- Payday loans in Sterling 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 San Angelo, about 42 miles away.
Sterling at a glance
| Sterling | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 1,127 |
| Change since 2020 | +0.5% (holding steady) |
| County | Sterling County |
| Size rank among 1,127 Texas places we cover | 774th |
| Nearest larger city | San Angelo (about 42 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | None |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 662% |
Payday lending in Sterling follows Texas state law. Lenders that serve Sterling, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC).
Credit unions near Sterling
NCUA data (June 2026) shows no credit union headquartered in Sterling or Sterling County. Many credit unions have branches in other towns or accept members online. Use the NCUA’s Credit Union Locator to find one near you.
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 Sterling
The main Texas rules for a payday loan in Sterling: 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 Sterling has one, or contact the city.
What a $300 loan costs in Sterling
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 Sterling County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Sterling 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 Sterling
The nearest larger city is San Angelo, about 42 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 Sterling?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Sterling 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 Sterling?
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 Sterling?
NCUA data shows no credit union headquartered in Sterling or its county. Use the NCUA credit union locator to find branches and online credit unions.
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