- Payday loans in Paducah follow Kentucky law (KRS 286.9 (deferred deposit transactions)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 ($15 per $100).
- 3 credit unions are headquartered in Paducah; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Paducah at a glance
| Paducah | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 26,712 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.6% (shrinking) |
| County | McCracken County |
| Size rank among 359 Kentucky places we cover | 16th |
| Share of Kentucky’s population | 0.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Hopkinsville (about 67 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 3, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in McCracken County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 8 (about 20,173 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 450% |
There is no separate Paducah payday law: Kentucky rules apply here, and any lender serving Paducah residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Paducah
These credit unions have their main office in Paducah, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- C-Plant Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- W B H Employees Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Signet 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 Paducah
In short, Kentucky rules that cover Paducah 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 Paducah
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Kentucky at 450% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $45 ($15 per $100). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in McCracken County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Paducah residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering McCracken 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 Paducah
The nearest larger city is Hopkinsville, about 67 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 Paducah?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Paducah under Kentucky state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Paducah?
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 Paducah?
Yes. NCUA data lists 3 credit unions with a main office in Paducah, including C-Plant Federal Credit Union and W B H Employees 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