Crane Finance states: where it lends, and where the law pushes back
There's no official state list — and that's the point. Crane Finance lends from tribal land under tribal law and decides eligibility mid-application. This page explains the mechanism, the states with public action against it, and how to find out in two minutes whether you're in.
How Crane Finance decides where it lends
The loan is "made" in Keshena, WI
Legally you visit the Tribe's jurisdiction through the website. The Menominee Tribal Code governs the contract; state usury caps don't apply by the lender's reading.
Your state is checked at application
"The Tribe does not allow access or accept applications for this service from residents of all locations." If your address is excluded, the application stops there.
The list can change without notice
Crane Finance reserves the right to add or drop locations "from time to time without notice." Yesterday's affiliate state list may already be wrong.
States with documented action or limits
These are the only states where there's something official to point to. Everywhere else, the answer comes from the application itself.
Washington's Department of Financial Institutions lists Crane Lending, LLC as not licensed in the state, with sister lenders Fineday Funds, Elk Lending and Painted Horse Loans. Alert updated June 30, 2026.
Fin. Code §22304.5 caps loans $2,500–$9,999 at ~36% and under $2,500 at ~30%. A law firm is investigating Crane Finance loans to Californians; the lender says tribal law applies.
Knotts (2022) and Taylor (2025) v. Crane Lending in the Southern District of Indiana allege loans above Indiana's 72% criminal-usury line. Indiana borrowers are the proposed class.
Steffen v. Crane Lending (N.D. Ill., Jan 2024) under RICO. Illinois also caps consumer loans at 36% under the Predatory Loan Prevention Act.
New York treats loans above 25% as criminally usurious and its DFS has pursued tribal lenders; most tribal lenders exclude NY addresses at application.
AR, AZ, CO, CT, GA, MD, MA, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NC, PA, SD, VT, VA, WV and others cap small loans at or near 36%. Tribal lenders often exclude these.
Whatever happens with the loan, these states bar wage garnishment for consumer debt. Garnishment facts →
Crane Lending operates from the Menominee reservation at Keshena, WI 54135, under Tribal Code Chapter 22 and the Tribal Resolution Hotline 855-853-3869.
"Not licensed in my state" — so what?
What you lose
- Your state's interest-rate cap doesn't apply by the lender's reading — hence 300–700%+ reported APRs
- Your state regulator can warn, but generally can't fine or license-revoke a tribal entity
- Disputes go to tribal arbitration, not your local small-claims court
What you keep
- Federal rights: TILA disclosures, Regulation E (revoke ACH), FDCPA limits on third-party collectors, CFPB complaints
- Your bank is state/federally regulated — the lever that actually works
- Garnishment still requires a court judgment, and your state's garnishment limits still apply
- A "not licensed" finding in your state is a defense if you're ever sued there
Crane Finance states & availability — quick answers
What states does Crane Finance lend in?
Is Crane Finance licensed in my state?
Is Crane Finance legal in California?
Find out in two minutes — without committing
Start the application on cranefinance.com and enter your address. If the Tribe doesn't accept your state, the form stops before any credit pull or agreement. Completing the application "in no way guarantees approval" and signing nothing means owing nothing.
Sources: cranefinance.com footer disclosure (jurisdiction, availability) · dfi.wa.gov alert · Cal. Fin. Code §22304.5 · Knotts, Steffen, Taylor v. Crane Lending dockets · Illinois Predatory Loan Prevention Act · N.Y. Penal Law §190.40. State caps summarized; check current statutes. Checked October 15, 2026.