- Payday loans in Nashville follow Tennessee law (Deferred Presentment Services Act (TCA Title 45, Chapter 17)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs 15% of the check amount.
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Nashville; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Nashville at a glance
| Nashville | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 704,963 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.2% (growing) |
| County | Davidson County |
| Size rank among 326 Tennessee places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Tennessee’s population | 9.8% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Davidson County | 18 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 26 (about 582,753 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront or online from Nashville, the lender must hold a Tennessee license from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Nashville
These credit unions have their main office in Nashville, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Parthenon Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Nashville Firemen'S Credit Union (state charter)
- Ten Credit Union (state charter)
- Us Community Credit Union (state charter)
- Your Best Credit Union (state charter)
- Nashville Post Office Credit Union (state charter)
- Dixie Line Credit Union (state charter)
- Tennessee Department of Safety 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 Nashville
| Rule | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Maximum | $500 in total outstanding checks |
| Maximum fee | 15% of the face amount of the check |
| Loan term | Up to 31 days |
| Checks at once | No more than two per lender |
What a $300 loan costs in Nashville
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 Davidson 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 Nashville 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 Nashville
- Berry Hill · 4 mi
- Belle Meade · 6 mi
- Oak Hill · 7 mi
- Forest Hills · 8 mi
- Goodlettsville · 12 mi
- Brentwood · 12 mi
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 Nashville?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Nashville under Tennessee state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Nashville?
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 Nashville?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Nashville, including Parthenon Federal Credit Union and Nashville Firemen'S 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