- Payday loans in Jena 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 Alexandria, about 34 miles away.
Jena at a glance
| Jena | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 4,133 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.8% (holding steady) |
| County | LaSalle Parish |
| Size rank among 256 Louisiana places we cover | 71st |
| Nearest larger city | Alexandria (about 34 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 11 (about 10,926 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 410% |
Payday lending in Jena follows Louisiana state law. Lenders that serve Jena, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Jena
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Jena or LaSalle 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 Jena
The main Louisiana rules for a payday loan in Jena: 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 Jena
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 LaSalle Parish before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in LaSalle Parish.
- Ask a federal credit union about a PAL: $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR (how PALs work).
- Check your bank app for a small-dollar loan or early pay (bank options).
- Try a cash advance app if you have direct deposit (apps compared).
Towns near Jena
The nearest larger city is Alexandria, about 34 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 Jena?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Jena under Louisiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Jena?
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 Jena?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Jena 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