- Payday loans in Desert Hot Springs 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 Cathedral, about 10 miles away.
Desert Hot Springs at a glance
| Desert Hot Springs | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 33,917 |
| Change since 2020 | +4.2% (growing) |
| County | Riverside County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 224th |
| Nearest larger city | Cathedral (about 10 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Riverside County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 9 (about 381,671 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Payday lending in Desert Hot Springs follows California state law. Lenders that serve Desert Hot Springs, in a store or online, must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions near Desert Hot Springs
No credit union has its main office in Desert Hot Springs, but these are based elsewhere in Riverside County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Novo Federal Credit Union in Norco (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Altura Federal Credit Union in Riverside (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Desert Hot Springs
The main California rules for a payday loan in Desert Hot Springs: 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 Desert Hot Springs
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 Riverside County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Riverside 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 Desert Hot Springs
- Cathedral · 10 mi
- Palm Springs · 11 mi
- Yucca Valley · 13 mi
- Rancho Mirage · 15 mi
- Palm Desert · 18 mi
- Banning · 20 mi
The nearest larger city is Cathedral, about 10 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 Desert Hot Springs?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Desert Hot Springs 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 Desert Hot Springs?
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 Desert Hot Springs?
No credit union is headquartered in Desert Hot Springs, but Novo Federal Credit Union is based in Norco, also in Riverside 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