Personal loans in Bainbridge Island, WA
With about 24,254 residents, Bainbridge Island ranks 46th by population among the 281 Census places in Washington. Its population fell about 2.3% between the 2020 Census base and the 2023 estimate. If you are shopping for a personal loan in Bainbridge Island, the rules that govern the loan are Washington's statewide consumer-lending statutes, and the nearest larger metro is Seattle, WA about 7 miles away.
What is specific to borrowing in Bainbridge Island
- Population: 24,254 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate) — the 46th-largest place of 281 in Washington.
- Population trend: Its population fell about 2.3% between the 2020 Census base and the 2023 estimate.
- Size percentile: larger than about 84% of the Census places in Washington.
- Location: 47.6425, -122.5078 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Seattle (7 mi); Shoreline (11 mi); Bremerton (12 mi); Burien (14 mi); Edmonds (14 mi). Larger metros often have more walk-in branches, but online lenders serve Bainbridge Island on the same terms.
- Nearest smaller towns: Port Orchard (9 mi); Poulsbo (9 mi); Woodway (11 mi).
Washington lending rules that apply in Bainbridge Island
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum, or four points above the Federal Reserve bill rate, whichever is higher (RCW 19.52.020) Source says: any rate of interest shall be legal so long as the rate of interest does not exceed the higher of: (a) Twelve percent per annum | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Licensed; small loans capped at $700 or 30% of monthly income, max 45 days, fees 15% on first $500 and 10% above (RCW 31.45) Source says: Payday lenders must be licensed by DFI — including online lenders that do business with Washington residents. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Loan Company license required (Consumer Loan Act, RCW 31.04.035) Source says: No person may engage in any activity subject to this chapter without first obtaining and maintaining a license in accordance with this chapter. | Washington State Legislature (RCW) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Source says: DFI licenses and regulates financial institutions and service providers in Washington. | Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
How a personal loan works in Bainbridge Island
Most loans offered to Bainbridge Island residents are unsecured, meaning no collateral is pledged and the lender relies on your credit history instead. That is why the quoted APR moves so much with your credit score: a borrower with excellent credit may see a single-digit APR, while a borrower with damaged credit may see rates in the high twenties or thirties. Checking your credit report before you apply — and disputing any error — is the highest-leverage step you can take.
Before you apply in Bainbridge Island
- Pull your free credit reports and dispute any error — it is the cheapest way to improve the rate you are offered.
- Run the numbers with our personal loan calculator so you know the payment before a lender tells you.
- Pre-qualify with at least three lenders and compare the APR, not the interest rate.
- Check the lender is licensed in Washington using the regulator listed above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Bainbridge Island?
How much can I borrow with a personal loan in Bainbridge Island?
Does a personal loan in Bainbridge Island require collateral?
Will shopping for a loan in Bainbridge Island hurt my credit?
Nearby places
- Seattle, WA — population 755,078
- Port Orchard, WA — population 17,950
- Poulsbo, WA — population 12,171
- Woodway, WA — population 1,304
- Shoreline, WA — population 61,353
- Edmonds, WA — population 42,701
- Bremerton, WA — population 45,450
- Burien, WA — population 50,730