- Payday loans in Athena follow Oregon law (ORS chapter 725A).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs About $39 on a 31-day loan ($30 origination fee plus 36% interest).
- The nearest larger city is Redmond, about 170 miles away.
Athena at a glance
| Athena | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,184 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.1% (shrinking) |
| County | Umatilla County |
| Size rank among 211 Oregon places we cover | 154th |
| Nearest larger city | Redmond (about 170 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Umatilla County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 4 (about 25,131 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 140% |
There is no separate Athena payday law: Oregon rules apply here, and any lender serving Athena residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions near Athena
No credit union has its main office in Athena, but these are based elsewhere in Umatilla County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Umatilla County Federal Credit Union in Pendleton (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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Athena
In short, Oregon rules that cover Athena include: minimum term: 31 days; interest: 36% a year; origination fee: $10 per $100, up to $30 on a new loan. See the full Oregon payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Athena
At Oregon’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs About $39 on a 31-day loan ($30 origination fee plus 36% interest). Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 140% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Umatilla County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Athena residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Umatilla 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 Athena
The nearest larger city is Redmond, about 170 miles away. See all 211 Oregon 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 Athena?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Athena under Oregon state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Athena?
At Oregon’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs About $39 on a 31-day loan ($30 origination fee plus 36% interest). The typical statewide APR was 140% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Athena?
No credit union is headquartered in Athena, but Umatilla County Federal Credit Union is based in Pendleton, also in Umatilla County.
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)
- Oregon DFR — Payday loans
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary