- Payday loans in St. Thomas follow North Dakota law (N.D. Century Code chapter 13-08).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $60 (20% fee) plus a database fee.
- The nearest larger city is Grand Forks, about 51 miles away.
St. Thomas at a glance
| St. Thomas | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 307 |
| Change since 2020 | -3.8% (shrinking) |
| County | Pembina County |
| Size rank among 137 North Dakota places we cover | 123rd |
| Nearest larger city | Grand Forks (about 51 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 5 (about 7,946 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 521% |
There is no separate St. Thomas payday law: North Dakota rules apply here, and any lender serving St. Thomas residents, online or in person, needs a license from the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near St. Thomas
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in St. Thomas or Pembina 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 St. Thomas
In short, North Dakota rules that cover St. Thomas include: maximum loan: $500; maximum fee: 20% of the amount advanced, plus a database fee; loan term: up to 60 days including one renewal. See the full North Dakota payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in St. Thomas
At North Dakota’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $60 (20% fee) plus a database fee. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 521% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Pembina County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, St. Thomas residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Pembina County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near St. Thomas
The nearest larger city is Grand Forks, about 51 miles away. See all 137 North Dakota 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 St. Thomas?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in St. Thomas under North Dakota state law, and lenders must be licensed by the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in St. Thomas?
At North Dakota’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $60 (20% fee) plus a database fee. The typical statewide APR was 521% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to St. Thomas?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in St. Thomas 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)
- N.D.C.C. chapter 13-08
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary