- Payday loans in Carthage follow Indiana law (Indiana Small Loan law (IC 24-4.5-7)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $44.
- The nearest larger city is Greenfield, about 11 miles away.
Carthage at a glance
| Carthage | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 916 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.1% (holding steady) |
| County | Rush County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 322nd |
| Nearest larger city | Greenfield (about 11 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 32 (about 187,234 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
There is no separate Carthage payday law: Indiana rules apply here, and any lender serving Carthage residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Carthage
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Carthage or Rush 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Carthage
In short, Indiana rules that cover Carthage include: maximum loan: $605, and no more than 20% of your gross monthly income; maximum fee: 15% of the first $250, 13% of $251–$400, 10% of $401–$605; minimum term: 14 days. See the full Indiana payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Carthage
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Indiana at 372% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $44. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Rush County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Carthage residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Rush 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 Carthage
- Knightstown · 5 mi
- Morristown · 9 mi
- Wilkinson · 10 mi
- Rushville · 11 mi
- Spiceland · 11 mi
- Shirley · 11 mi
The nearest larger city is Greenfield, about 11 miles away. See all 482 Indiana 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 Carthage?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Carthage under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Carthage?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Carthage?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Carthage or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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)
- Indiana DFI — Small loan law borrower rights
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary