- Payday loans in Cranston follow Rhode Island law (Rhode Island deferred deposit law; 36% APR cap from January 1, 2027).
- We could not verify a fee cap for Rhode Island; check current limits with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Cranston; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Cranston at a glance
| Cranston | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 84,448 |
| Change since 2020 | +2% (growing) |
| County | Providence County |
| Size rank among 8 Rhode Island places we cover | 2nd |
| Share of Rhode Island’s population | 7.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Providence (about 5 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Providence County | 7 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 7 (about 495,241 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 261% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Providence or online from Cranston, the lender must hold a Rhode Island license from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Cranston
These credit unions have their main office in Cranston, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Cranston Municipal Employees 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 Cranston
Key Rhode Island limits that apply to Cranston borrowers: big change: a 2025 law caps payday loans at 36% APR from January 1, 2027, which is expected to end triple-digit payday lending; until then: licensed deferred deposit lenders can still operate under current rules. See the full Rhode Island payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Cranston
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Rhode Island at 261% (June 2023). We could not verify a fee cap for Rhode Island; check current limits with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Providence 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 Cranston 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 Cranston
- Providence · 5 mi
- Warwick · 6 mi
- East Providence · 7 mi
- Pawtucket · 9 mi
- Central Falls · 10 mi
- Woonsocket · 16 mi
The nearest larger city is Providence, about 5 miles away. See all 8 Rhode Island 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 Cranston?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Cranston under Rhode Island state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Cranston?
We could not verify a fee cap for Rhode Island; check current limits with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. The typical statewide APR was 261% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Cranston?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Cranston, including Cranston Municipal Employees Credit Union.
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)
- Center for Responsible Lending — Rhode Island caps payday loans at 36%
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary