Tribal loans in Texas: availability, state law, and better options
Texas is one of the most open markets for high-cost credit. Storefront payday and title loans are legal, the state does not cap the fees on them, and most tribal lenders accept Texas applicants.
Can you get a tribal loan in Texas?
Most of the tribal lenders we track accept applications from Texas 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 Texas's rate limits do not apply to them in the same way they apply to state-licensed lenders. See how Texas compares with every other state in our state guide.
Texas short-term lending law
In Texas, payday and auto title loans are usually arranged by credit access businesses licensed under Chapter 393 of the Texas Finance Code. The business brokers a loan from a third-party lender and charges its own fee, and state law does not cap those fees. That is why Texas payday loans often cost more than in neighboring states.
About 46 Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso, have adopted a unified local ordinance that adds limits inside city lines:
- A payday loan, including all charges, cannot exceed 20% of the borrower's gross monthly income.
- A loan payable in installments cannot have more than four installments, and each must repay at least 25% of the principal.
- No more than three rollovers or renewals.
- Credit access businesses must register with the city.
Summary of state law checked October 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm current rules with the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
Tribal loan vs a Texas-licensed loan
Because Texas does not cap credit access business fees, a state-licensed payday loan is not automatically cheaper than a tribal loan. The meaningful difference is protection: a Texas credit access business answers to the OCCC and to city ordinances, while a tribal lender says it answers to tribal law. A tribal installment loan of $1,000 at 400% APR over 6 months comes to $406 a month and $1,433 in interest.
Tribal lenders that may serve Texas
| 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 Texas
Texas credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans capped at 28% APR. Several Texas cities also fund emergency assistance through 211 Texas. Nonprofit credit counselors can negotiate payment plans with existing lenders.
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 Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC). For any lender, including tribal lenders, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Texas Attorney General's office.
Other state guides: Florida · California · Ohio · Missouri
Frequently asked questions
Tribal lenders accept Texas applicants and say tribal law governs their loans. Texas has not pushed tribal lenders out the way a few other states have.
Not on the fees charged by credit access businesses, which arrange most Texas payday loans. About 46 cities limit loan size and the number of installments and renewals.
Contact the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner for licensed lenders, or the CFPB for any lender, including tribal lenders.
Not necessarily, because Texas does not cap credit access business fees. Compare the total of payments for both, and check a credit union PAL first.
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