- Payday loans in Chester 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 Rock Hill, about 20 miles away.
Chester at a glance
| Chester | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 5,230 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.8% (holding steady) |
| County | Chester County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 65th |
| Nearest larger city | Rock Hill (about 20 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 14 (about 112,418 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Chester follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve Chester, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near Chester
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Chester or Chester County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Chester
The main South Carolina rules for a payday loan in Chester: 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 Chester
At South Carolina’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 391% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Chester County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Chester 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 Chester
The nearest larger city is Rock Hill, about 20 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 Chester?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Chester 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 Chester?
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 Chester?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Chester or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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