- Payday loans in North 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).
- The nearest larger city is Charleston, about 8 miles away.
North Charleston at a glance
| North Charleston | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 126,005 |
| Change since 2020 | +9% (growing fast) |
| Counties | Berkeley County, Charleston County and Dorchester County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 3rd |
| Share of South Carolina’s population | 2.3% |
| Nearest larger city | Charleston (about 8 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 19 (about 435,868 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in North Charleston follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve North Charleston, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near North Charleston
No credit union has its main office in North Charleston, but these are based elsewhere in Berkeley County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Rev Federal Credit Union in Charleston (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Berkeley Community Federal Credit Union in Moncks Corner (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Santee Cooper Credit Union in Moncks Corner (state charter)
- 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))
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 North 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 North Charleston
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 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 North Charleston
- Hanahan · 4 mi
- Goose Creek · 6 mi
- Lincolnville · 8 mi
- Charleston · 8 mi
- Summerville · 9 mi
- Ravenel · 14 mi
The nearest larger city is Charleston, about 8 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 North Charleston?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in North 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 North Charleston?
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 North Charleston?
No credit union is headquartered in North Charleston, but Rev Federal Credit Union is based in Charleston, also in Berkeley 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