- Payday loans in Gardena 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.
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Gardena; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Gardena at a glance
| Gardena | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 58,921 |
| Change since 2020 | -3.1% (shrinking) |
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 156th |
| Nearest larger city | Hawthorne (about 3 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Los Angeles County | 78 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 75 (about 8,373,250 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Gardena payday law: California rules apply here, and any lender serving Gardena residents, online or in person, needs a license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions in Gardena
These credit unions have their main office in Gardena, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Nikkei 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Gardena
In short, California rules that cover Gardena 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 Gardena
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 Los Angeles County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Gardena 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 Gardena
The nearest larger city is Hawthorne, about 3 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 Gardena?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Gardena 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 Gardena?
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 Gardena?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Gardena, including Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union and Nikkei 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