- Payday loans in Gardiner follow Maine law (Maine Consumer Credit Code (Title 9-A)).
- We could not verify a fee cap for Maine; check current limits with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Gardiner; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Gardiner at a glance
| Gardiner | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 6,160 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.1% (growing) |
| County | Kennebec County |
| Size rank among 23 Maine places we cover | 20th |
| Nearest larger city | Lewiston (about 20 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Kennebec County | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 5 (about 94,576 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 228% |
Payday lending in Gardiner follows Maine state law. Lenders that serve Gardiner, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
Credit unions in Gardiner
These credit unions have their main office in Gardiner, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Gardiner 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 Gardiner
The main Maine rules for a payday loan in Gardiner: licensing: lenders must be licensed by the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection; fees: maine limits fees on small loans; check the Bureau for current limits. See the full Maine payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Gardiner
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Maine at 228% (June 2023). We could not verify a fee cap for Maine; check current limits with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Kennebec County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Kennebec County.
- 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 Gardiner
The nearest larger city is Lewiston, about 20 miles away. See all 23 Maine 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 Gardiner?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Gardiner under Maine state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
How much does a payday loan cost in Gardiner?
We could not verify a fee cap for Maine; check current limits with the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection. The typical statewide APR was 228% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Gardiner?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Gardiner, including Gardiner 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)
- Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary