- Payday loans in Central follow Louisiana law (Louisiana Deferred Presentment and Small Loan Act, as amended by Act 510 (2025)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $50.25 (16.75%) plus a $10 documentation fee.
- The nearest larger city is Baton Rouge, about 10 miles away.
Central at a glance
| Central | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 30,161 |
| Change since 2020 | +2% (growing) |
| County | East Baton Rouge Parish |
| Size rank among 256 Louisiana places we cover | 11th |
| Share of Louisiana’s population | 0.7% |
| Nearest larger city | Baton Rouge (about 10 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in East Baton Rouge Parish | 19 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 17 (about 320,993 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 410% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Baton Rouge or online from Central, the lender must hold a Louisiana license from the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Central
No credit union has its main office in Central, but these are based elsewhere in East Baton Rouge Parish (NCUA, June 2026):
- Efcu Financial Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Campus Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Baton Rouge Fire Department Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Baton Rouge Telco Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Southern Teachers & Parents Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge (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 Central
Key Louisiana limits that apply to Central borrowers: maximum loan: $700 since August 1, 2025 (was $350); OFI publishes an annual adjustment; maximum fee: 16.75% of the amount advanced, plus a $10 documentation fee (the old $45 cap was removed); loan term: up to 30 days. See the full Louisiana payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Central
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Louisiana at 410% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $50.25 (16.75%) plus a $10 documentation fee. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in East Baton Rouge Parish 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 Central 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 Central
The nearest larger city is Baton Rouge, about 10 miles away. See all 256 Louisiana 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 Central?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Central under Louisiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Central?
At Louisiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $50.25 (16.75%) plus a $10 documentation fee. The typical statewide APR was 410% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Central?
No credit union is headquartered in Central, but Efcu Financial Federal Credit Union is based in Baton Rouge, also in East Baton Rouge Parish.
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)
- Louisiana OFI — 2025 deferred presentment and small loan legislation
- Louisiana OFI — Payday loans pamphlet
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary