- Payday loans in St. Stephen 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 Goose Creek, about 29 miles away.
St. Stephen at a glance
| St. Stephen | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,592 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.3% (growing) |
| County | Berkeley County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 132nd |
| Nearest larger city | Goose Creek (about 29 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Berkeley County | 3 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 6 (about 25,187 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in St. Stephen follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve St. Stephen, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions near St. Stephen
No credit union has its main office in St. Stephen, 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)
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 St. Stephen
The main South Carolina rules for a payday loan in St. Stephen: 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 St. Stephen
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 St. Stephen
The nearest larger city is Goose Creek, about 29 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 St. Stephen?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in St. Stephen 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 St. Stephen?
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 St. Stephen?
No credit union is headquartered in St. Stephen, 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