Wisconsin’s payday-loan law generally applies to loans of 90 days or less when the lender holds postdated checks or schedules a future electronic transfer. A high-rate loan with a longer term may instead fall under the state’s loan-company law, which has different protections. Check duration and payment authorization before assuming which rules apply.
For covered payday loans, Wisconsin limits the amount owed to the same lender to $1,500 or 35% of gross monthly income, whichever is less. The lender must verify eligibility and keep its own database. Wisconsin also provides a 24-hour cooling-off period and, in some cases, a four-payment plan after default. Ask for the balance calculation and whether a plan was offered in the previous 12 months.
Wisconsin DFI licenses payday lenders and accepts complaints about licensed nonbank financial providers. Verify the company in the state license search. The Department says payday lenders may not garnish wages or threaten criminal action on a covered payday loan, though they may sue for a judgment. Keep the contract and collection messages and contact DFI about suspected violations.
Official reference: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions — Licensed Financial Services FAQ. Checked November 11, 2026.