- Payday loans in Birmingham follow Alabama law (Alabama Deferred Presentment Services Act).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $52.50 (17.5% fee).
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Birmingham; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Birmingham at a glance
| Birmingham | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 196,357 |
| Change since 2020 | -2% (shrinking) |
| Counties | Jefferson County and Shelby County |
| Size rank among 389 Alabama places we cover | 3rd |
| Share of Alabama’s population | 3.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Huntsville (about 81 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 7 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 24 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 46 (about 536,679 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 456% |
There is no separate Birmingham payday law: Alabama rules apply here, and any lender serving Birmingham residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Alabama State Banking Department.
Credit unions in Birmingham
These credit unions have their main office in Birmingham, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- S R I Employees Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Ang Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Sixth Avenue Baptist Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Acipco Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Legacy Community Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- America'S First Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Nrs Community Development Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Mutual Savings Credit Union (state charter)
Only federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans (PALs), capped at 28% APR; state-chartered credit unions often have their own small-loan products. Membership rules apply, and only main offices are listed here; find branches near you with the NCUA Credit Union Locator. See how PALs work.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Payday loan rules that apply in Birmingham
| Rule | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $500 outstanding in total (checked through a statewide database) |
| Maximum fee | 17.5% of the amount advanced |
| Loan term | 10 to 31 days |
| Renewals | One renewal; after that you can ask to repay in four monthly installments at no extra cost |
What a $300 loan costs in Birmingham
At Alabama’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $52.50 (17.5% fee). Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 456% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Jefferson County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Birmingham residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Jefferson County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Birmingham
- Mountain Brook · 4 mi
- Homewood · 5 mi
- Tarrant · 5 mi
- Vestavia Hills · 6 mi
- Fultondale · 6 mi
- Fairfield · 8 mi
The nearest larger city is Huntsville, about 81 miles away. See all 389 Alabama cities.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Birmingham?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Birmingham under Alabama state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Alabama State Banking Department.
How much does a payday loan cost in Birmingham?
At Alabama’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $52.50 (17.5% fee). The typical statewide APR was 456% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Birmingham?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Birmingham, including S R I Employees Federal Credit Union and Ang Federal Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
- NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
- NCLC — Consumer Credit Regulation: Alabama
- Lexology — Alabama establishes payday loan database
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary