- Payday loans in Sweetwater 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 Farragut, about 25 miles away.
Sweetwater at a glance
| Sweetwater | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 6,676 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.7% (growing) |
| Counties | McMinn County and Monroe County |
| Size rank among 326 Tennessee places we cover | 86th |
| Nearest larger city | Farragut (about 25 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 17 (about 72,760 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 460% |
There is no separate Sweetwater payday law: Tennessee rules apply here, and any lender serving Sweetwater residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
Credit unions near Sweetwater
No credit union has its main office in Sweetwater, but these are based elsewhere in McMinn County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Bowater Employees Credit Union in Calhoun (state charter)
- A.U.B. Employees' Credit Union in Athens (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 Sweetwater
In short, Tennessee rules that cover Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater
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 McMinn County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, Sweetwater residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering McMinn 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 Sweetwater
The nearest larger city is Farragut, about 25 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 Sweetwater?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Sweetwater under Tennessee state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
How much does a payday loan cost in Sweetwater?
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 Sweetwater?
No credit union is headquartered in Sweetwater, but Bowater Employees Credit Union is based in Calhoun, also in McMinn 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