- Payday loans in Chesterton 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 Portage, about 6 miles away.
Chesterton at a glance
| Chesterton | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 14,655 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.7% (growing) |
| County | Porter County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 62nd |
| Nearest larger city | Portage (about 6 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Porter County | 3 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 34 (about 587,270 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
There is no separate Chesterton payday law: Indiana rules apply here, and any lender serving Chesterton residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Chesterton
No credit union has its main office in Chesterton, but these are based elsewhere in Porter County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Gesb Sheet Metal Workers Federal Credit Union in Portage (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Midwest Family Federal Credit Union in Portage (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Allegius Federal Credit Union in Burns Harbor (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Chesterton
In short, Indiana rules that cover Chesterton 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 Chesterton
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 Porter County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Chesterton residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Porter 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 Chesterton
- Porter · 2 mi
- Burns Harbor · 4 mi
- Portage · 6 mi
- Ogden Dunes · 7 mi
- Beverly Shores · 7 mi
- Town of Pines · 8 mi
The nearest larger city is Portage, about 6 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 Chesterton?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Chesterton under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Chesterton?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Chesterton?
No credit union is headquartered in Chesterton, but Gesb Sheet Metal Workers Federal Credit Union is based in Portage, also in Porter 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)
- 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