- Payday loans in Wharton 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.
- 2 credit unions are headquartered in Wharton; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Wharton at a glance
| Wharton | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 8,755 |
| Change since 2020 | +1.2% (growing) |
| County | Wharton County |
| Size rank among 1,127 Texas places we cover | 276th |
| Nearest larger city | Rosenberg (about 23 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 2, 1 federal |
| Credit unions headquartered in Wharton County | 2 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 12 (about 86,302 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 662% |
Whether you borrow at a storefront in Rosenberg or online from Wharton, the lender must hold a Texas license from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) and follow state limits.
Credit unions in Wharton
These credit unions have their main office in Wharton, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Texasgulf Federal Credit Union (federal charter — may offer payday alternative loans (PALs))
- Wharton County Teachers Credit Union (state charter)
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 Wharton
Key Texas limits that apply to Wharton borrowers: 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 Wharton has one, or contact the city.
What a $300 loan costs in Wharton
The Center for Responsible Lending put the typical APR on a $400 payday loan in Texas at 662% (June 2023). Texas law sets no cap on payday loan fees, so prices vary widely by lender. Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Wharton County before you borrow
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR. Search for a federal credit union in Wharton that offers them. See how PALs work.
- Your bank’s small-dollar loan, if it offers one. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Cash advance apps for $20–$500 based on your direct deposits. See apps compared.
- 211: call or text 211 for local help with rent, utilities and food.
Towns near Wharton
The nearest larger city is Rosenberg, about 23 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 Wharton?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Wharton 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 Wharton?
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 Wharton?
Yes. NCUA data lists 2 credit unions with a main office in Wharton, including Texasgulf Federal Credit Union and Wharton County Teachers 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