Payday loans are legal in Maine. See the limits, the real cost and your rights, then compare licensed lenders online or near you.
Maine Payday Loan Regulations
Here's what fees you can expect when obtaining online payday loans in Maine:
| Payday lending status in Maine: | Legal |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan amount of a payday loan in Maine: | $2,000 (supervised lenders) |
| Maximum Interest Rate (APR): | 30% APR cap (plus fixed-dollar fee caps of $5/$15/$25 depending on loan size) |
| Minimum payday loans term in Maine (ME): | 7 days |
| Maximum loan term: | 31 days |
| Number of rollovers allowed: | Limited |
| Number of outstanding loans allowed: | One at a time |
| Cooling-off period: | 10 days |
| Finance charges: | Capped per supervised lender statute |
| Criminal action: | Prohibited |
| State Regulator: | Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection |
Table Data Updated: May 2026.
Above you can see what fees you can expect when obtaining online payday loans in Maine.
Compare Payday Lenders in Maine
Payday Loans & Cash Advance In Maine Near Me From Direct Lenders
Search 11 payday loan locations in Maine by city or ZIP, or use your location to see the nearest first.
Biggest Cities for Payday Loans in Maine
View All Cities →Are Payday Loans Legal in Maine?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Maine and regulated by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. The limits in the table above come from state law, so check them before you borrow.
Always check the license
Before you apply, confirm the lender is licensed in Maine on the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection website. Ask for the total amount you will repay and the due date in writing.
Who Can Get a Payday Loan in Maine?
Requirements differ by lender. Most ask for:
- Legal age to sign a contract in Maine (18 in most states)
- A valid government-issued ID
- A regular source of income, such as wages or benefits
- An active checking account in your name
- A phone number and email address
Some lenders look beyond the credit score, but they will check your income and bank account. In Maine the state limits above apply no matter what a lender offers.
How to Apply for a Payday Loan in Maine
Applying takes four steps: choose an amount within the Maine limit, compare licensed lenders, read the full cost and due date, and sign only if you can repay on your next payday. Keep the agreement after you sign.
Common Reasons People Borrow in Maine
- Car repairs and getting to work
- Unexpected medical or dental bills
- Rent, utilities and other housing costs
- Groceries and basic living expenses
- Childcare costs
- Covering an income delay or avoiding overdraft fees
A payday loan is meant for a short gap, not for a regular shortfall. If the same bills come back every month, look at the cheaper options below first.
Why Use MaybeLoan in Maine
MaybeLoan is a free comparison service, not a lender. We show you lenders licensed in Maine, and you choose. We are paid by lenders when you apply through our links, which does not cost you anything. Whatever you pick, read the total cost and the due date first and confirm the license with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
How Maine Compares With Neighboring States
Payday lending rules change at the state line, and a loan follows the law of the state where you live. Here is how the states around Maine treat payday loans:
| State | Payday loans |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Not allowed: 36% APR Cap |
Online vs In-Store Payday Loans in Maine
| Feature | Online | In-store |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Online form | Visit the store |
| Receiving the money | Bank deposit, timing set by the lender | Cash or check at the counter |
| When you can apply | Any time | Store hours only |
| Paperwork | Digital documents | Printed forms, ID in person |
| Questions | Chat, phone or email | Face to face with staff |
Online lenders need to be licensed in Maine just like storefronts. A lender that says it does not need a license is a red flag.
Payday loans are expensive. State data for Maine: 30% APR cap (plus fixed-dollar fee caps of $5/$15/$25 depending on loan size). Borrow only what you can repay from your next paycheck.
Cheaper Options Before a Payday Loan in Maine
- Talk to the people you owe. A payment plan on a bill is usually free.
- Credit unions. PALs from federal credit unions come with a capped rate, and membership in Maine is often easy.
- Employer help. Some employers offer paycheck advances or earned wage access.
- Community help. 211 and county services can cover rent, utilities and food.
- Licensed small loans. Compare the total cost before you accept.
Who to Contact About a Lender in Maine
Report a problem to the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
Sources: NCSL. Data last checked: 2026-05. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payday Loans in Maine
