- Payday loans in Hamilton 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 Fort Wayne, about 33 miles away.
Hamilton at a glance
| Hamilton | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,555 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.8% (growing) |
| Counties | DeKalb County and Steuben County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 242nd |
| Nearest larger city | Fort Wayne (about 33 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 17 (about 59,869 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
Payday lending in Hamilton follows Indiana state law. Lenders that serve Hamilton, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Hamilton
No credit union has its main office in Hamilton, but these are based elsewhere in DeKalb County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Vulcraft Employees Federal Credit Union in St Joe (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 Hamilton
The main Indiana rules for a payday loan in Hamilton: 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 Hamilton
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 DeKalb County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in DeKalb 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 Hamilton
The nearest larger city is Fort Wayne, about 33 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 Hamilton?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Hamilton under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Hamilton?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Hamilton?
No credit union is headquartered in Hamilton, but Vulcraft Employees Federal Credit Union is based in St Joe, also in DeKalb 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