- Payday loans in New Castle follow Delaware law (Delaware short-term consumer loan law (HB 289, 2012)).
- Delaware law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- 3 credit unions are headquartered in New Castle; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
New Castle at a glance
| New Castle | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 5,715 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.1% (growing) |
| County | New Castle County |
| Size rank among 47 Delaware places we cover | 11th |
| Share of Delaware’s population | 0.5% |
| Nearest larger city | Wilmington (about 5 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 3, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in New Castle County | 10 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 11 (about 143,695 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 639% |
Payday lending in New Castle follows Delaware state law. Lenders that serve New Castle, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
Credit unions in New Castle
These credit unions have their main office in New Castle, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Edu Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Delaware River & Bay Auth Emp Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- New Castle County Delaware Em Federal Credit Union (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 New Castle
The main Delaware rules for a payday loan in New Castle: maximum loan: $1,000 (short-term consumer loan); loan term: repayment period under 60 days; loans per year: no more than five short-term consumer loans in any 12-month period. See the full Delaware payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in New Castle
Delaware law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 639% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in New Castle County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in New Castle 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 New Castle
The nearest larger city is Wilmington, about 5 miles away. See all 47 Delaware 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 New Castle?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in New Castle under Delaware state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
How much does a payday loan cost in New Castle?
Delaware law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. The typical statewide APR was 639% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in New Castle?
Yes. NCUA data lists 3 credit unions with a main office in New Castle, including Edu Federal Credit Union and Delaware River & Bay Auth Emp Federal Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
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)
- Delaware General Assembly — HB 289
- WHYY — Delaware limits payday loans
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary