- Payday loans in Columbia 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 Monroe, about 29 miles away.
Columbia at a glance
| Columbia | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 266 |
| Change since 2020 | -4% (shrinking) |
| County | Caldwell Parish |
| Size rank among 256 Louisiana places we cover | 250th |
| Nearest larger city | Monroe (about 29 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 9 (about 13,640 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 410% |
There is no separate Columbia payday law: Louisiana rules apply here, and any lender serving Columbia residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Columbia
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Columbia or Caldwell Parish. 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Columbia
In short, Louisiana rules that cover Columbia include: 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 Columbia
At Louisiana’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $50.25 (16.75%) plus a $10 documentation fee. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 410% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Caldwell Parish before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Columbia residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Caldwell Parish.
- 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 Columbia
The nearest larger city is Monroe, about 29 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 Columbia?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Columbia under Louisiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Columbia?
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 Columbia?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Columbia or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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