- Payday loans in Hattiesburg follow Mississippi law (Mississippi Check Cashers Act).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $65.85 ($21.95 per $100).
- 4 credit unions are headquartered in Hattiesburg; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Hattiesburg at a glance
| Hattiesburg | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 48,522 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.5% (holding steady) |
| Counties | Forrest County and Lamar County |
| Size rank among 256 Mississippi places we cover | 4th |
| Share of Mississippi’s population | 1.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Gulfport (about 63 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 4 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 9 (about 24,182 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 572% |
Payday lending in Hattiesburg follows Mississippi state law. Lenders that serve Hattiesburg, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance.
Credit unions in Hattiesburg
These credit unions have their main office in Hattiesburg, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Pine Belt Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Sunbelt Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Camp Shelby Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Centuryfirst 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 Hattiesburg
The main Mississippi rules for a payday loan in Hattiesburg: maximum check: $500, so the most you can receive is about $410; maximum fee: $20 per $100 on checks up to $250; $21.95 per $100 on checks of $251–$500; loan term: up to 30 days (28 to 30 days for checks over $250). See the full Mississippi payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Hattiesburg
At Mississippi’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $65.85 ($21.95 per $100). Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 572% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Forrest County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Forrest 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 Hattiesburg
The nearest larger city is Gulfport, about 63 miles away. See all 256 Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Hattiesburg under Mississippi state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance.
How much does a payday loan cost in Hattiesburg?
At Mississippi’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $65.85 ($21.95 per $100). The typical statewide APR was 572% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Hattiesburg?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Hattiesburg, including Pine Belt Federal Credit Union and Sunbelt 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)
- Mississippi DBCF — Payday loans consumer pamphlet
- Mississippi Check Cashers Act
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary