Economic Justice

AKPIRG is the only consumer advocacy non-profit organization in the state of Alaska.

Payday Lending

Taking out a loan can be a big, and often necessary, decision. Some loans are better than others, however, and it’s important to take out loans which can be repaid. In Alaska we have loans, called payday loans, with sky-high interest rates which are designed to trap individuals in a cycle of debt that makes it impossible to repay.

  • Payday Loans are payments in which the lender repays itself directly from the borrower’s bank account on the borrower’s payday. These are typically due in one lump sum.

  • Payday loans are a deliberate debt trap that lock the borrower into long‐term debt because they cannot afford to repay the high‐cost loan. In Alaska, the annual interest rate is 521% for a $100, 14-day loan.

House Bill 145, sponsored by Representative Stanley Wright, would protect Alaskans from high-interest loans by capping interest rates for small dollar loans at 36%. 

Join us in urging lawmakers to support this common sense legislation.

Consumer Advocacy

AKPIRG serves as the only consumer advocacy non-profit in the State of Alaska. Through policy reform & consumer education, we are working to make Alaska a safe and affordable place for consumers.

AKPIRG provides resources and assistance to Alaskans navigating various types of debt (credit, medical, etc.), dealing with debt collectors, and more!

Do you have a consumer issue you need help with? Contact AKPIRG at info@akpirg.org.

Debt Collection

Know Your Rights

When debt collectors call, it can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to navigate repaying debts in a way that is financially sustainable and works for both the consumer and the collector. Often, this can be a result of debt collectors violating the law in how they approach a repayment plan, or a lack of information given to the consumer about how to best go about repayment.

In addition to advocating for clearer laws that result in financial health for communities and individuals, we have created educational materials to help individuals navigate the debt collection process. For more information, contact AKPIRG at info@akpirg.org.