- Payday loans in St. Charles 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 Hopkinsville, about 25 miles away.
St. Charles at a glance
| St. Charles | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 282 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.9% (growing) |
| County | Hopkins County |
| Size rank among 359 Kentucky places we cover | 351st |
| Nearest larger city | Hopkinsville (about 25 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Hopkins County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 17 (about 80,044 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 450% |
There is no separate St. Charles payday law: Kentucky rules apply here, and any lender serving St. Charles residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near St. Charles
No credit union has its main office in St. Charles, but these are based elsewhere in Hopkins County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Regional Medical Ctr Hopkins Co Emp Federal Credit Union in Madisonville (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 St. Charles
In short, Kentucky rules that cover St. Charles 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 St. Charles
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 Hopkins County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, St. Charles residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Hopkins 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 St. Charles
- Nortonville · 5 mi
- Mortons Gap · 6 mi
- Earlington · 6 mi
- Dawson Springs · 8 mi
- White Plains · 10 mi
- Crofton · 11 mi
The nearest larger city is Hopkinsville, about 25 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 St. Charles?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in St. Charles under Kentucky state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in St. Charles?
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 St. Charles?
No credit union is headquartered in St. Charles, but Regional Medical Ctr Hopkins Co Emp Federal Credit Union is based in Madisonville, also in Hopkins 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