- Payday loans in Irvine 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 Anaheim, about 12 miles away.
Irvine at a glance
| Irvine | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 318,683 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.3% (growing) |
| County | Orange County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 13th |
| Share of California’s population | 0.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Anaheim (about 12 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Orange County | 16 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 50 (about 4,072,792 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Anaheim or online from Irvine, the lender must hold a California license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Irvine
No credit union has its main office in Irvine, but these are based elsewhere in Orange County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Nuvision Federal Credit Union in Huntington Beac (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Sea Air Federal Credit Union in Seal Beach (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Capstone Federal Credit Union in Aliso Viejo (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Union Yes Federal Credit Union in Orange (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Schoolsfirst Federal Credit Union in Santa Ana (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 Irvine
| 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 Irvine
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 Orange County before you borrow
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Irvine that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near Irvine
- Tustin · 4 mi
- Laguna Woods · 5 mi
- Lake Forest · 6 mi
- Aliso Viejo · 7 mi
- Laguna Hills · 7 mi
- Santa Ana · 8 mi
The nearest larger city is Anaheim, about 12 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 Irvine?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Irvine 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 Irvine?
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 Irvine?
No credit union is headquartered in Irvine, but Nuvision Federal Credit Union is based in Huntington Beac, also in Orange 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