- Payday loans in Monroe 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.
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Monroe; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Monroe at a glance
| Monroe | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 46,622 |
| Change since 2020 | -2.1% (shrinking) |
| County | Ouachita Parish |
| Size rank among 256 Louisiana places we cover | 8th |
| Share of Louisiana’s population | 1% |
| Nearest larger city | Bossier (about 92 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Ouachita Parish | 5 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 8 (about 32,274 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 410% |
Payday lending in Monroe follows Louisiana state law. Lenders that serve Monroe, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Monroe
These credit unions have their main office in Monroe, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Louisiana Machinery Employees Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Federal Employees Credit Union (state charter)
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 Monroe
The main Louisiana rules for a payday loan in Monroe: 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 Monroe
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 Ouachita Parish before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Ouachita 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 Monroe
- West Monroe · 4 mi
- Richwood · 5 mi
- Sterlington · 12 mi
- Collinston · 17 mi
- Rayville · 19 mi
- Bastrop · 20 mi
The nearest larger city is Bossier, about 92 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 Monroe?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Monroe under Louisiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Monroe?
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 Monroe?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Monroe, including Louisiana Machinery Employees Federal Credit Union and Federal Employees 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