- Payday loans in Columbia 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).
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Columbia; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Columbia at a glance
| Columbia | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 144,788 |
| Change since 2020 | +6.3% (growing fast) |
| Counties | Lexington County and Richland County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 2nd |
| Share of South Carolina’s population | 2.6% |
| Nearest larger city | Charleston (about 100 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 5 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 16 (about 108,855 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Columbia follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve Columbia, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions in Columbia
These credit unions have their main office in Columbia, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Allsouth Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- South Carolina National Guard Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Caro Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- S. C. State Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- South Carolina Methodist Conf Credit Union (state charter)
- Columbia Post Office Credit Union (state charter)
- Curis Financial 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Columbia
| 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 Columbia
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 Lexington County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Lexington 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 Columbia
- Arcadia Lakes · 3 mi
- Forest Acres · 4 mi
- Cayce · 10 mi
- Elgin · 11 mi
- West Columbia · 12 mi
- Blythewood · 13 mi
The nearest larger city is Charleston, about 100 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 Columbia?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Columbia 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 Columbia?
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 Columbia?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Columbia, including Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union and Allsouth 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