- Payday loans in Universal 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 Terre Haute, about 12 miles away.
Universal at a glance
| Universal | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 284 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.1% (growing) |
| County | Vermillion County |
| Size rank among 482 Indiana places we cover | 467th |
| Nearest larger city | Terre Haute (about 12 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 19 (about 85,155 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 372% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Terre Haute or online from Universal, the lender must hold a Indiana license from the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Universal
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Universal or Vermillion County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Universal
Key Indiana limits that apply to Universal borrowers: 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 Universal
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 Vermillion 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 Universal 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 Universal
- Clinton · 4 mi
- Fairview Park · 5 mi
- Rosedale · 9 mi
- Mecca · 10 mi
- West Terre Haute · 11 mi
- Terre Haute · 12 mi
The nearest larger city is Terre Haute, about 12 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 Universal?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Universal under Indiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Universal?
At Indiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $44. The typical statewide APR was 372% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Universal?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Universal or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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