- Payday loans in Portland 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.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Portland; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Portland at a glance
| Portland | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 20,725 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.6% (growing) |
| Counties | Nueces County and San Patricio County |
| Size rank among 1,127 Texas places we cover | 149th |
| Nearest larger city | Corpus Christi (about 13 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in these counties | 12 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 14 (about 377,653 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 662% |
Payday lending in Portland follows Texas state law. Lenders that serve Portland, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
Credit unions in Portland
These credit unions have their main office in Portland, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Sherwin 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.
Payday loan rules that apply in Portland
The main Texas rules for a payday loan in Portland: 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 Portland has one, or contact the city.
What a $300 loan costs in Portland
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 Nueces County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Nueces 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 Portland
- Gregory · 3 mi
- Taft · 7 mi
- Ingleside · 8 mi
- Ingleside on the Bay · 8 mi
- Corpus Christi · 13 mi
- Aransas Pass · 14 mi
The nearest larger city is Corpus Christi, about 13 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 Portland?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Portland 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 Portland?
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 Portland?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Portland, including Sherwin 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