- Payday loans in Bethune 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 Sumter, about 33 miles away.
Bethune at a glance
| Bethune | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 337 |
| Change since 2020 | +7.7% (growing fast) |
| County | Kershaw County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 209th |
| Nearest larger city | Sumter (about 33 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Kershaw County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 10 (about 27,264 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Bethune follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve Bethune, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near Bethune
No credit union has its main office in Bethune, but these are based elsewhere in Kershaw County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Mid Carolina Credit Union in Lugoff (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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Bethune
The main South Carolina rules for a payday loan in Bethune: 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 Bethune
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 Kershaw County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Kershaw 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 Bethune
The nearest larger city is Sumter, about 33 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 Bethune?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Bethune 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 Bethune?
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 Bethune?
No credit union is headquartered in Bethune, but Mid Carolina Credit Union is based in Lugoff, also in Kershaw 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