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Payday loans by state

Payday Loans in Mexico, MO: Rules, Costs and Local Options

With about 11,482 residents (2024 Census estimate), Mexico has held steady since 2020. If you are thinking about a payday loan here, these are the Missouri rules that apply, what it costs and the local alternatives.

Key takeaways
  • Payday loans in Mexico follow Missouri law (RSMo 408.500, 408.505 and 408.506).
  • Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs Up to 75% of the loan over its whole life, including renewals.
  • 2 credit unions are headquartered in Mexico; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.

Mexico at a glance

Mexico
Population (2024 Census estimate)11,482
Change since 2020+0.4% (holding steady)
CountyAudrain County
Size rank among 608 Missouri places we cover71st
Nearest larger cityColumbia (about 29 miles)
Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA)2
Credit unions headquartered in Audrain County2
Other towns within 25 miles13 (about 30,747 residents)
Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023)652%

Payday lending in Mexico follows Missouri state law. Lenders that serve Mexico, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Missouri Division of Finance.

Credit unions in Mexico

These credit unions have their main office in Mexico, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):

  • Show-Me Credit Union (state charter)
  • United 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.

Check your loan options

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Payday loan rules that apply in Mexico

The main Missouri rules for a payday loan in Mexico: maximum loan: $500; loan term: 14 to 31 days; cost cap: interest and fees capped at 75% of the initial loan, including all renewals. See the full Missouri payday loan rules.

What a $300 loan costs in Mexico

At Missouri’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs Up to 75% of the loan over its whole life, including renewals. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 652% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.

Other help in Audrain County before you borrow

  • Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Audrain 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 Mexico

The nearest larger city is Columbia, about 29 miles away. See all 608 Missouri cities.

Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.

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Frequently asked questions

Are payday loans legal in Mexico?

Yes. Payday loans are legal in Mexico under Missouri state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Missouri Division of Finance.

How much does a payday loan cost in Mexico?

At Missouri’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs Up to 75% of the loan over its whole life, including renewals. The typical statewide APR was 652% in 2023.

Are there credit unions in Mexico?

Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Mexico, including Show-Me Credit Union and United Credit Union.

Sources

  1. U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
  2. U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
  3. NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
  4. Missouri Division of Finance — Payday lenders
  5. Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
  6. CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary
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