- Payday loans in Pendleton 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 Anderson, about 11 miles away.
Pendleton at a glance
| Pendleton | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 3,697 |
| Change since 2020 | +5.7% (growing fast) |
| Counties | Anderson County and Pickens County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 82nd |
| Nearest larger city | Anderson (about 11 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 17 (about 118,726 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in Pendleton follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve Pendleton, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near Pendleton
No credit union has its main office in Pendleton, but these are based elsewhere in Anderson County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Anmed Federal Credit Union in Anderson (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Upstate Federal Credit Union in Anderson (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 Pendleton
The main South Carolina rules for a payday loan in Pendleton: 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 Pendleton
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 Anderson County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Anderson 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 Pendleton
The nearest larger city is Anderson, about 11 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 Pendleton?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Pendleton 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 Pendleton?
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 Pendleton?
No credit union is headquartered in Pendleton, but Anmed Federal Credit Union is based in Anderson, also in Anderson 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