- Payday loans in Kiawah Island 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 Charleston, about 15 miles away.
Kiawah Island at a glance
| Kiawah Island | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 2,003 |
| Change since 2020 | -0.5% (holding steady) |
| County | Charleston County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 114th |
| Nearest larger city | Charleston (about 15 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Charleston County | 3 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 13 (about 434,956 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
There is no separate Kiawah Island payday law: South Carolina rules apply here, and any lender serving Kiawah Island residents, online or in person, needs a license from the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near Kiawah Island
No credit union has its main office in Kiawah Island, but these are based elsewhere in Charleston County (NCUA, June 2026):
- South Carolina Federal Credit Union in North Charlesto (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Latitude 32 Federal Credit Union in Charleston (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Cpm Federal Credit Union in North Charlesto (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 Kiawah Island
In short, South Carolina rules that cover Kiawah Island include: 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 Kiawah Island
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 Charleston County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Kiawah Island residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Charleston County.
- A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR). See PALs explained.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if offered (compare banks).
- A cash advance app for $20–$500 (apps compared).
Towns near Kiawah Island
- Folly Beach · 7 mi
- Seabrook Island · 8 mi
- James Island · 11 mi
- Hollywood · 12 mi
- Meggett · 13 mi
- Ravenel · 15 mi
The nearest larger city is Charleston, about 15 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 Kiawah Island?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Kiawah Island 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 Kiawah Island?
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 Kiawah Island?
No credit union is headquartered in Kiawah Island, but South Carolina Federal Credit Union is based in North Charlesto, also in Charleston 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