- Payday loans in Waterford 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 Turlock, about 11 miles away.
Waterford at a glance
| Waterford | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 9,271 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.5% (growing) |
| County | Stanislaus County |
| Size rank among 480 California places we cover | 381st |
| Nearest larger city | Turlock (about 11 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Stanislaus County | 5 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 11 (about 495,685 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Turlock or online from Waterford, the lender must hold a California license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Waterford
No credit union has its main office in Waterford, but these are based elsewhere in Stanislaus County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Modesto'S First Federal Credit Union in Modesto (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Mocse Federal Credit Union in Modesto (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Valley First Federal Credit Union in Modesto (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Rolling F Credit Union in Turlock (state charter)
- Organized Labor Credit Union in Modesto (state charter)
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 Waterford
Key California limits that apply to Waterford 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 Waterford
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 Stanislaus 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 Waterford 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 Waterford
The nearest larger city is Turlock, about 11 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 Waterford?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Waterford 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 Waterford?
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 Waterford?
No credit union is headquartered in Waterford, but Modesto'S First Federal Credit Union is based in Modesto, also in Stanislaus 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