$100 - $100,000
CS: 0 • 5.96% - 35.99%
Best Loans in Alaska, Payday, Auto Title Laws of September 2026
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Loans By State •
Last Update: September 1, 2026
Best Loans in All States
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$100 - $40,000
CS: 0 • 5.99% - 35.99%
$100 - $100,000
CS: 0 • 5.96% - 35.99%
$100 - $20,000
CS: 0 • 5.99% - 35.99%
$100 - $5,000
CS: 0 • 5.99% - 35.99%
According to Alaska’s Small Loan Act, licensed lenders can offer loans upwards of $25,000. But when the amount is $850 or less, interest rates cannot exceed 3% per month. When the amount ranges from $851 to $10,000, additional interest cannot exceed 2% per month. For amounts greater than $10,000, lenders can charge whatever interest rate they want. The final terms here depend on the interest rate agreed upon by the issuer and the borrower.
In Alaska, interest rates are computed using the actuarial method, and lenders cannot split loans across spouses to charge higher interest.
Repayment terms are also regulated:
For loans ≤ $1,000, the maximum term is 24 ½ months:
- For loans > $1,000 but ≤ $2,500, the maximum term is 48 ½ months.
- For loans > $2,500 but ≤ $5,000, the maximum term is 60 ½ months.
- For loans > $5,000 to $25,000, the issuer and borrower determine the maximum term.
Best Bad Credit Loans in Alaska of September 2026
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If you have a problem getting a loan, please read our complete guide on bad credit loans.
Best Personal Loans for Good Credit in Alaska of September 2026
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Payday Loan Laws in Alaska of September 2026
Maximum Loan Amount: $500
Minimum Loan Term: 14 days
Maximum Loan Term: Not specified
Maximum Fee: 15% of the amount borrowed
Maximum APR: 435%
Rollovers: 1 after a 14-day ‘cooling-off period.’
Loan Limit: Borrowers are allowed 1 loan at a time
Payday loans are legal in Alaska, but they’re regulated under the Deferred Deposit Advances Act. The law limits borrowing amounts to $500 and limits terms to at least 14 days. However, non-sufficient funds fees are prohibited, and criminal actions against borrowers are prohibited as well.
To operate in Alaska, lenders must be licensed in the state. The law requires a separate license for each store or website the lender operates. Each license can cost upwards of $3,000.
As well, before processing a loan, payday lenders are required to disclose all material information – including terms, charges, and the APRs for all 14-day and 30-day loans per $100 borrowed.
Payday Loan Laws in Alaska by Country of September 2026
ElitePersonalFinance analysis of payday loan laws by countries in the State of Alaska.
We haven’t found a significant difference between the payday loan laws in Alaska. If you are with bad credit, here are the laws in Alaska by country.
| City: | Amount Allowed: | APR Allowed: | Status: |
|---|---|---|---|
| City:Anchorage | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Juneau | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Fairbanks | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Badger | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Knik-Fairview | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:College | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Tanaina | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Lakes | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Wasilla | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Sitka | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Ketchikan | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Kalifornsky | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Kenai | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Meadow Lakes | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Steele Creek | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Gateway | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Palmer | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Bethel | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Fishhook | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Kodiak | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Chena Ridge | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Homer | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Farmers Loop | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Sterling | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Unalaska | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Soldotna | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Nikiski | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Utqiagvik | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Goldstream | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Butte | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Valdez | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Nome | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Kotzebue | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Petersburg | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
| City:Cordova | Amount Allowed:$500 | APR Allowed:435% | Status:Legal |
Car Title Loans in Alaska of September 2026
Car title loans are a grey area in Alaska. The state doesn’t endorse or acknowledge the product legally, but it doesn’t ban it either. The Small Loan Act only requires lenders to abide by the interest rate figures we outlined above. However, it doesn’t say what type of loans are allowed or not allowed.
Here, car title loans are legal in many states, but Alaska is not on the list. However, if you conduct a quick Google search, you’ll find plenty of car title lenders in Alaska willing to offer you a loan. Despite the ambiguity, car title loans are risky, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) estimates that 20% of borrowers end up losing their car.
For this reason, and many others, we recommend you avoid them.
What if I Don’t Qualify for a Loan?
If you applied to the lenders above but aren’t lucky, there are other ways to bridge the financial gap. In today’s digital economy, you have access to several resources that can help you earn some extra money. You can work part-time as an Uber driver, fill out paid surveys or earn cash by freelancing online.
Alternative Payday Loans in Alaska of September 2026
If you don’t qualify for a personal loan, alternative payday loans are a solid fallback option. APRs range from 35.99% to roughly 200%, and while high, the out-of-pocket costs are still much less than traditional payday loans.
Take OppLoans, for example.
APRs range from 59% to 160%, but the lender is licensed in Alaska through its partner institution FinWise Bank. Regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), FinWise approves, underwrites, and provides funding for all loans granted in Alaska. However, OppLoans still services the loans.
