- Payday loans in Aiken follow South Carolina law (S.C. Code Title 34, Chapter 39 (Deferred Presentment Services Act)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $45 (15% fee).
- The nearest larger city is Columbia, about 59 miles away.
Aiken at a glance
| Aiken | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 32,694 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.7% (growing) |
| County | Aiken County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 17th |
| Share of South Carolina’s population | 0.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Columbia (about 59 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Aiken County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 12 (about 45,142 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Aiken follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve Aiken, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near Aiken
No credit union has its main office in Aiken, but these are based elsewhere in Aiken County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Srp Federal Credit Union in North Augusta (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 Aiken
The main South Carolina rules for a payday loan in Aiken: maximum loan: $550; maximum fee: 15% of the amount advanced; loan term: up to 31 days. See the full South Carolina payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Aiken
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in South Carolina at 391% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect $45 (15% fee). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Aiken County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Aiken 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 Aiken
- Burnettown · 8 mi
- New Ellenton · 8 mi
- North Augusta · 13 mi
- Jackson · 15 mi
- Trenton · 16 mi
- Williston · 20 mi
The nearest larger city is Columbia, about 59 miles away. See all 223 South Carolina 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 Aiken?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Aiken under South Carolina state law, and lenders must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
How much does a payday loan cost in Aiken?
At South Carolina’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Aiken?
No credit union is headquartered in Aiken, but Srp Federal Credit Union is based in North Augusta, also in Aiken 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)
- South Carolina Legislature — Deferred presentment (2009 Bill 87)
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary