- Payday loans in Sterling Heights follow Michigan law (Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act (Act 244 of 2005)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $42.
- The nearest larger city is Warren, about 6 miles away.
Sterling Heights at a glance
| Sterling Heights | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 134,342 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.2% (holding steady) |
| County | Macomb County |
| Size rank among 506 Michigan places we cover | 4th |
| Share of Michigan’s population | 1.3% |
| Nearest larger city | Warren (about 6 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Macomb County | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 67 (about 2,269,429 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 356% |
There is no separate Sterling Heights payday law: Michigan rules apply here, and any lender serving Sterling Heights residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).
Credit unions near Sterling Heights
No credit union has its main office in Sterling Heights, but these are based elsewhere in Macomb County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Tandem Federal Credit Union in Warren (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- A.B.D. Federal Credit Union in Warren (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Warren Municipal Federal Credit Union in Warren (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Ukrainian Selfreliance Michigan Federal Credit Union in Warren (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Freestar Financial Credit Union in Mount Clemens (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 Sterling Heights
| Rule | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $600 |
| Maximum fee | 15% of the first $100, 14% of the second, 13% of the third, 12% of the fourth, 11% of the fifth and sixth ($76 on $600) |
| Loan term | Up to 31 days |
| Database | All licensed lenders check a statewide database |
What a $300 loan costs in Sterling Heights
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Michigan at 356% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $42. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Macomb County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Sterling Heights residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Macomb 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 Sterling Heights
The nearest larger city is Warren, about 6 miles away. See all 506 Michigan 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 Sterling Heights?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Sterling Heights under Michigan state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).
How much does a payday loan cost in Sterling Heights?
At Michigan’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $42. The typical statewide APR was 356% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Sterling Heights?
No credit union is headquartered in Sterling Heights, but Tandem Federal Credit Union is based in Warren, also in Macomb County.
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)
- Michigan DIFS — Deferred presentment FAQ
- Act 244 of 2005
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary