- Payday loans in Helena follow Oklahoma law (Oklahoma Deferred Deposit Lending Act (59 O.S. §§ 3101–3119)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45.
- The nearest larger city is Enid, about 24 miles away.
Helena at a glance
| Helena | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,533 |
| Change since 2020 | 0% (holding steady) |
| County | Alfalfa County |
| Size rank among 411 Oklahoma places we cover | 162nd |
| Nearest larger city | Enid (about 24 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 10 (about 57,900 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 424% |
There is no separate Helena payday law: Oklahoma rules apply here, and any lender serving Helena residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit.
Credit unions near Helena
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Helena or Alfalfa 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 Helena
In short, Oklahoma rules that cover Helena include: maximum loan: $500; maximum fee: $15 per $100 on the first $300, then $10 per $100; loan term: 12 to 45 days. See the full Oklahoma payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Helena
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Oklahoma at 424% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $45. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Alfalfa County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Helena residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Alfalfa 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 Helena
The nearest larger city is Enid, about 24 miles away. See all 411 Oklahoma 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 Helena?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Helena under Oklahoma state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit.
How much does a payday loan cost in Helena?
At Oklahoma’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45. The typical statewide APR was 424% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Helena?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Helena 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)
- Oklahoma Legislature — SB 1565 (2004)
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary