- Payday loans in Melbourne 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 Covington, about 8 miles away.
Melbourne at a glance
| Melbourne | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 472 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.5% (growing) |
| County | Campbell County |
| Size rank among 359 Kentucky places we cover | 302nd |
| Nearest larger city | Covington (about 8 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Campbell County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 33 (about 288,625 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 450% |
There is no separate Melbourne payday law: Kentucky rules apply here, and any lender serving Melbourne residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Melbourne
No credit union has its main office in Melbourne, but these are based elsewhere in Campbell County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Northern Kentucky Federal Credit Union in Highland Height (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 Melbourne
In short, Kentucky rules that cover Melbourne include: 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 Melbourne
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 Campbell County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Melbourne residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Campbell 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 Melbourne
- Silver Grove · 2 mi
- Crestview · 2 mi
- Cold Spring · 4 mi
- Alexandria · 4 mi
- Highland Heights · 5 mi
- Ryland Heights · 5 mi
The nearest larger city is Covington, about 8 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 Melbourne?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Melbourne under Kentucky state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Melbourne?
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 Melbourne?
No credit union is headquartered in Melbourne, but Northern Kentucky Federal Credit Union is based in Highland Height, also in Campbell 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)
- 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