- Payday loans in Salem 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).
- 4 credit unions are headquartered in Salem; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Salem at a glance
| Salem | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 180,406 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.5% (growing) |
| Counties | Marion County and Polk County |
| Size rank among 211 Oregon places we cover | 2nd |
| Share of Oregon’s population | 4.2% |
| Nearest larger city | Portland (about 46 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 4, 2 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 31 (about 274,704 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 140% |
Payday lending in Salem follows Oregon state law. Lenders that serve Salem, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions in Salem
These credit unions have their main office in Salem, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Ibew/Sj Cascade Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Heritage Grove Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Marion And Polk Schools Credit Union (state charter)
- Valley Credit Union (state charter)
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 Salem
| Rule | Oregon |
|---|---|
| Minimum term | 31 days |
| Interest | 36% a year |
| Origination fee | $10 per $100, up to $30 on a new loan |
| Rollovers | Restricted |
What a $300 loan costs in Salem
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 Marion County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Marion 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 Salem
The nearest larger city is Portland, about 46 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 Salem?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Salem under Oregon state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Salem?
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.
Are there credit unions in Salem?
Yes. NCUA data lists 4 credit unions with a main office in Salem, including Ibew/Sj Cascade Federal Credit Union and Heritage Grove 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)
- 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