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Payday loans by state

Payday Loans in Millbrae, CA: Rules, Costs and Local Options

Payday loans are legal in Millbrae, California, a city of 23,321 people about 2 miles from Burlingame. Before you borrow, compare the cost with credit unions in San Mateo County.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Millbrae 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 Burlingame, about 2 miles away.

Millbrae at a glance

Millbrae
Population (2024 Census estimate)23,321
Change since 2020+0.8% (holding steady)
CountySan Mateo County
Size rank among 480 California places we cover282nd
Nearest larger cityBurlingame (about 2 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Credit unions headquartered in San Mateo County7
Other towns within 25 miles43 (about 2,131,424 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)460%

Whether you borrow at a storefront in Burlingame or online from Millbrae, the lender must hold a California license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and follow state limits.

Credit unions near Millbrae

No credit union has its main office in Millbrae, but these are based elsewhere in San Mateo County (NCUA, June 2026):

  • San Mateo City Employees Federal Credit Union in San Mateo (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
  • Sri Federal Credit Union in Menlo Park (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
  • Polam Federal Credit Union in Redwood City (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
  • the Police Credit Union in San Bruno (state charter)
  • Monterra Credit Union in Redwood City (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 Millbrae

Key California limits that apply to Millbrae borrowers: 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 Millbrae

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 San Mateo 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae

The nearest larger city is Burlingame, about 2 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Are payday loans legal in Millbrae?

Yes. Payday loans are legal in Millbrae 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 Millbrae?

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 Millbrae?

No credit union is headquartered in Millbrae, but San Mateo City Employees Federal Credit Union is based in San Mateo, also in San Mateo County.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
  2. U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
  3. NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
  4. California DFPI — Deferred Deposit Transaction Law report
  5. Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
  6. CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary
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