- Payday loans in El Campo follow Texas law (Texas Finance Code chapter 393 (Credit Access Businesses)).
- Texas law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender.
- The nearest larger city is Rosenberg, about 36 miles away.
El Campo at a glance
| El Campo | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 12,176 |
| Change since 2020 | -1.3% (shrinking) |
| County | Wharton County |
| Size rank among 1,127 Texas places we cover | 218th |
| Nearest larger city | Rosenberg (about 36 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Credit unions headquartered in Wharton County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 4 (about 28,660 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 662% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Rosenberg or online from El Campo, the lender must hold a Texas license from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) and follow state limits.
Credit unions near El Campo
No credit union has its main office in El Campo, but these are based elsewhere in Wharton County (NCUA, June 2026):
- Texasgulf Federal Credit Union in Wharton (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Wharton County Teachers Credit Union in Wharton (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 El Campo
Key Texas limits that apply to El Campo borrowers: how it works: most payday and title loans are arranged by licensed Credit Access Businesses (CABs) with a third-party lender; fees: cAB fees are not capped by state law, which is why Texas has some of the highest APRs in the country; licensing: each CAB location must be licensed by the OCCC. See the full Texas payday loan rules.
Many Texas cities have their own rules for credit access businesses, such as limits on loan size and renewals. Ask the lender whether El Campo has one, or contact the city.
What a $300 loan costs in El Campo
Texas law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 662% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Wharton 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 El Campo 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 El Campo
The nearest larger city is Rosenberg, about 36 miles away. See all 1,127 Texas 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 El Campo?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in El Campo under Texas state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
How much does a payday loan cost in El Campo?
Texas law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. The typical statewide APR was 662% in 2023.
Where is the nearest credit union to El Campo?
No credit union is headquartered in El Campo, but Texasgulf Federal Credit Union is based in Wharton, also in Wharton 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)
- Texas OCCC — Credit access businesses
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary