Payday loans in Columbia, SC
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Columbia, SC.
The median household in Columbia earns $55,529 a year, 20% below the South Carolina median of $69,324. About 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, and 54.5% of households rent their home. When an unexpected bill hits before payday, Columbia residents can request $100 to $1,000 online in minutes.
South Carolina law that applies in Columbia
| Maximum loan | No more than $550 advanced to you at one time, not counting the fee. |
|---|---|
| Fee cap | The fee may not exceed 15% of the principal and may be charged only once per agreement. |
| Rollovers | Not allowed. |
| Loans at once | One payday loan at a time, with any licensee. |
| Payment plan | Once every 12 months, if you cannot repay, you may choose an extended payment plan. |
Full rules with statute citations: Payday Loans in South Carolina. Cities in South Carolina cannot set their own payday or title loan rate caps in most cases; zoning rules for storefronts are local.
What you need for a payday loan in Columbia
Lenders that serve Columbia typically ask for the following:
- Be 18 or older (19 in some states) and a US resident
- A government-issued photo ID
- A steady source of income — a job, benefits or self-employment
- An active checking account in your name for the deposit
- A working phone number and email address
Popular loan amounts in Columbia
What Columbia borrowers use it for
cover a short gap before payday
Need money nowthe fastest options online
Medical billspay a doctor, dentist or pharmacy bill now
Holiday expensesgifts and travel without maxing a card
Loans for your situation
How to get a payday loan in Columbia
- Pick an amount and fill out the short form (about 3 minutes).
- We share your request with lenders in our network that serve South Carolina.
- If a lender approves you, you'll see the fee, APR and due date before you sign.
- Funds are deposited to your bank account, often the next business day.
Estimate your cost
How much will I repay?
South Carolina does not set a single per-$100 fee cap for this product; check the lender's disclosure. $15 per $100 is shown as an example.
Estimate only. Your lender shows your exact cost before you sign.
Banks and credit unions in the area
Banks with branches in Columbia
79 FDIC-insured bank branches from 24 banks. Many banks offer small-dollar loans or overdraft lines to existing customers.
| Bank | Branches | Example location |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Bank, National Association | 9 | 930 Assembly St, Columbia 29201 |
| First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company | 8 | 1230 Main St, Columbia 29201 |
| Bank of America, National Association | 8 | 7547 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia 29209 |
| Truist Bank | 6 | 8910 Two Notch Rd, Columbia 29223 |
| SouthState Bank, National Association | 5 | 520 Gervais St, Columbia 29201 |
| TD Bank, National Association | 5 | 4875 Forest Dr, Columbia 29206 |
| Pinnacle Bank | 5 | 1221 Main St, Columbia 29201 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association | 5 | 10134 Two Notch Rd, Columbia 29223 |
Source: FDIC BankFind Suite, retrieved Oct 2026.
Credit unions in Columbia
50 credit-union locations from 18 credit unions.
| Credit union | Location |
|---|---|
| Grow Financial | 163 Forum Dr Ste 1, Columbia 29229 |
| Founders | 1400 Greene St Rm 227U, Columbia 29225 |
| Allsouth | 7471 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia 29209 |
| Spero Financial | 1025 Pulaski St, Columbia 29201 |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | 149 Forum Dr, Columbia 29229 |
| South Carolina | 4503 Forest Dr, Columbia 29206 |
| Self-Help | 1545 Sumter St, Columbia 29201 |
| Safe | 595 Saint Andrews Rd, Columbia 29210 |
| S. C. State | 800 Huger St, Columbia 29201 |
| Palmetto Citizens | 1320 Washington St, Columbia 29201 |
Source: NCUA credit union branch data, June 30, 2026.
Nearby cities
County: Richland County · Lexington County · Personal Loans in Columbia · Title Loans in Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a payday loan in Columbia, SC?
Payday loans (deferred presentment services) are legal in South Carolina from lenders licensed by the State Board of Financial Institutions under Title 34, Chapter 39. You can request one online from Columbia through our network; approval and terms are set by the lender.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in Columbia?
No more than $550 advanced to you at one time, not counting the fee.
How fast can I get a payday loan in Columbia?
The form takes about three minutes and many lenders decide within minutes. If you're approved and sign before the lender's cutoff, funds are often deposited the next business day.
Is a payday loan the same as a cash advance?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A payday loan is sometimes called a cash advance because it advances money against your next paycheck. A credit card cash advance is different: you withdraw cash against your card's credit limit, which requires available credit on a card. If you don't have card credit to tap, a payday loan through our network is a fast option. Check your options in about 3 minutes.
How much does a payday loan cost in Columbia?
The fee may not exceed 15% of the principal and may be charged only once per agreement. Your lender shows the exact fee, total amount to repay, due date and APR before you sign, so you know the full cost upfront. There's no charge to use our form, and you're never obligated to accept an offer. Compare what lenders offer Columbia borrowers in about 3 minutes.
What is a payday advance loan?
A payday advance loan is another name for a payday loan: a short-term advance on your next paycheck. You borrow a small amount and repay it, plus a fee, when you're next paid. The process is quick because lenders look mainly at your income and checking account. Columbia residents can request a payday advance online through our network in about 3 minutes.
Is a payday loan installment or revolving credit?
A traditional payday loan is neither. It's a single-payment loan: you borrow a set amount and repay it, plus the fee, in one payment on your due date. An installment loan spreads repayment over several scheduled payments, and revolving credit, like a credit card, lets you borrow repeatedly up to a limit. Depending on South Carolina rules, lenders may offer payday or installment options. Compare them in about 3 minutes.
What is a payday loan in Columbia?
A payday loan is a small, short-term loan, usually a few hundred dollars, that you repay in one payment on or around your next payday. Borrowers in Columbia can request one online from home instead of visiting a storefront. Through our free form you can be matched with lenders in our network, with amounts depending on the lender and South Carolina rules. See if you qualify in about 3 minutes.
Do I need to visit a store in Columbia?
No. You can request offers online from a phone or computer. Some lenders, especially title lenders, may ask you to visit a location or send photos of your vehicle.