- Payday loans in Houston 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.
- 8+ credit unions are headquartered in Houston; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Houston at a glance
| Houston | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 2,390,125 |
| Change since 2020 | +4% (growing) |
| Counties | Fort Bend County, Harris County, Montgomery County and Waller County |
| Size rank among 1,127 Texas places we cover | 1st |
| Share of Texas’s population | 7.6% |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 8+, 8 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 66 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 32 (about 781,678 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 662% |
Payday lending in Houston follows Texas state law. Lenders that serve Houston, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
Credit unions in Houston
These credit unions have their main office in Houston, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Houston Texas Fire Fighters Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Members Trust of the Southwest Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Primeway Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Houston Police Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Harris County Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Kbr Heritage Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Southern Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Sp Trainmen Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
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.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Payday loan rules that apply in Houston
| Rule | Texas |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Local rules | Many Texas cities, including Austin and Dallas, have adopted ordinances that further limit loan size and renewals |
Many Texas cities have their own rules for credit access businesses, such as limits on loan size and renewals. Ask the lender whether Houston has one, or contact the city.
What a $300 loan costs in Houston
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 Fort Bend County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Fort Bend County.
- Ask a federal credit union about a PAL: $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR (how PALs work).
- Check your bank app for a small-dollar loan or early pay (bank options).
- Try a cash advance app if you have direct deposit (apps compared).
Towns near Houston
- West University Place · 5 mi
- Hilshire Village · 6 mi
- Southside Place · 6 mi
- Hunters Creek Village · 7 mi
- Spring Valley Village · 7 mi
- Bellaire · 7 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 Houston?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Houston 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 Houston?
Texas law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. The typical statewide APR was 662% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Houston?
Yes. NCUA data lists 8 or more credit unions with a main office in Houston, including Houston Texas Fire Fighters Federal Credit Union and Members Trust of the Southwest Federal 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)
- 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