- Payday loans in Refugio 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 Refugio; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Refugio at a glance
| Refugio | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 2,788 |
| Change since 2020 | +2.8% (growing) |
| County | Refugio County |
| Size rank among 1,127 Texas places we cover | 514th |
| Nearest larger city | Corpus Christi (about 39 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Refugio County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 6 (about 22,829 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 662% |
Payday lending in Refugio follows Texas state law. Lenders that serve Refugio, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
Credit unions in Refugio
These credit unions have their main office in Refugio, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Refugio County 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 Refugio
The main Texas rules for a payday loan in Refugio: 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 Refugio has one, or contact the city.
What a $300 loan costs in Refugio
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 Refugio County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Refugio 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 Refugio
The nearest larger city is Corpus Christi, about 39 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 Refugio?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Refugio 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 Refugio?
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 Refugio?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Refugio, including Refugio County 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