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Payday loans by state

Payday Loans in Sausalito, CA: Rules, Costs and Local Options

Payday loans are legal in Sausalito, California, a city of 7,075 people about 9 miles from San Rafael. Before you borrow, compare the cost with credit unions in Marin County.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Sausalito 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 Rafael, about 9 miles away.

Sausalito at a glance

Sausalito
Population (2024 Census estimate)7,075
Change since 2020-2.5% (shrinking)
CountyMarin County
Size rank among 480 California places we cover407th
Nearest larger citySan Rafael (about 9 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Credit unions headquartered in Marin County1
Other towns within 25 miles41 (about 1,981,632 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)460%

Whether you borrow at a storefront in San Rafael or online from Sausalito, the lender must hold a California license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and follow state limits.

Credit unions near Sausalito

No credit union has its main office in Sausalito, but these are based elsewhere in Marin County (NCUA, June 2026):

  • Marin County Federal Credit Union in San Rafael (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.

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Payday loan rules that apply in Sausalito

Key California limits that apply to Sausalito 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 Sausalito

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 Marin 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito

The nearest larger city is San Rafael, about 9 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Are payday loans legal in Sausalito?

Yes. Payday loans are legal in Sausalito 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 Sausalito?

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 Sausalito?

No credit union is headquartered in Sausalito, but Marin County Federal Credit Union is based in San Rafael, also in Marin County.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
  2. U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
  3. NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
  4. California DFPI — Deferred Deposit Transaction Law report
  5. Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
  6. CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary
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