- Payday loans in San Bruno 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.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in San Bruno; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
San Bruno at a glance
| San Bruno | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 42,035 |
| Change since 2020 | -3.9% (shrinking) |
| County | San Mateo County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 202nd |
| Nearest larger city | South San Francisco (about 4 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in San Mateo County | 7 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 45 (about 2,175,666 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Payday lending in San Bruno follows California state law. Lenders that serve San Bruno, in a store or online, must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions in San Bruno
These credit unions have their main office in San Bruno, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- the Police 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 San Bruno
The main California rules for a payday loan in San Bruno: 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 San Bruno
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
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in San Mateo 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 San Bruno
- Millbrae · 2 mi
- Pacifica · 3 mi
- South San Francisco · 4 mi
- Colma · 4 mi
- Brisbane · 4 mi
- Burlingame · 4 mi
The nearest larger city is South San Francisco, about 4 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 San Bruno?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in San Bruno 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 San Bruno?
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 San Bruno?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in San Bruno, including the Police Credit Union.
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