- Payday loans in McAlester follow Oklahoma law (Oklahoma Deferred Deposit Lending Act (59 O.S. §§ 3101–3119)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in McAlester; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
McAlester at a glance
| McAlester | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 18,108 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.3% (holding steady) |
| County | Pittsburg County |
| Size rank among 411 Oklahoma places we cover | 30th |
| Nearest larger city | Muskogee (about 61 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Pittsburg County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 6 (about 6,171 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 424% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Muskogee or online from McAlester, the lender must hold a Oklahoma license from the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit and follow state limits.
Credit unions in McAlester
These credit unions have their main office in McAlester, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Mcalester Aap 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 McAlester
Key Oklahoma limits that apply to McAlester borrowers: 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 McAlester
At Oklahoma’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 424% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Pittsburg 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 McAlester 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 McAlester
The nearest larger city is Muskogee, about 61 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 McAlester?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in McAlester under Oklahoma state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit.
How much does a payday loan cost in McAlester?
At Oklahoma’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45. The typical statewide APR was 424% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in McAlester?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in McAlester, including Mcalester Aap 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)
- 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