- Payday loans in Mobile 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 Mobile; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Mobile at a glance
| Mobile | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 201,367 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.5% (shrinking) |
| County | Mobile County |
| Size rank among 389 Alabama places we cover | 2nd |
| Share of Alabama’s population | 3.9% |
| Nearest larger city | Huntsville (about 291 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Mobile County | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 13 (about 142,264 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 456% |
There is no separate Mobile payday law: Alabama rules apply here, and any lender serving Mobile residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Alabama State Banking Department.
Credit unions in Mobile
These credit unions have their main office in Mobile, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- University of South Alabama Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- the Infirmary Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- New Horizons Credit Union (state charter)
- Mobile Educators Credit Union (state charter)
- Mobile Government Emp. Credit Union (state charter)
- Mobile Postal Credit Union (state charter)
- Blue Flame 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Mobile
| 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 Mobile
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 Mobile County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Mobile residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Mobile 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 Mobile
The nearest larger city is Huntsville, about 291 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 Mobile?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Mobile under Alabama state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Alabama State Banking Department.
How much does a payday loan cost in Mobile?
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 Mobile?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Mobile, including Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union and University of South Alabama 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