- Payday loans in Charleston 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).
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Charleston; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Charleston at a glance
| Charleston | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 157,665 |
| Change since 2020 | +4.4% (growing) |
| Counties | Berkeley County and Charleston County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 1st |
| Share of South Carolina’s population | 2.9% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2, 2 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 16 (about 383,895 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Charleston follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve Charleston, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions in Charleston
These credit unions have their main office in Charleston, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Latitude 32 Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Rev Federal Credit Union (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 Charleston
| Rule | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $550 |
| Maximum fee | 15% of the amount advanced |
| Loan term | Up to 31 days |
| Loans at once | One, enforced by a statewide database |
| Rollovers | Not allowed |
What a $300 loan costs in Charleston
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 Berkeley County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Berkeley 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 Charleston
- Mount Pleasant · 6 mi
- James Island · 7 mi
- Hanahan · 7 mi
- North Charleston · 8 mi
- Sullivan's Island · 9 mi
- Folly Beach · 11 mi
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 Charleston?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Charleston 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 Charleston?
At South Carolina’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Charleston?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Charleston, including Latitude 32 Federal Credit Union and Rev 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)
- 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