- Payday loans in Traverse 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 Midland, about 103 miles away.
Traverse at a glance
| Traverse | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 15,782 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.7% (holding steady) |
| Counties | Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County |
| Size rank among 506 Michigan places we cover | 62nd |
| Nearest larger city | Midland (about 103 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 5 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 12 (about 10,021 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 356% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Midland or online from Traverse, the lender must hold a Michigan license from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Traverse
No credit union has its main office in Traverse, but these are based elsewhere in Grand Traverse County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Traverse Catholic Federal Credit Union in Traverse City (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Northwest Consumers Federal Credit Union in Traverse City (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Forest Area Federal Credit Union in Fife Lake (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- 4front Credit Union in Traverse City (state charter)
- Tba Credit Union in Traverse City (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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Traverse
Key Michigan limits that apply to Traverse borrowers: 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. See the full Michigan payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Traverse
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 Grand Traverse County 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 Traverse 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 Traverse
- Kingsley · 12 mi
- Lake Ann · 12 mi
- Elk Rapids · 14 mi
- Suttons Bay · 16 mi
- Fife Lake · 18 mi
- Buckley · 18 mi
The nearest larger city is Midland, about 103 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 Traverse?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Traverse 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 Traverse?
At Michigan’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $42. The typical statewide APR was 356% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Traverse?
No credit union is headquartered in Traverse, but Traverse Catholic Federal Credit Union is based in Traverse City, also in Grand Traverse 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