On its website, OppLoans cites examples in Alaska where borrowing amounts range from $500 to $4,000 and come with APRs of 160%. As well, repayment terms range from 9 to 18 months.
For more information on the role of alternative lenders, see our detailed guide.
Best Auto Loans for Bad Credit in Alaska of September 2026
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Best Auto Loans for Good Credit in Alaska of September 2026
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Credit Unions in Alaska of September 2026
| Name: | APR: | Amount: |
|---|---|---|
| Name:Alaska USA Federal Credit Union | APR:13.5% – 18% | Amount:Varies |
| Name:Credit Union 1 | APR:9.99% – 18% | Amount:$20,000 |
| Name:Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union | APR:13.95% – 18% | Amount:$15,000 |
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
While amounts vary by borrower and credit score, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union has extremely affordable APRs. Its unsecured credit line has an APR of 13.5%, while its Signature loan – with repayment terms that range from 6 to 36 months – has an APR of 14.9%. As well, there are no prepayment penalties and no monthly fees.
To repay the balance, you need to make minimum monthly payments of $10 or 3% of the outstanding loan – whichever is greater.
As well, Alaska USA operates 3 branches across the state. It has locations in Bethel, Kodiak, and Ketchikan.
Credit Union 1
Credit Union 1 offers personal loans that range from $200 to $20,000 with APRs as low as 9.99%. If you opt for a secured loan, you can use your Credit Union 1 saving account as collateral and obtain an APR that’s equal to your savings rate plus 2% to 3%. However, if you secure your loan with a certificate of deposit (CD), your rate can be as low as the CD rate plus 2%.
Credit Union 1 also doesn’t limit the use of the funds. Whether it’s dental work, sporting equipment, musical instruments, or a vacation, personal loans can be used for nearly any activity.
The company operates 13 branches across Alaska, with Anchorage, Eagle River, Kodiak, Fairbanks, etc.
Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union
With Spirit of Alaska personal loans, you can borrow up to $15,000 and receive your funds in as little as one business day. APRs are as low as 13.95%, and repayment terms can reach upwards of 72 months. You can also opt for its secured loan option and obtain an APR as low as 9.75%. Secured loans also come with repayment terms of 84 months.
Spirit of Alaska operates 3 branches across Fairbanks.
All Licensed Credit Unions in Alaska of September 2026
| Name: | City: | Size (Millions): | Members: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name:ALASKA USA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Anchorage | Size (Millions):$4,686.88 | Members:438967 |
| Name:CREDIT UNION 1 | City:Anchorage | Size (Millions):$787.83 | Members:66136 |
| Name:DENALI ALASKAN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Anchorage | Size (Millions):$460.60 | Members:55083 |
| Name:MATANUSKA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Palmer | Size (Millions):$359.73 | Members:34275 |
| Name:MAC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Fairbanks | Size (Millions):$86.09 | Members:14111 |
| Name:TRUE NORTH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Juneau | Size (Millions):$112.72 | Members:10856 |
| Name:SPIRIT OF ALASKA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Fairbanks | Size (Millions):$125.64 | Members:10388 |
| Name:TONGASS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Ketchikan | Size (Millions):$58.59 | Members:6402 |
| Name:NORTHERN SKIES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Anchorage | Size (Millions):$59.26 | Members:6110 |
| Name:ALPS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Sitka | Size (Millions):$41.09 | Members:3016 |
| Name:ALASKA DIST ENGINEERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Anchorage | Size (Millions):$12.78 | Members:1035 |
| Name:CITY OF FAIRBANKS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | City:Fairbanks | Size (Millions):$2.31 | Members:435 |
Student Loans in Alaska of September 2026
Federal student loans – obtained through the U.S. Department of education – are the most common ways for students to pay for university. They’re attractive because they offer debt forgiveness, charge zero interest until you graduate, and allow you to repay the proceeds as a percentage of your income. For more information on the difference between public and private student loans, see our detailed guide.
Within Alaska, students also have access to grants and subsidy programs to help ease higher education costs.
Alaska Education Grant (AEG)
The AEG program provides financial assistance to students in need. The grant is funded through the Alaska Higher Education Investment Fund and is available to students who attend partner institutions within the state.
Grants range from $500 to $4,000 per academic year, and funding is given to students who need it most.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a resident of Alaska and a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
- Have graduated high school or obtained a GED.
- Attend one of the program’s partner institutions.
- Be taking classes half-time or more.
- Not have a previous bachelor’s degree.
- Meet academic progress requirements.
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)
For students who excel academically, the APS program offers three levels of funding:
- Level 1 awards up to $4,755 per year to students with a high school GPA of at least 3.5, plus an ACT of at least 25 or SAT of at least 1210 under a specified high school curriculum.
