- Payday loans in Meridian 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 Meridian; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Meridian at a glance
| Meridian | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 33,549 |
| Change since 2020 | -3.8% (shrinking) |
| County | Lauderdale County |
| Size rank among 256 Mississippi places we cover | 8th |
| Share of Mississippi’s population | 1.1% |
| Nearest larger city | Hattiesburg (about 83 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 4 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Lauderdale County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 7 (about 7,509 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 572% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Hattiesburg or online from Meridian, the lender must hold a Mississippi license from the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Meridian
These credit unions have their main office in Meridian, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Meridian Mutual Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Meridian Mississippi Ang Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- 1st Mississippi Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Meridian Postal 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 Meridian
Key Mississippi limits that apply to Meridian borrowers: 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 Meridian
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 Lauderdale 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 Meridian 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 Meridian
The nearest larger city is Hattiesburg, about 83 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 Meridian?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Meridian 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 Meridian?
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 Meridian?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Meridian, including Meridian Mutual Federal Credit Union and Meridian Mississippi Ang 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