- Payday loans in Bartow follow Florida law (Florida Statutes s. 560.404 (deferred presentment)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee.
- The nearest larger city is Winter Haven, about 12 miles away.
Bartow at a glance
| Bartow | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 22,084 |
| Change since 2020 | +12.8% (growing fast) |
| County | Polk County |
| Size rank among 393 Florida places we cover | 113th |
| Nearest larger city | Winter Haven (about 12 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Polk County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 19 (about 372,293 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 293% |
There is no separate Bartow payday law: Florida rules apply here, and any lender serving Bartow residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions near Bartow
No credit union has its main office in Bartow, but these are based elsewhere in Polk County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Publix Employees Federal Credit Union in Lakeland (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Midflorida Credit Union in Lakeland (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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Bartow
In short, Florida rules that cover Bartow include: maximum loan: $500 (single-payment); $1,000 for installment deferred presentment; maximum fee: 10% of the amount provided, plus a verification fee; loan term: 7 to 31 days (installment: 60 to 90 days). See the full Florida payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Bartow
At Florida’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 293% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Polk County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Bartow residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Polk County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Bartow
- Eagle Lake · 7 mi
- Fort Meade · 8 mi
- Mulberry · 10 mi
- Winter Haven · 12 mi
- Lake Wales · 14 mi
- Lakeland · 14 mi
The nearest larger city is Winter Haven, about 12 miles away. See all 393 Florida 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 Bartow?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Bartow under Florida state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Bartow?
At Florida’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. The typical statewide APR was 293% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Bartow?
No credit union is headquartered in Bartow, but Publix Employees Federal Credit Union is based in Lakeland, also in Polk 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)
- Florida Statutes s. 560.404
- Florida OFR — Payday lenders
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary