- Payday loans in Salem 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.
- The nearest larger city is Jefferson, about 73 miles away.
Salem at a glance
| Salem | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 4,726 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.8% (growing) |
| County | Dent County |
| Size rank among 608 Missouri places we cover | 142nd |
| Nearest larger city | Jefferson (about 73 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 5 (about 26,029 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 652% |
Payday lending in Salem follows Missouri state law. Lenders that serve Salem, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Missouri Division of Finance.
Credit unions near Salem
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Salem or Dent County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Salem
The main Missouri rules for a payday loan in Salem: 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 Salem
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Missouri at 652% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect Up to 75% of the loan over its whole life, including renewals. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Dent County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Dent 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 Salem
The nearest larger city is Jefferson, about 73 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.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Salem?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Salem under Missouri state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Missouri Division of Finance.
How much does a payday loan cost in Salem?
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.
Where is the nearest credit union to Salem?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Salem or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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)
- Missouri Division of Finance — Payday lenders
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary