- Payday loans in Forest Acres 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 4 miles away.
Forest Acres at a glance
| Forest Acres | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 10,438 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.7% (shrinking) |
| County | Richland County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 42nd |
| Nearest larger city | Columbia (about 4 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Richland County | 8 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 18 (about 240,142 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Forest Acres follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve Forest Acres, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near Forest Acres
No credit union has its main office in Forest Acres, but these are based elsewhere in Richland County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union in Columbia (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Allsouth Federal Credit Union in Columbia (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- South Carolina National Guard Federal Credit Union in Columbia (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Caro Federal Credit Union in Columbia (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- S. C. State Federal Credit Union in Columbia (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 Forest Acres
The main South Carolina rules for a payday loan in Forest Acres: 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 Forest Acres
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 Richland County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Richland 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 Forest Acres
- Arcadia Lakes · 1 mi
- Columbia · 4 mi
- Cayce · 7 mi
- West Columbia · 8 mi
- Springdale · 9 mi
- Pine Ridge · 11 mi
The nearest larger city is Columbia, about 4 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 Forest Acres?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Forest Acres 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 Forest Acres?
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 Forest Acres?
No credit union is headquartered in Forest Acres, but Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union is based in Columbia, also in Richland 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