Had some debt issues and needed money to get by. Came to the store, and true to the advertisement, they accepted my application. Got an offer and the money that comes with it.
Ran into some issues after applying in-store. Called customer service, and Jack took care of everything! Great stuff!
Had an emergency, and needed money for treatment. The staff was understanding and helped me get the money quickly. A special thank you to Robin! You’re awesome!
It’s my third visit to the Waukesha store. Needed a $400 payday loan, and got it on the same day with no issues.
Cash Loans Bear provides short-term loan options to residents of Waukesha. A low FICO score may not prevent you from qualifying. We aim to process applications quickly, provide fast decisions, and help you access funds if approved.
You can explore loan options that fit your needs, with competitive terms and a straightforward process. Our staff at 347 W Broadway is available to answer your questions and guide you through each step.
Local public borrowing shows up in household bills. The City of Waukesha’s current water rates took effect October 1, 2024, and the city’s audit links higher utility revenue to debt payments on the Lake Michigan water project.1 The city tax rate also rose from $8.88 to $9.22 per $1,000 of property value between the 2024 and 2025 budgets.1
$559.2M
City of Waukesha bonds and notes outstanding, end of 20241
$137M
Federal EPA (WIFIA) loan for the Lake Michigan water supply, amended in 20252
$101.6M
Waukesha County general obligation debt outstanding at December 31, 20253
599.51%
Average APR on Wisconsin payday loans made in 20254
Aaa / AAA
Waukesha County bond ratings from Moody’s and Fitch, May 20255
On the county side, the general tax rate is set to drop from $1.35 to $1.27 per $1,000 of property value in the 2026 budget.3
We may offer loan amounts ranging from $100 to $5,000, depending on the loan type and your eligibility. These limits are guided by regulations from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Not every applicant qualifies for the maximum, and your approved loan size will depend on your income, credit profile, and our underwriting. For payday loans, Wisconsin law doesn’t let you borrow more than $1,500 or 35% of your gross monthly income, whichever is less.4 For example, if you earn $3,000 a month before taxes, your payday limit is $1,050.
If you apply before 10 AM on a business day, you can get same-day funding. Otherwise, expect to get the money on the next business day.
If you take a payday loan in Waukesha, statewide rules apply. Wisconsin treats a consumer loan as a payday loan when its term is 90 days or less and it’s repaid through a check the lender holds or a delayed electronic transfer (see the DFI payday lender page). Installment loans with longer terms follow different rules and aren’t included in the payday figures below.
| Rule | What the law says |
|---|---|
| Maximum amount | $1,500 or 35% of your gross monthly income, whichever is less4 |
| Rate cap before the due date | None4 |
| Rate after the due date | 2.75% per month on the unpaid balance4 |
| If you can’t repay on time | The lender must offer 4 equal installments on your next 4 paydays, once every 12 months4 |
| Paying off one payday loan with another | Allowed only once4 |
| Paying early | You get a partial refund of the finance charge4 |
| Returned check or denied transfer | Up to a $15 fee4 |
| Changing your mind | Return the money by close of the next business day, with no fee4 |
| Wage garnishment or threats of criminal charges | Not allowed4 |
| Licensing | Lenders need a DFI license for each location, including online lenders; applications go through NMLS (DFI) |
599.51% is Wisconsin’s 2025 statewide payday average, not a rate quoted by lenders on this site.
Source: Wisconsin DFI, Wisconsin Guide to Payday Loans, January 2026.4
| Statewide indicator (loans reported to DFI) | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Average APR | 599.51%4 |
| Customers who defaulted | 0.00%4 |
| Customers whose check or transfer was returned for insufficient funds | 6.25%4 |
| Customers moved to a repayment plan | 6.25%4 |
Apply online in just a few minutes.
Submit your application and receive a quick decision.
Get funds sent directly to your debit card or bank account.
Additional documents may be required.
For more information about identification and lending requirements, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
FICO-friendly approach and soft credit checks
Quick approval decisions
Same-day funding options
Stellar customer support
Yes! When assessing eligibility, we pay attention to income and the ability to repay. Other factors may influence our decision, but you can still get approved even with bad credit.
If you’re looking for something else, you can try getting a small personal loan or a line of credit. Wisconsin’s financial regulator also suggests asking your employer for a salary advance, using a credit card cash advance, or checking with a relative, friend, religious group, or social service agency.4 You can also try cash advance apps or even reach out to credit unions, like Post Community Credit Union. But keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a membership fee to borrow from credit unions.
The lender that made your loan must offer you a repayment plan: your balance is split into 4 equal payments due on your next 4 paydays, and interest after the due date drops to 2.75% per month.4 You can get this offer once in any 12-month period. The lender can charge up to $15 for a returned payment and can take you to small claims court, but it can’t garnish your wages or threaten criminal charges.4
Yes. In Wisconsin, you can cancel by returning the loan money before the lender closes on the next business day, and the lender can’t charge a fee for it.4 If the lender is open 24 hours, the deadline is 5 p.m. on the next business day.
City of Waukesha
2024 Financial Statements and Supplementary Information — city debt and tax rate. July 2025.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Great Lakes Water Supply Project WIFIA Fact Sheet (Post-Closing Amendment) — federal water loan. June 2025.
Waukesha County
A Brief Guide to the 2026 Waukesha County Adopted Budget — county debt and tax rate. December 2025.
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Wisconsin Guide to Payday Loans (Form LFS001P) — payday rules and costs. January 2026.
Waukesha County
Preliminary Official Statement, General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2025A — county credit ratings. May 2025.
