- Payday loans in Bardstown follow Kentucky law (KRS 286.9 (deferred deposit transactions)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 ($15 per $100).
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Bardstown; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Bardstown at a glance
| Bardstown | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 14,104 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.8% (growing) |
| County | Nelson County |
| Size rank among 359 Kentucky places we cover | 32nd |
| Nearest larger city | Elizabethtown (about 24 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Nelson County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 21 (about 103,580 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 450% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Elizabethtown or online from Bardstown, the lender must hold a Kentucky license from the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Bardstown
These credit unions have their main office in Bardstown, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Old Kentucky Home Federal Credit Union (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 Bardstown
Key Kentucky limits that apply to Bardstown borrowers: maximum: $600 in total proceeds under 2026 legislation (SB 219), indexed to inflation up to $850; previously $500; maximum fee: $15 per $100; loan term: 14 to 60 days. See the full Kentucky payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Bardstown
At Kentucky’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 ($15 per $100). Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 450% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Nelson 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 Bardstown 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 Bardstown
- Bloomfield · 10 mi
- Loretto · 13 mi
- New Haven · 13 mi
- Lebanon Junction · 15 mi
- Springfield · 15 mi
- Taylorsville · 16 mi
The nearest larger city is Elizabethtown, about 24 miles away. See all 359 Kentucky 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 Bardstown?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Bardstown under Kentucky state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Bardstown?
At Kentucky’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 ($15 per $100). The typical statewide APR was 450% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Bardstown?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Bardstown, including Old Kentucky Home 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)
- KRS 286.9-100
- Kentucky Acts 2026, ch. 98 (SB 219)
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary