- Payday loans in San Pablo 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 Richmond, about 1 miles away.
San Pablo at a glance
| San Pablo | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 31,562 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.7% (shrinking) |
| County | Contra Costa County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 237th |
| Nearest larger city | Richmond (about 1 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Contra Costa County | 13 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 43 (about 2,143,201 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Richmond or online from San Pablo, the lender must hold a California license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and follow state limits.
Credit unions near San Pablo
No credit union has its main office in San Pablo, but these are based elsewhere in Contra Costa County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Sun Pacific Federal Credit Union in Richmond (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Shell Western States Federal Credit Union in Martinez (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Mckesson & Healthcare Providers Federal Credit Union in Martinez (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Kaiperm Federal Credit Union in Walnut Creek (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Antioch Community Federal Credit Union in Antioch (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 San Pablo
Key California limits that apply to San Pablo 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 San Pablo
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 Contra Costa 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 San Pablo 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 San Pablo
The nearest larger city is Richmond, about 1 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 Pablo?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in San Pablo 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 Pablo?
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 San Pablo?
No credit union is headquartered in San Pablo, but Sun Pacific Federal Credit Union is based in Richmond, also in Contra Costa 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