- Payday loans in Oberlin follow Kansas law (Kansas Consumer Credit Code, K.S.A. 16a-2-404).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- The nearest larger city is Garden, about 129 miles away.
Oberlin at a glance
| Oberlin | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,610 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.1% (shrinking) |
| County | Decatur County |
| Size rank among 367 Kansas places we cover | 139th |
| Nearest larger city | Garden (about 129 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Oberlin payday law: Kansas rules apply here, and any lender serving Oberlin residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
Credit unions near Oberlin
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Oberlin or Decatur 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Oberlin
In short, Kansas rules that cover Oberlin include: maximum loan: $500; maximum fee: 15% of the amount advanced; loan term: 7 to 30 days. See the full Kansas payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Oberlin
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Kansas at 391% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $45 (15% fee). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Decatur County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Oberlin residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Decatur County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Oberlin
The nearest larger city is Garden, about 129 miles away. See all 367 Kansas 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 Oberlin?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Oberlin under Kansas state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
How much does a payday loan cost in Oberlin?
At Kansas’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Oberlin?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Oberlin 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)
- K.S.A. 16a-2-404
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary