- Payday loans in Santa Maria 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.
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Santa Maria; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Santa Maria at a glance
| Santa Maria | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 111,346 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.4% (growing) |
| County | Santa Barbara County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 60th |
| Nearest larger city | Bakersfield (about 85 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2, 2 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Santa Barbara County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 5 (about 91,096 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Santa Maria payday law: California rules apply here, and any lender serving Santa Maria residents, online or in person, needs a license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions in Santa Maria
These credit unions have their main office in Santa Maria, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Santa Maria Associated Employees Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Coasthills Federal Credit Union (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 Santa Maria
| 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 Santa Maria
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 Santa Barbara County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Santa Maria residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Santa Barbara County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Santa Maria
- Guadalupe · 8 mi
- Arroyo Grande · 15 mi
- Grover Beach · 16 mi
- Lompoc · 19 mi
- Pismo Beach · 20 mi
- Buellton · 26 mi
The nearest larger city is Bakersfield, about 85 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 Santa Maria?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria?
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 Santa Maria?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Santa Maria, including Santa Maria Associated Employees Federal Credit Union and Coasthills 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