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Payday loans by state

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

With about 6,079 residents (2024 Census estimate), Willows has lost residents since 2020. If you are thinking about a payday loan here, these are the California rules that apply, what it costs and the local alternatives.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Willows 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 Chico, about 26 miles away.

Willows at a glance

Willows
Population (2024 Census estimate)6,079
Change since 2020-3.1% (shrinking)
CountyGlenn County
Size rank among 480 California places we cover416th
Nearest larger cityChico (about 26 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Other towns within 25 miles2 (about 15,194 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)460%

There is no separate Willows payday law: California rules apply here, and any lender serving Willows residents, online or in person, needs a license from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).

Credit unions near Willows

NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Willows or Glenn County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.

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 Willows

In short, California rules that cover Willows include: 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 Willows

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 Glenn County before you borrow

Before a payday loan, Willows residents can usually find something cheaper:

  1. Local assistance through 211 covering Glenn County.
  2. A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
  3. Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
  4. A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).

Towns near Willows

The nearest larger city is Chico, about 26 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 Willows?

Yes. Payday loans are legal in Willows 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 Willows?

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 Willows?

NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Willows or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.

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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