State reference · DE
Delaware lending rules
Delaware has 57 Census places covered on Paydayloaning, with a combined estimated population of 292,301. Payday and small-loan terms in Delaware are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.
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The verdict
Permitted as 'short-term consumer loans' (≤$1,000, stated term under 60 days)
Source: Delaware General Assembly — 5 Del. C. §§ 2227, 2235A · as of 2026-09-16
- Licensing
- Licensed lender license required from the State Bank Commissioner
- Delaware General Assembly — 5 Del. C. § 2202
- Regulator
- Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC)
- Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner
Rules are quoted from the cited sources. How payday lending is regulated.
Key rules for borrowers in Delaware
Quoted from the statute, regulator or agency named in each row.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 5% over the Federal Reserve discount rate; no rate limit for loans over $100,000 (licensed lenders may set rates by agreement under 5 Del. C. § 2229) Source says: "interest at any rate agreed upon in writing not in excess of 5% over the Federal Reserve discount rate"; "there shall be no limitation on the rate of interest which may be legally charged for the loan or use of money". |
Delaware General Assembly — 6 Del. C. § 2301 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Permitted as 'short-term consumer loans' (≤$1,000, stated term under 60 days); max 5 per borrower per 12 months; max 4 rollovers Source says: "a short-term consumer loan that would cause the borrower to have more than 5 short-term consumer loans from all licensees in any 12-month period"; "No licensee shall make more than 4 rollovers of an existing short-term consumer loan". |
Delaware General Assembly — 5 Del. C. §§ 2227, 2235A as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Licensed lender license required from the State Bank Commissioner; making more than 5 loans in any 12-month period is deemed 'transacting the business of lending' Source says: "Every person desiring to transact the business of lending money in this State shall be required to obtain a license under this chapter". |
Delaware General Assembly — 5 Del. C. § 2202 as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC) Source says: "The Office of the State Bank Commissioner is responsible for regulating and examining State-chartered banks and trust companies and licensed financial services businesses". |
Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner as of 2026-09-16 |
| Title loans (5 Del. C. ch. 22, subch. V) | Title loans permitted: secured by motor vehicle title, original repayment period of 180 days or less; borrower has a right to rescind until the end of the next business day Source says: "“Title loan” means a loan made to one or more natural persons by a licensee and secured by the title to a motor vehicle". |
Delaware General Assembly — 5 Del. C. § 2250 as of 2026-09-16 |
Cities in Delaware
All Delaware citiesWe cover 57 Census places in Delaware.
Advertising disclosure: Paydayloaning 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. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.