- Payday loans in Columbia follow Alabama law (Alabama Deferred Presentment Services Act).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $52.50 (17.5% fee).
- The nearest larger city is Dothan, about 18 miles away.
Columbia at a glance
| Columbia | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 707 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.9% (growing) |
| County | Houston County |
| Size rank among 389 Alabama places we cover | 297th |
| Nearest larger city | Dothan (about 18 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Houston County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 17 (about 97,934 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 456% |
There is no separate Columbia payday law: Alabama rules apply here, and any lender serving Columbia residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Alabama State Banking Department.
Credit unions near Columbia
No credit union has its main office in Columbia, but these are based elsewhere in Houston County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Five Star Credit Union in Dothan (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Columbia
In short, Alabama rules that cover Columbia include: 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. See the full Alabama payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Columbia
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Alabama at 456% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $52.50 (17.5% fee). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Houston County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Columbia residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Houston 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 Columbia
The nearest larger city is Dothan, about 18 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 Columbia?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Columbia under Alabama state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Alabama State Banking Department.
How much does a payday loan cost in Columbia?
At Alabama’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $52.50 (17.5% fee). The typical statewide APR was 456% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Columbia?
No credit union is headquartered in Columbia, but Five Star Credit Union is based in Dothan, also in Houston County.
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