- Payday loans in Bluff follow Tennessee law (Deferred Presentment Services Act (TCA Title 45, Chapter 17)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs 15% of the check amount.
- The nearest larger city is Bristol, about 8 miles away.
Bluff at a glance
| Bluff | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,838 |
| Change since 2020 | +1% (growing) |
| County | Sullivan County |
| Size rank among 326 Tennessee places we cover | 185th |
| Nearest larger city | Bristol (about 8 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Sullivan County | 5 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 10 (about 202,909 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Bluff payday law: Tennessee rules apply here, and any lender serving Bluff residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Bluff
No credit union has its main office in Bluff, but these are based elsewhere in Sullivan County (NCUA, June 2026):
- United Southeast Federal Credit Union in Bristol (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union in Kingsport (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Eastman Credit Union in Kingsport (state charter)
- Kingsport Press CU in Kingsport (state charter)
- Horizon Credit Union in Kingsport (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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in Bluff
In short, Tennessee rules that cover Bluff 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 Bluff
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 Sullivan County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Bluff residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Sullivan 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 Bluff
The nearest larger city is Bristol, about 8 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 Bluff?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Bluff under Tennessee state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Bluff?
At Tennessee’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs 15% of the check amount. The typical statewide APR was 460% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to Bluff?
No credit union is headquartered in Bluff, but United Southeast Federal Credit Union is based in Bristol, also in Sullivan 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)
- 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