- Payday loans in Jennings 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.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Jennings; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Jennings at a glance
| Jennings | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 9,280 |
| Change since 2020 | -5.3% (shrinking) |
| County | Jefferson Davis Parish |
| Size rank among 256 Louisiana places we cover | 39th |
| Nearest larger city | Lake Charles (about 33 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Jefferson Davis Parish | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 14 (about 44,644 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 410% |
There is no separate Jennings payday law: Louisiana rules apply here, and any lender serving Jennings residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Jennings
These credit unions have their main office in Jennings, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- James Ward, Jr. 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 Jennings
In short, Louisiana rules that cover Jennings 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 Jennings
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 Jefferson Davis Parish before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Jennings residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Jefferson Davis 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 Jennings
The nearest larger city is Lake Charles, about 33 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 Jennings?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Jennings under Louisiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Jennings?
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.
Are there credit unions in Jennings?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Jennings, including James Ward, Jr. 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)
- 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