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Payday loans by state

Payday Loans in Cave, KY: Rules, Costs and Local Options

With about 2,394 residents (2024 Census estimate), Cave has grown since 2020. If you are thinking about a payday loan here, these are the Kentucky rules that apply, what it costs and the local alternatives.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Cave follow Kentucky law (KRS 286.9 (deferred deposit transactions)).
  • Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 ($15 per $100).
  • The nearest larger city is Bowling Green, about 28 miles away.

Cave at a glance

Cave
Population (2024 Census estimate)2,394
Change since 2020+1.4% (growing)
CountyBarren County
Size rank among 359 Kentucky places we cover129th
Nearest larger cityBowling Green (about 28 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)None
Other towns within 25 miles10 (about 24,956 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)450%

Whether you borrow at a storefront in Bowling Green or online from Cave, the lender must hold a Kentucky license from the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.

Credit unions near Cave

NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Cave or Barren 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 Cave

Key Kentucky limits that apply to Cave 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 Cave

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 Barren 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 Cave 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 Cave

The nearest larger city is Bowling Green, about 28 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Are payday loans legal in Cave?

Yes. Payday loans are legal in Cave under Kentucky state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.

How much does a payday loan cost in Cave?

At Kentucky’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 ($15 per $100). The typical statewide APR was 450% in 2023.

Where is the nearest credit union to Cave?

NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Cave or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
  2. U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
  3. NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
  4. KRS 286.9-100
  5. Kentucky Acts 2026, ch. 98 (SB 219)
  6. Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
  7. CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary
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