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Personal loans in Cle Elum, WA

Personal loans in Cle Elum, Washington work the same way they do across the state: you apply, a lender reviews your credit and income, and it prices the loan to the risk it sees. Cle Elum has about 2,211 residents and ranks 160th in Washington by population. Its population grew about 2.4% between the 2020 Census base and the 2023 estimate. The closest larger city is Ellensburg, WA about 23 miles away.

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

What is specific to borrowing in Cle Elum

Washington lending rules that apply in Cle Elum

RuleDetailSource
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 statusLicensed; 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 licensingConsumer 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 regulatorWashington 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 Cle Elum

In Cle Elum, as across Washington, the lender must disclose the loan's APR and finance charge before you sign, under the federal Truth in Lending Act. Use that disclosure: compare the APR, not the interest rate alone, because origination fees, and sometimes prepayment penalties, are folded into the APR. If a lender will not put the terms in writing, that is a reason to walk away.

Before you apply in Cle Elum

  1. Pull your free credit reports and dispute any error — it is the cheapest way to improve the rate you are offered.
  2. Run the numbers with our personal loan calculator so you know the payment before a lender tells you.
  3. Pre-qualify with at least three lenders and compare the APR, not the interest rate.
  4. Check the lender is licensed in Washington using the regulator listed above.
  5. Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.
Compare personal loan offers Run the numbers first

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get a personal loan with bad credit in Cle Elum?
Yes, but expect a higher APR and possibly a smaller amount. Lenders that serve borrowers with lower scores are licensed statewide, so your options in Cle Elum are the same as elsewhere in Washington.
How much can I borrow with a personal loan in Cle Elum?
Most personal loans range from about $1,000 to $50,000, but the amount you are approved for depends on the lender and your income and credit. Use our personal loan calculator to model the payment before you apply.
Does a personal loan in Cle Elum require collateral?
Unsecured personal loans do not require collateral. A secured loan, such as a home-equity or auto-secured loan, does — and it puts the pledged asset at risk if you default.
Will shopping for a loan in Cle Elum hurt my credit?
Pre-qualification usually uses a soft credit pull that does not affect your score. A full application triggers a hard inquiry, which may lower your score by a few points temporarily.

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