Payday loans are legal in South Carolina. See the limits, the real cost and your rights, then compare licensed lenders online or near you.
South Carolina Payday Loan Regulations
Here's what fees you can expect when obtaining online payday loans in South Carolina:
| Payday lending status in South Carolina: | Legal |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan amount of a payday loan in South Carolina: | $550 |
| Maximum Interest Rate (APR): | No statutory cap |
| Minimum payday loans term in South Carolina (SC): | 14 days |
| Maximum loan term: | 31 days |
| Number of rollovers allowed: | Not allowed (34-39-180) |
| Number of outstanding loans allowed: | One at a time |
| Cooling-off period: | 3 days |
| Finance charges: | 15% of principal amount (34-39-180(E)) |
| Criminal action: | Prohibited |
| State Regulator: | South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs |
Table Data Updated: September 2026.
Above you can see what fees you can expect when obtaining online payday loans in South Carolina.
Compare Payday Lenders in South Carolina
Payday Loans & Cash Advance In South Carolina Near Me From Direct Lenders
Search 54 payday loan locations in South Carolina by city or ZIP, or use your location to see the nearest first.
Biggest Cities for Payday Loans in South Carolina
View All Cities →Are Payday Loans Legal in South Carolina?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in South Carolina and regulated by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. The limits in the table above come from state law, so check them before you borrow.
Always check the license
Before you apply, confirm the lender is licensed in South Carolina on the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs website. Ask for the total amount you will repay and the due date in writing.
Who Can Get a Payday Loan in South Carolina?
Requirements differ by lender. Most ask for:
- Legal age to sign a contract in South Carolina (18 in most states)
- A valid government-issued ID
- A regular source of income, such as wages or benefits
- An active checking account in your name
- A phone number and email address
Some lenders look beyond the credit score, but they will check your income and bank account. In South Carolina the state limits above apply no matter what a lender offers.
How to Apply for a Payday Loan in South Carolina
Applying takes four steps: choose an amount within the South Carolina limit, compare licensed lenders, read the full cost and due date, and sign only if you can repay on your next payday. Keep the agreement after you sign.
Common Reasons People Borrow in South Carolina
- Car repairs and getting to work
- Unexpected medical or dental bills
- Rent, utilities and other housing costs
- Groceries and basic living expenses
- Childcare costs
- Covering an income delay or avoiding overdraft fees
A payday loan is meant for a short gap, not for a regular shortfall. If the same bills come back every month, look at the cheaper options below first.
Why Use MaybeLoan in South Carolina
MaybeLoan is a free comparison service, not a lender. We show you lenders licensed in South Carolina, and you choose. We are paid by lenders when you apply through our links, which does not cost you anything. Whatever you pick, read the total cost and the due date first and confirm the license with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
How South Carolina Compares With Neighboring States
Payday lending rules change at the state line, and a loan follows the law of the state where you live. Here is how the states around South Carolina treat payday loans:
| State | Payday loans |
|---|---|
| Georgia | Not allowed: 10% APR Cap |
| North Carolina | Not allowed: 36% APR Cap |
Online vs In-Store Payday Loans in South Carolina
| Feature | Online | In-store |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Online form | Visit the store |
| Receiving the money | Bank deposit, timing set by the lender | Cash or check at the counter |
| When you can apply | Any time | Store hours only |
| Paperwork | Digital documents | Printed forms, ID in person |
| Questions | Chat, phone or email | Face to face with staff |
Online lenders need to be licensed in South Carolina just like storefronts. A lender that says it does not need a license is a red flag.
Payday loans are expensive. State data for South Carolina: No statutory cap. Borrow only what you can repay from your next paycheck.
Cheaper Options Before a Payday Loan in South Carolina
- Talk to the people you owe. A payment plan on a bill is usually free.
- Credit unions. PALs from federal credit unions come with a capped rate, and membership in South Carolina is often easy.
- Employer help. Some employers offer paycheck advances or earned wage access.
- Community help. 211 and county services can cover rent, utilities and food.
- Licensed small loans. Compare the total cost before you accept.
Who to Contact About a Lender in South Carolina
Report a problem to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
Sources: SC Code 34-39-180, scstatehouse.gov. Data last checked: 2026-09. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Example Cost of a Payday Loan in South Carolina
Example cost for a 14-day or 31-day loan. Actual rates, fees, approval, and repayment terms vary by lender, state, and applicant.
| Loan Amount | Fee* | Total Due | APR for 14-day loan | APR for 31-day loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $15.00 | $115.00 | 391.07% | 176.61% |
| $200 | $30.00 | $230.00 | 391.07% | 176.61% |
| $300 | $45.00 | $345.00 | 391.07% | 176.61% |
| $400 | $60.00 | $460.00 | 391.07% | 176.61% |
| $500 | $75.00 | $575.00 | 391.07% | 176.61% |
- APR is calculated using the fee and loan term: fee ÷ amount × (365 ÷ days) × 100.
- This is an example based on South Carolina's maximum legal fee - it is not a guaranteed offer.
- Actual terms, approval, and final APR are determined by the lender.
- Legal fee data last verified: September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Payday Loans in South Carolina
