- Payday loans in McAllen 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.
- 3 credit unions are headquartered in McAllen; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
McAllen at a glance
| McAllen | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 148,782 |
| Change since 2020 | +4.5% (growing) |
| County | Hidalgo County |
| Size rank among 1,127 Texas places we cover | 23rd |
| Nearest larger city | Brownsville (about 52 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 3, 3 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Hidalgo County | 6 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 21 (about 504,427 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 662% |
There is no separate McAllen payday law: Texas rules apply here, and any lender serving McAllen residents, online or in person, needs a license from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
Credit unions in McAllen
These credit unions have their main office in McAllen, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Highway District 21 Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Security First Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- South Texas 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.
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Payday loan rules that apply in McAllen
| 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 McAllen has one, or contact the city.
What a $300 loan costs in McAllen
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 Hidalgo County before you borrow
Before a payday loan, McAllen residents can usually find something cheaper:
- Local assistance through 211 covering Hidalgo 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 McAllen
The nearest larger city is Brownsville, about 52 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 McAllen?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in McAllen 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 McAllen?
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 McAllen?
Yes. NCUA data lists 3 credit unions with a main office in McAllen, including Highway District 21 Federal Credit Union and Security First 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