- Payday loans in South Gate 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 Downey, about 4 miles away.
South Gate at a glance
| South Gate | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 90,805 |
| Change since 2020 | -2% (shrinking) |
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 89th |
| Nearest larger city | Downey (about 4 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Los Angeles County | 78 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 91 (about 9,398,497 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Payday lending in South Gate follows California state law. Lenders that serve South Gate, in a store or online, must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions near South Gate
No credit union has its main office in South Gate, but these are based elsewhere in Los Angeles County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Pasadena Federal Credit Union in Monrovia (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Olive View Employees Federal Credit Union in Sylmar (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union in Los Angeles (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Rancho Federal Credit Union in Downey (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Los Angeles Federal Credit Union in Glendale (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 South Gate
The main California rules for a payday loan in South Gate: 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 South Gate
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 Los Angeles County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Los Angeles 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 South Gate
The nearest larger city is Downey, 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 South Gate?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in South Gate 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 South Gate?
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 South Gate?
No credit union is headquartered in South Gate, but Pasadena Federal Credit Union is based in Monrovia, also in Los Angeles 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