State lending rules

Michigan lending rules

Michigan is covered on Loancalculated with 533 city and town pages. Personal-loan terms in Michigan are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.

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

Key rules for borrowers in Michigan

RuleDetailSource
Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) 7% per annum maximum by written agreement; 5% legal rate (MCL 438.31)
Source says: "it shall be lawful for the parties to stipulate in writing for the payment of any rate of interest, not exceeding 7% per annum"
Michigan Legislature
as of 2026-09-16
Payday lending status Legal and licensed — deferred presentment service transactions (2005 PA 244; MCL 487.2121 et seq.), licensed and regulated by DIFS
Source says: "AN ACT to regulate the business of providing deferred presentment service transactions; to require the licensing of providers of deferred presentment service transactions"
Michigan Legislature
as of 2026-09-16
Small-loan / installment lender licensing License required from the commissioner to make regulated loans (Regulatory Loan Act, MCL 493.1 et seq.)
Source says: "a person shall not engage in the business of making loans of money ... without first obtaining a license from the commissioner"
Michigan Legislature
as of 2026-09-16
State lending regulator Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)
Source says: ""Department" means the department of insurance and financial services"
Michigan Legislature
as of 2026-09-16
Regulated lender interest/finance charge cap 25% per annum (Credit Reform Act, MCL 445.1854(1))
Source says: "may charge, collect, and receive any rate of interest or finance charge for an extension of credit not to exceed 25% per annum"
Michigan Legislature
as of 2026-09-16

Cities in Michigan

We cover 533 cities and towns in Michigan.

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The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants.

Advertising disclosure: Loancalculated may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. Read the full disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What interest rate can a lender charge in Michigan?
It depends on the product and the statute that governs it. The sourced table on this page lists Michigan's usury cap and the licensing rules, each with its publisher and a link to the primary source.
Are payday loans legal in Michigan?
Payday lending is regulated state by state; some states permit it, some cap it, and some prohibit it outright. See the sourced figure on this page for the current position.
Do I need a license to lend money in Michigan?
Most consumer lenders must be licensed by the state regulator named on this page. You can verify a lender's license with that regulator before you sign anything.

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