- Payday loans in West Columbia 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).
- 1 credit union is headquartered in West Columbia; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
West Columbia at a glance
| West Columbia | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 18,418 |
| Change since 2020 | +5.1% (growing fast) |
| Counties | Lexington County and Richland County |
| Size rank among 223 South Carolina places we cover | 29th |
| Nearest larger city | Lexington (about 7 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 9 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 20 (about 230,223 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 391% |
Payday lending in West Columbia follows South Carolina state law. Lenders that serve West Columbia, in a store or online, must be licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division.
Credit unions in West Columbia
These credit unions have their main office in West Columbia, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Brookland Federal Credit Union (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 West Columbia
The main South Carolina rules for a payday loan in West Columbia: 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 West Columbia
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 Lexington County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Lexington 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 West Columbia
- Springdale · 2 mi
- Cayce · 4 mi
- South Congaree · 6 mi
- Pine Ridge · 6 mi
- Lexington · 7 mi
- Forest Acres · 8 mi
The nearest larger city is Lexington, about 7 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 West Columbia?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in West Columbia 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 West Columbia?
At South Carolina’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $45 (15% fee). The typical statewide APR was 391% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in West Columbia?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in West Columbia, including Brookland Federal Credit Union. Federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR.
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