- Payday loans in Pacifica 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 San Bruno, about 3 miles away.
Pacifica at a glance
| Pacifica | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 37,056 |
| Change since 2020 | -3.9% (shrinking) |
| County | San Mateo County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 215th |
| Nearest larger city | San Bruno (about 3 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in San Mateo County | 7 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 37 (about 1,850,788 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in San Bruno or online from Pacifica, the lender must hold a California license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Pacifica
No credit union has its main office in Pacifica, 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 Pacifica
Key California limits that apply to Pacifica 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 Pacifica
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 Pacifica 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 Pacifica
The nearest larger city is San Bruno, 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 Pacifica?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Pacifica 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 Pacifica?
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 Pacifica?
No credit union is headquartered in Pacifica, but San Mateo City Employees Federal Credit Union is based in San Mateo, also in San Mateo 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