- Payday loans in St. John 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 Schererville, about 3 miles away.
St. John at a glance
| St. John | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 24,250 |
| Change since 2020 | +18.2% (growing fast) |
| County | Lake County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 42nd |
| Nearest larger city | Schererville (about 3 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Lake County | 16 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 27 (about 543,361 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
Payday lending in St. John follows Indiana state law. Lenders that serve St. John, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near St. John
No credit union has its main office in St. John, but these are based elsewhere in Lake County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union in Merrillville (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Gary Firefighters Association Federal Credit Union in Gary (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Whiting Refinery Federal Credit Union in Whiting (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- U S #1364 Federal Credit Union in Merrillville (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Finans Federal Credit Union in Hammond (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 St. John
The main Indiana rules for a payday loan in St. John: 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 St. John
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 St. John
The nearest larger city is Schererville, about 3 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 St. John?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in St. John under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in St. John?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to St. John?
No credit union is headquartered in St. John, but Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union is based in Merrillville, also in Lake 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