- Payday loans in Crescent follow Iowa law (Iowa delayed deposit services law (Iowa Code ch. 533D)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $35 on a $300 check.
- The nearest larger city is Council Bluffs, about 9 miles away.
Crescent at a glance
| Crescent | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 626 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.2% (holding steady) |
| County | Pottawattamie County |
| Size rank among 609 Iowa places we cover | 398th |
| Nearest larger city | Council Bluffs (about 9 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Pottawattamie County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 14 (about 82,828 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 247% |
Payday lending in Crescent follows Iowa state law. Lenders that serve Crescent, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
Credit unions near Crescent
No credit union has its main office in Crescent, but these are based elsewhere in Pottawattamie County (NCUA, June 2026):
- North Western Employees Credit Union in Council Bluffs (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 Crescent
The main Iowa rules for a payday loan in Crescent: maximum: checks totaling $500 or less, including fees; maximum fee: $15 on the first $100, $10 on each additional $100; loan term: up to 31 days. See the full Iowa payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Crescent
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Iowa at 247% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $35 on a $300 check. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Pottawattamie County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Pottawattamie 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 Crescent
- Carter Lake · 6 mi
- Council Bluffs · 9 mi
- Underwood · 9 mi
- Missouri Valley · 14 mi
- Neola · 14 mi
- Treynor · 16 mi
The nearest larger city is Council Bluffs, about 9 miles away. See all 609 Iowa 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 Crescent?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Crescent under Iowa state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Iowa Division of Banking.
How much does a payday loan cost in Crescent?
At Iowa’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $35 on a $300 check. The typical statewide APR was 247% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Crescent?
No credit union is headquartered in Crescent, but North Western Employees Credit Union is based in Council Bluffs, also in Pottawattamie 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)
- Iowa Division of Banking — Delayed deposit services history
- Iowa Administrative Code ch. 17 — Delayed deposit services
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary