- Payday loans in St. Joseph 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 64 miles away.
St. Joseph at a glance
| St. Joseph | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 778 |
| Change since 2020 | -5.8% (shrinking) |
| County | Tensas Parish |
| Size rank among 256 Louisiana places we cover | 178th |
| Nearest larger city | Monroe (about 64 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 4 (about 2,626 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 410% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Monroe or online from St. Joseph, the lender must hold a Louisiana license from the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions near St. Joseph
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in St. Joseph or Tensas 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 St. Joseph
Key Louisiana limits that apply to St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph
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 Tensas 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 St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph
- Newellton · 11 mi
- Waterproof · 12 mi
- Clayton · 22 mi
- Wisner · 25 mi
- Sicily Island · 25 mi
- Gilbert · 26 mi
The nearest larger city is Monroe, about 64 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 St. Joseph?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in St. Joseph under Louisiana state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in St. Joseph?
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 St. Joseph?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in St. Joseph 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