- Payday loans in Bakersfield follow California law (California Deferred Deposit Transaction Law).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 fee on a $300 check, so you receive $255.
- 5 credit unions are headquartered in Bakersfield; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Bakersfield at a glance
| Bakersfield | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 417,468 |
| Change since 2020 | +3% (growing) |
| County | Kern County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 9th |
| Share of California’s population | 1.1% |
| Nearest larger city | Los Angeles (about 99 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 5, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Kern County | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 4 (about 84,189 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Bakersfield payday law: California rules apply here, and any lender serving Bakersfield residents, online or in person, needs a license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions in Bakersfield
These credit unions have their main office in Bakersfield, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Bakersfield City Employees Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Strata Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Espeeco Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Safe 1 Credit Union (state charter)
- Valley Strong 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 Bakersfield
| Rule | California |
|---|---|
| Maximum check | $300 (so the most you can receive is $255) |
| Maximum fee | 15% of the check amount ($45 on $300) |
| Loan term | Up to 31 days |
| Rollovers | Not allowed |
What a $300 loan costs in Bakersfield
At California’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 fee on a $300 check, so you receive $255. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 460% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Kern County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Bakersfield residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Kern 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 Bakersfield
The nearest larger city is Los Angeles, about 99 miles away. See all 480 California 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 Bakersfield?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Bakersfield under California state law, and lenders must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
How much does a payday loan cost in Bakersfield?
At California’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 fee on a $300 check, so you receive $255. The typical statewide APR was 460% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Bakersfield?
Yes. NCUA data lists 5 credit unions with a main office in Bakersfield, including Bakersfield City Employees Federal Credit Union and Strata 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)
- California DFPI — Deferred Deposit Transaction Law report
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary