- Payday loans in Chowchilla 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 Madera, about 13 miles away.
Chowchilla at a glance
| Chowchilla | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 19,191 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.4% (growing) |
| County | Madera County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 304th |
| Nearest larger city | Madera (about 13 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 4 (about 179,350 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Chowchilla payday law: California rules apply here, and any lender serving Chowchilla residents, online or in person, needs a license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions near Chowchilla
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Chowchilla or Madera County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Chowchilla
In short, California rules that cover Chowchilla 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 Chowchilla
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in California at 460% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $45 fee on a $300 check, so you receive $255. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Madera County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Chowchilla residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Madera 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 Chowchilla
The nearest larger city is Madera, about 13 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 Chowchilla?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Chowchilla 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 Chowchilla?
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 Chowchilla?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Chowchilla or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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