- Payday loans in Gary 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 Gary; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Gary at a glance
| Gary | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 67,555 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.1% (shrinking) |
| County | Lake County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 12th |
| Share of Indiana’s population | 1% |
| Nearest larger city | Hammond (about 8 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 3, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Lake County | 16 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 27 (about 499,911 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
Payday lending in Gary follows Indiana state law. Lenders that serve Gary, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Gary
These credit unions have their main office in Gary, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Gary Firefighters Association Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Gary Police Department Employees Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Gary Municipal Employees 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 Gary
The main Indiana rules for a payday loan in Gary: 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 Gary
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 Lake County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Lake 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 Gary
The nearest larger city is Hammond, about 8 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 Gary?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Gary under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Gary?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Gary?
Yes. NCUA data lists 3 credit unions with a main office in Gary, including Gary Firefighters Association Federal Credit Union and Gary Police Department Employees 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