- Payday loans in Gadsden follow Alabama law (Alabama Deferred Presentment Services Act).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $52.50 (17.5% fee).
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Gadsden; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Gadsden at a glance
| Gadsden | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 33,086 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.3% (shrinking) |
| County | Etowah County |
| Size rank among 389 Alabama places we cover | 17th |
| Share of Alabama’s population | 0.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Birmingham (about 56 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Etowah County | 3 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 28 (about 116,116 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 456% |
Payday lending in Gadsden follows Alabama state law. Lenders that serve Gadsden, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Alabama State Banking Department.
Credit unions in Gadsden
These credit unions have their main office in Gadsden, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Emblem Credit Union (state charter)
- Winsouth 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Gadsden
The main Alabama rules for a payday loan in Gadsden: 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 Gadsden
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 Etowah County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Etowah County.
- Ask a federal credit union about a PAL: $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR (how PALs work).
- Check your bank app for a small-dollar loan or early pay (bank options).
- Try a cash advance app if you have direct deposit (apps compared).
Towns near Gadsden
The nearest larger city is Birmingham, about 56 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 Gadsden?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Gadsden under Alabama state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Alabama State Banking Department.
How much does a payday loan cost in Gadsden?
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 Gadsden?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Gadsden, including Emblem Credit Union and Winsouth Credit Union.
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