- Payday loans in Portland 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.
- 4 credit unions are headquartered in Portland; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Portland at a glance
| Portland | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 69,568 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.6% (growing) |
| County | Cumberland County |
| Size rank among 23 Maine places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Maine’s population | 5% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 2 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Cumberland County | 11 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 4 (about 91,814 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 228% |
There is no separate Portland payday law: Maine rules apply here, and any lender serving Portland residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
Credit unions in Portland
These credit unions have their main office in Portland, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Maine Media Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Truchoice Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Cport Credit Union (state charter)
- Evergreen 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 Portland
In short, Maine rules that cover Portland include: 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 Portland
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 Cumberland County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Portland residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Cumberland County.
- 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 Portland
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 Portland?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Portland 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 Portland?
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 Portland?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Portland, including Maine Media Federal Credit Union and Truchoice 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