- Level 2 awards up to $3,566 per year to students with a high school GPA of at least 3.0, plus an ACT of at least 23 or SAT of at least 1130 under a specified high school curriculum.
- Level 3 awards up to $2,378 per year to students with a high school GPA of at least 2.5, plus an ACT of at least 21 or SAT of at least 1060 under a specified high school curriculum.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans in Alaska of September 2026
FHA loans are designed to help low and middle-income borrowers obtain the financing they need to purchase a home. Down payments are as low as 3.5%, which allows you to finance roughly 96.5% of your home’s value with a mortgage. To qualify, you need a FICO score of at least 580. However, if your score is less than 580, you can still qualify with a 10% down payment.
The property also has to be your primary residence. FHA loans are not permitted for rental or investment properties.
Depending on the size of the property and the area of residence, FHA loan limits vary across Alaska.
Here is a break down by community:
| County: | Single Unit Limit (lowest): | Four-Plex Limit (highest): |
|---|---|---|
| County:Aleutians East Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Aleutians West Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$385,250 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$740,850 |
| County:Anchorage Municipality | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$411,700 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$791,750 |
| County:Bethel Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Bristol Bay Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Denali Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Dillingham Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Fairbanks North Star Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Haines Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Hoonah-Angoon Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Juneau City And Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$455,400 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$875,750 |
| County:Kenai Peninsula Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Ketchikan Gateway Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$369,150 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$709,900 |
| County:Kodiak Island Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$408,250 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$785,100 |
| County:Lake And Peninsula Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Matanuska-Susitna Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$411,700 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$791,750 |
| County:Nome Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$391,000 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$751,900 |
| County:North Slope Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$332,350 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$639,150 |
| County:Northwest Arctic Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Petersburg Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$332,350 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$639,150 |
| County:Prince Of Wales-Hyder Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Sitka City And Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$486,450 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$935,500 |
| County:Skagway Municipality | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$415,150 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$798,350 |
| County:Southeast Fairbanks Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Valdez-Cordova Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
| County:Wrangell City And Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$332,350 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$639,150 |
| County:Yakutat City And Borough | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$420,900 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$809,450 |
| County:Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area | Single Unit Limit (lowest):$331,760 | Four-Plex Limit (highest):$638,100 |
Parsing the data, the lowest FHA loan amount is $314,827 within 15 boroughs and areas across Alaska, while the highest is $935,500 in Sitka City.
Business Loans in Alaska of September 2026
If you prefer to apply for a business loan online, the lenders below offer great service and extremely competitive APRs:
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However, if you’d rather speak to someone directly in Alaska, these lenders are a great place to start:
Alaska Growth Capital
Alaska Growth Capital is an alternative lender that provides business financing when traditional lenders say no. An eight-time SBA award winner, Alaska Growth aims to promote economic development and job creation within the state.
Loan amounts typically range from $500,000 to $10,000,000 and come with variable interest rates upwards of prime + 2.75%. Terms range from 7 to 25 years, and loans can be used for equipment financing, acquisitions, debt refinancing, and working capital.
Alaska Growth is located at 3900 C Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. You can also contact them directly at 1-907-339-6760.
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
We discussed their consumer loans earlier, but Alaska also offers affordable and reliable business financing. You can choose between unsecured or secured loan options, fixed and variable APRs based on the Wall Street Journal’s prime rate (5.5%) plus 0% to 6%. Adjustable-rate APRs are based on the mid-market swap rate (ISDA) plus 2% to 6%.
Alaska USA business loans offer:
- Cash, equipment, or securities loans of $2,500 and up.
- Inventory loans of $5,000 and up.
- Real estate loans of $50,000 and up.
- Unsecured loans ranging from $2,500 to $100,000.
Repayment terms also vary by loan type:
- Cash, inventory, and securities loans are typically 1 year.
- New equipment is 7 years, while old equipment is 5 years.
- Real estate is typically up to 15 years but can extend to 25 years.
- Aircraft is 15 years, while vessels are 10 years.
- Unsecured loans are top-out at 3 years.
As mentioned above, Alaska USA operates 3 locations across the state, located in Bethel, Kodiak, and Ketchikan.
Conclusion
Across Alaska, you can obtain reliable financing both online and at the local level. The state has plenty of lending options that can help keep your finances afloat when an emergency strikes. State lenders also earn points for being extremely transparent with their terms and APRs. In other parts of the country, lenders limit information, making it difficult to separate quality lenders from devious ones. The state legislature also deserves credit for not approving car title loans. While they don’t exactly outlaw the practice – considering lenders advertise and still operate – Alaska is part of a minority of U.S. states where the product isn’t explicitly legal. Similar to other states, though, Alaska’s payday loan laws are pretty lax. APRs are extremely high and can lead borrowers into a cycle of debt. From our perspective, we recommend you avoid payday loans and stick with personal loans. If you don’t qualify, try some of our money-making tips before settling for a payday loan.
