New Hampshire lending rules
New Hampshire has 13 Census places covered on Loansloth, with a combined estimated population of 439,796. Personal-loan terms in New Hampshire are set by licensed lenders under state law; the sourced rules below apply to every borrower in the state.
Key rules for borrowers in New Hampshire
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per year in business transactions absent a written agreement; consumer credit transactions excluded Source says: "The annual rate of interest in all business transactions in which interest is paid or secured, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, shall equal 10 percent." |
New Hampshire General Court (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal; annual percentage rate capped at 36% (RSA 399-A:17) Source says: "The annual percentage rate for payday loans shall not exceed 36 percent." |
New Hampshire General Court (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Small loan, payday, and title loan lenders must be licensed by the banking department (RSA 399-A:2) Source says: "No person shall engage in the business of a small loan lender in this state ... without first obtaining a license from the commissioner" |
New Hampshire General Court (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | New Hampshire Banking Department Source says: ""Department" means the banking department." |
New Hampshire General Court (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small loan APR cap (RSA 399-A:16) | Small loans other than payday or title loans: annual percentage rate capped at 36% Source says: "The annual percentage rate for small loans shall not exceed 36 percent." |
New Hampshire General Court (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
Cities in New Hampshire
We cover 13 Census places in New Hampshire.
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Frequently asked questions
What interest rate can a lender charge in New Hampshire?
It depends on the product and the statute that governs it. The sourced table on this page lists New Hampshire's usury cap and the licensing rules, each with its publisher and a link to the primary source.
Are payday loans legal in New Hampshire?
Payday lending is regulated state by state; some states permit it, some cap it, and some prohibit it outright. See the sourced figure on this page for the current position.
Do I need a license to lend money in New Hampshire?
Most consumer lenders must be licensed by the state regulator named on this page. You can verify a lender's license with that regulator before you sign anything.