. Com. Law 12-306, Maryland Office of Financial Regulation. Data last checked: 2026-09. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payday Loans in Maryland
No. Payday loans are not legally available in Maryland.
33% APR cap on the first $1,000 of a loan (2.75%/month), 24% on amounts above $1,000 up to $2,000 - effectively prohibits payday lending.
A lender charging above the legal rate limit is operating outside state law. Report suspected violations to the state regulator below.
Options include a payday alternative loan (PAL) from an NCUA credit union, a local credit union personal loan, a hardship plan from your utility or landlord, or a nonprofit credit counselor. This page does not link to payday-style offers for Maryland because the product is not legally available here.
The Maryland Office of Financial Regulation.
Not legally. Payday cash advances are not available in Maryland, online or in a store. A lender that offers one is not following state law. Use the legal options listed on this page instead.
Payday loans are not legally available in Maryland, with or without a credit check. An offer that says otherwise is not following state law. Check the lender with the Maryland Office of Financial Regulation before you share bank details.
A lender that makes loans to Maryland residents is expected to hold a Maryland license. If one says it does not need a license, contact the Maryland Office of Financial Regulation before you share bank details.
No. MaybeLoan is not a lender and does not make loan decisions. It is an online service that helps you find lenders and compare options.
No. Using MaybeLoan is free for borrowers. Lenders may pay MaybeLoan when you apply through our links, which is how the service stays free.
Ryan Abramson is an independent financial consultant with 20+ years in banking and consumer credit. He has held senior roles at two U.S. banks, advising clients on lending products, credit risk, and personal finance strategies. Ryan holds dual degrees in economics and finance. His writing on MaybeLoan focuses on helping borrowers understand loan terms, compare lenders, and make informed decisions under financial pressure.
