- Payday loans in Alcoa follow Tennessee law (Deferred Presentment Services Act (TCA Title 45, Chapter 17)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs 15% of the check amount.
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Alcoa; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Alcoa at a glance
| Alcoa | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 13,588 |
| Change since 2020 | +23.6% (growing fast) |
| County | Blount County |
| Size rank among 326 Tennessee places we cover | 47th |
| Nearest larger city | Maryville (about 5 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2, 2 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Blount County | 4 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 15 (about 354,125 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Alcoa payday law: Tennessee rules apply here, and any lender serving Alcoa residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Alcoa
These credit unions have their main office in Alcoa, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Alcoa Municipal Employees 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 Alcoa
In short, Tennessee rules that cover Alcoa include: maximum: $500 in total outstanding checks; maximum fee: 15% of the face amount of the check; loan term: up to 31 days. See the full Tennessee payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Alcoa
At Tennessee’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs 15% of the check amount. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 460% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Blount County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Alcoa residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Blount 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 Alcoa
- Rockford · 2 mi
- Maryville · 5 mi
- Louisville · 5 mi
- Friendsville · 10 mi
- Knoxville · 11 mi
- Farragut · 13 mi
The nearest larger city is Maryville, about 5 miles away. See all 326 Tennessee 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 Alcoa?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Alcoa under Tennessee state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Alcoa?
At Tennessee’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs 15% of the check amount. The typical statewide APR was 460% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Alcoa?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Alcoa, including Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union and Alcoa Municipal Employees 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)
- Tennessee — Consumer notice, Deferred Presentment Services Act
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary