- Payday loans in Fresno 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.
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Fresno; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Fresno at a glance
| Fresno | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 550,105 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.4% (growing) |
| County | Fresno County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 5th |
| Share of California’s population | 1.4% |
| Nearest larger city | San Jose (about 117 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Fresno County | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 9 (about 326,903 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Payday lending in Fresno follows California state law. Lenders that serve Fresno, in a store or online, must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions in Fresno
These credit unions have their main office in Fresno, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Fresno Grangers Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- First California Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Noble Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- United Local Credit Union (state charter)
- Educational Employees Credit Union (state charter)
- Greater Valley Credit Union (state charter)
- San Joaquin Power Employees Credit Union (state charter)
- Central Valley Firefighters 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Fresno
| 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 Fresno
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 Fresno County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Fresno 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 Fresno
The nearest larger city is San Jose, about 117 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 Fresno?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Fresno 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 Fresno?
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 Fresno?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Fresno, including Fresno Grangers Federal Credit Union and First California 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