- Payday loans in South Bend follow Indiana law (Indiana Small Loan law (IC 24-4.5-7)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $44.
- 5 credit unions are headquartered in South Bend; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
South Bend at a glance
| South Bend | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 103,713 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.4% (holding steady) |
| County | St. Joseph County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 5th |
| Share of Indiana’s population | 1.5% |
| Nearest larger city | Fort Wayne (about 71 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 5, 4 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in St. Joseph County | 7 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 16 (about 198,407 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Fort Wayne or online from South Bend, the lender must hold a Indiana license from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions in South Bend
These credit unions have their main office in South Bend, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- South Bend Transit Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- South Bend Firefighters Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Communitywide Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Policemen'S Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Everwise 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 South Bend
| Rule | Indiana |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Loans at once | Two, tracked in a statewide database |
What a $300 loan costs in South Bend
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 St. Joseph County before you borrow
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in South Bend that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near South Bend
- Roseland · 3 mi
- Mishawaka · 5 mi
- Osceola · 10 mi
- Lakeville · 10 mi
- New Carlisle · 12 mi
- North Liberty · 13 mi
The nearest larger city is Fort Wayne, about 71 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 South Bend?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in South Bend under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in South Bend?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in South Bend?
Yes. NCUA data lists 5 credit unions with a main office in South Bend, including South Bend Transit Federal Credit Union and South Bend Firefighters 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