- Payday loans in Modesto 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.
- 4 credit unions are headquartered in Modesto; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Modesto at a glance
| Modesto | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 220,592 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.9% (holding steady) |
| County | Stanislaus County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 19th |
| Share of California’s population | 0.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Stockton (about 29 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Stanislaus County | 5 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 13 (about 399,560 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Payday lending in Modesto follows California state law. Lenders that serve Modesto, in a store or online, must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions in Modesto
These credit unions have their main office in Modesto, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Modesto'S First Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Mocse Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Valley First Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Organized Labor 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 Modesto
| 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 Modesto
At California’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 fee on a $300 check, so you receive $255. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 460% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Stanislaus County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Stanislaus 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 Modesto
The nearest larger city is Stockton, about 29 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 Modesto?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Modesto 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 Modesto?
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 Modesto?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Modesto, including Modesto'S First Federal Credit Union and Mocse 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