Personal loans in McGrath, AK
McGrath is a small community in Alaska, home to roughly 287 people and larger than about 42% of the places in the state. Its population fell about 4.3% between the 2020 Census base and the 2023 estimate. Personal loans taken out in McGrath are governed by Alaska's lending law rather than by any local ordinance, which is why two neighbors with different credit histories can be quoted very different rates.
What is specific to borrowing in McGrath
- Population: 287 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate) — the 87th-largest place of 149 in Alaska.
- Population trend: Its population fell about 4.3% between the 2020 Census base and the 2023 estimate.
- Size percentile: larger than about 42% of the Census places in Alaska.
- Location: 62.9406, -155.5664 (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest smaller towns: Nikolai (38 mi).
Alaska lending rules that apply in McGrath
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10.5% per annum default; by contract, the greater of 10% or 5 percentage points above the 12th Federal Reserve District advance rate (loans over $25,000 exempt) Source says: "The rate of interest in the state is 10.5 percent a year and no more on money after it is due"; "more than the greater of 10 percent or five percentage points above the annual rate charged member banks for advances by the 12th Federal Reserve District". | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes § 45.45.010 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Permitted — licensed deferred deposit advances; max $500 outstanding per borrower; origination fee ≤$5; fee ≤$15 per $100 or 15%; minimum 14-day term Source says: "may not make advances to an advance recipient that exceed $500 outstanding in advances to the recipient at one time"; "a fee that does not exceed $15 for each $100 of an advance, or 15 percent of the total amount of the advance". | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes §§ 06.50.410, 06.50.460 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | License required from the department to make loans of $25,000 or less at above-legal rates; $25,000 liquid assets and $25,000 bond required Source says: "without first obtaining a license from the department"; "liquid assets of at least $25,000". | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes §§ 06.20.010, 06.20.040 as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (Division of Banking and Securities) Source says: "department means the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development". The Division of Banking and Securities (commerce.alaska.gov/web/dbs) administers the department's lending license programs. | Alaska Legislature — Alaska Statutes § 06.50.900(5) as of 2026-09-16 |
How a personal loan works in McGrath
When you apply for a personal loan in McGrath, most lenders start with pre-qualification, which uses a soft credit pull and does not affect your score. That lets you see estimated rates from several lenders before committing. Only when you accept an offer and complete a full application does the lender run a hard inquiry, which may ding your score by a few points for a short period. Rate-shopping within a focused window is treated as a single inquiry by most scoring models.
Before you apply in McGrath
- 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 Alaska 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
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Will shopping for a loan in McGrath hurt my credit?
Nearby places
- Nikolai, AK — population 85
- Ruby, AK — population 134
- Galena, AK — population 457
- Huslia, AK — population 293
- Koyukuk, AK — population 94
- Nondalton, AK — population 118
- Nulato, AK — population 226
- Newhalen, AK — population 150