- Payday loans in Columbus follow Indiana law (Indiana Small Loan law (IC 24-4.5-7)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $44.
- 3 credit unions are headquartered in Columbus; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Columbus at a glance
| Columbus | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 51,970 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.9% (growing) |
| County | Bartholomew County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 20th |
| Share of Indiana’s population | 0.8% |
| Nearest larger city | Greenwood (about 29 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 3, 2 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Bartholomew County | 3 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 16 (about 106,466 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
There is no separate Columbus payday law: Indiana rules apply here, and any lender serving Columbus residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Columbus
These credit unions have their main office in Columbus, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Business And Industrial Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Bar-Cons Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Centra Credit Union (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Columbus
In short, Indiana rules that cover Columbus 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 Columbus
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 372% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Bartholomew County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Columbus residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Bartholomew 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 Columbus
- Elizabethtown · 8 mi
- Edinburgh · 10 mi
- Hope · 10 mi
- Hartsville · 12 mi
- Prince's Lakes · 14 mi
- Nashville · 17 mi
The nearest larger city is Greenwood, about 29 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 Columbus?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Columbus under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Columbus?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Columbus?
Yes. NCUA data lists 3 credit unions with a main office in Columbus, including Business And Industrial Federal Credit Union and Bar-Cons 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)
- 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