- Payday loans in Charleston follow Tennessee law (Deferred Presentment Services Act (TCA Title 45, Chapter 17)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs 15% of the check amount.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Charleston; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Charleston at a glance
| Charleston | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 910 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.5% (growing) |
| County | Bradley County |
| Size rank among 326 Tennessee places we cover | 243rd |
| Nearest larger city | Cleveland (about 10 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Bradley County | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 13 (about 111,300 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Charleston payday law: Tennessee rules apply here, and any lender serving Charleston residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions in Charleston
These credit unions have their main office in Charleston, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Hiwassee River Credit Union (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 Charleston
In short, Tennessee rules that cover Charleston 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 Charleston
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Tennessee at 460% (June 2023). For $300 at the state maximum, expect 15% of the check amount. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Bradley County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Charleston residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Bradley 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 Charleston
The nearest larger city is Cleveland, about 10 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 Charleston?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Charleston under Tennessee state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Charleston?
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 Charleston?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Charleston, including Hiwassee River Credit Union.
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