- Payday loans in Dos Palos 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 Los Banos, about 13 miles away.
Dos Palos at a glance
| Dos Palos | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 5,759 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.5% (holding steady) |
| County | Merced County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 418th |
| Nearest larger city | Los Banos (about 13 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Merced County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 5 (about 184,995 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Dos Palos payday law: California rules apply here, and any lender serving Dos Palos residents, online or in person, needs a license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions near Dos Palos
No credit union has its main office in Dos Palos, but these are based elsewhere in Merced County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union in Merced (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Merco Credit Union in Merced (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 Dos Palos
In short, California rules that cover Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos
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 Merced County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Dos Palos residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Merced 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 Dos Palos
The nearest larger city is Los Banos, 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 Dos Palos?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Dos Palos 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 Dos Palos?
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 Dos Palos?
No credit union is headquartered in Dos Palos, but Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union is based in Merced, also in Merced 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