- Payday loans in Johnson 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 Knoxville, about 91 miles away.
Johnson at a glance
| Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 73,635 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.5% (growing) |
| Counties | Carter County, Sullivan County and Washington County |
| Size rank among 326 Tennessee places we cover | 8th |
| Share of Tennessee’s population | 1% |
| Nearest larger city | Knoxville (about 91 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 10 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 11 (about 134,506 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Knoxville or online from Johnson, the lender must hold a Tennessee license from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions near Johnson
No credit union has its main office in Johnson, but these are based elsewhere in Carter County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Northeast Community Credit Union in Elizabethton (state charter)
- Happy Valley Credit Union in Elizabethton (state charter)
- 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)
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 Johnson
Key Tennessee limits that apply to Johnson borrowers: 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 Johnson
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 Carter County before you borrow
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Johnson that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near Johnson
The nearest larger city is Knoxville, about 91 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 Johnson?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Johnson under Tennessee state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Johnson?
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 Johnson?
No credit union is headquartered in Johnson, but Northeast Community Credit Union is based in Elizabethton, also in Carter 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