- Payday loans in Panama 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 Muskogee, about 55 miles away.
Panama at a glance
| Panama | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,299 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.5% (growing) |
| County | Le Flore County |
| Size rank among 411 Oklahoma places we cover | 178th |
| Nearest larger city | Muskogee (about 55 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 19 (about 42,810 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 424% |
Payday lending in Panama follows Oklahoma state law. Lenders that serve Panama, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit.
Credit unions near Panama
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Panama or Le Flore 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 Panama
The main Oklahoma rules for a payday loan in Panama: 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 Panama
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 Le Flore County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Le Flore 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 Panama
The nearest larger city is Muskogee, about 55 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 Panama?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Panama under Oklahoma state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit.
How much does a payday loan cost in Panama?
At Oklahoma’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45. The typical statewide APR was 424% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Panama?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Panama 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