- Payday loans in Carson 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.
- The nearest larger city is Torrance, about 6 miles away.
Carson at a glance
| Carson | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 91,358 |
| Change since 2020 | -4.3% (shrinking) |
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 87th |
| Nearest larger city | Torrance (about 6 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Los Angeles County | 78 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 79 (about 9,081,832 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Carson payday law: California rules apply here, and any lender serving Carson residents, online or in person, needs a license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions near Carson
No credit union has its main office in Carson, but these are based elsewhere in Los Angeles County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Pasadena Federal Credit Union in Monrovia (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Olive View Employees Federal Credit Union in Sylmar (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union in Los Angeles (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Rancho Federal Credit Union in Downey (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Los Angeles Federal Credit Union in Glendale (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
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 Carson
In short, California rules that cover Carson include: 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. See the full California payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Carson
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 Los Angeles County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Carson residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Los Angeles 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 Carson
- Compton · 4 mi
- Gardena · 5 mi
- Lomita · 5 mi
- Signal Hill · 5 mi
- Torrance · 6 mi
- Rolling Hills Estates · 6 mi
The nearest larger city is Torrance, about 6 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 Carson?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Carson 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 Carson?
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.
Where is the nearest credit union to Carson?
No credit union is headquartered in Carson, but Pasadena Federal Credit Union is based in Monrovia, also in Los Angeles 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)
- 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