Tribal loans in Missouri: availability, state law, and better options
Missouri allows payday loans with some of the most permissive rules in the country, including up to six renewals. Most tribal lenders also accept Missouri applicants, so borrowers face high costs from both directions.
Can you get a tribal loan in Missouri?
Most of the tribal lenders we track accept applications from Missouri residents. Each lender keeps its own list of states, so confirm on the lender's site before you apply. Tribal lenders say tribal law governs their loans, which means Missouri's rate limits do not apply to them in the same way they apply to state-licensed lenders. See how Missouri compares with every other state in our state guide.
Missouri short-term lending law
Under Missouri law, payday loans:
- Cannot exceed $500, and a lender cannot have more than $500 outstanding to one borrower.
- Must run 14 to 31 days.
- Can be renewed up to six times, as long as each renewal after the first reduces the principal by at least 5% of the original amount.
- Cannot charge total interest and fees above 75% of the original loan across the loan and all renewals.
A 2014 bill that would have ended renewals and lowered the fee cap to 35% passed the legislature but was vetoed. Missouri Division of Finance data have shown average payday APRs above 400%.
Summary of state law checked October 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm current rules with the Missouri Division of Finance.
Tribal loan vs a Missouri-licensed loan
Missouri's 75% cap means a $500 payday loan can cost at most $375 in fees across all renewals. A $500 tribal installment loan at 400% APR over 6 months costs $717 in interest. The tribal loan lets you borrow more, but the state cap is the stronger protection for small amounts.
Tribal lenders that may serve Missouri
| Lender | Loan amount | APR | Term | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Green Loans | $200–$4,500 | About 199%–699% | 6–26 months | Installment | Lends in about 26 states; first-time limits are lower. Settled with Minnesota's Attorney General in September 2026 over rates near 700%. |
| Big Picture Loans | $200–$3,500 | About 250%–789% | 4–18 months | Installment | Published APR figures vary widely by source, loan size, and term. |
| Spotloan | $300–$800 | Up to 490% | Up to 10 months | Installment | Smallest maximum loan on this list. Some sources report a credit check at application. |
| MaxLend | $100–$3,750 | 471%–841% | Up to 9 months | Installment | Highest published APR range on this list. Does not lend to active-duty service members. |
| Uprova | $300–$5,000 | From 34.5% to over 700% | 9–36 months | Installment | Two products: a personal loan near 35% APR for stronger applicants and a tribal installment loan that can exceed 700% APR. |
| Mobiloans | $500–$3,000 limit | 73.7%–405% | Revolving | Line of credit | Charges a cash advance fee per $20 drawn plus a fixed finance charge each billing cycle. |
Figures are lender-published or reported by independent reviewers, checked October 12, 2026. Lenders change terms often, so confirm the APR and total cost in your loan agreement before you sign.
Lower-cost options in Missouri
Missouri credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans capped at 28% APR, and some offer their own small-dollar loans at similar rates. 211 Missouri connects residents with emergency assistance.
See every option in our alternatives to tribal loans section.
Where to get help or file a complaint
For a state-licensed lender, contact the Missouri Division of Finance. For any lender, including tribal lenders, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Missouri Attorney General's office.
Other state guides: Texas · Florida · California · Ohio
Frequently asked questions
Tribal lenders accept Missouri applicants and say tribal law governs their loans. Missouri's payday rules apply to state-licensed lenders.
Up to six times, with each renewal after the first reducing the principal by at least 5% of the original amount.
Total interest and fees cannot exceed 75% of the original loan across the loan and all renewals, so $375 on a $500 loan.
The Missouri Division of Finance handles licensed lenders. The CFPB accepts complaints about any lender.
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