- Payday loans in Taft 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 Bakersfield, about 27 miles away.
Taft at a glance
| Taft | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 6,988 |
| Change since 2020 | -7.9% (shrinking) |
| County | Kern County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 409th |
| Nearest larger city | Bakersfield (about 27 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Kern County | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 1 (about 1,012 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Payday lending in Taft follows California state law. Lenders that serve Taft, in a store or online, must be licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Credit unions near Taft
No credit union has its main office in Taft, but these are based elsewhere in Kern County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Bakersfield City Employees Federal Credit Union in Bakersfield (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union in Ridgecrest (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Altaone Federal Credit Union in Ridgecrest (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Strata Federal Credit Union in Bakersfield (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Espeeco Federal Credit Union in Bakersfield (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 Taft
The main California rules for a payday loan in Taft: 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 Taft
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 Kern County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Kern 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 Taft
The nearest larger city is Bakersfield, about 27 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 Taft?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Taft 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 Taft?
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 Taft?
No credit union is headquartered in Taft, but Bakersfield City Employees Federal Credit Union is based in Bakersfield, also in Kern 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