Payday loans in South Carolina
Payday loans are legal in South Carolina. A licensed lender may lend up to $550 and charge no more than 15% of the principal. Every figure on this page was checked against South Carolina law on November 10, 2026.
- Status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $550
- APR, 14-day loan
- 391%
South Carolina payday loan rules at a glance
- Legal status
- Legal
- Maximum loan
- $550
- Loan term
- (Up to 31 days)
- Maximum fee
- 15% of the principal
- APR on a 14-day $100 loan
- 391%
- Loans at one time
- One at a time, tracked in a statewide database
- Rollovers
- Not allowed
- Governing law
- S.C. Code §§ 34-39-110 et seq.
Checked against South Carolina law on November 10, 2026.
What a $300 payday loan costs in South Carolina
- You borrow
- $300.00
- Fee
- $45.00
- You repay in 14 days
- $345.00
Based on South Carolina's maximum fee, repaid in one payment. Your lender's price may differ.
The short version
- Payday loans are legal in South Carolina and lenders must hold a state license.
- The most you can borrow on one loan is $550.
- The legal maximum on a $100, 14-day loan is $15, which is 391% APR.
- South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division handles licensing questions and complaints.
On this page
Are payday loans legal in South Carolina?
Payday loans are legal in South Carolina. A licensed lender may lend up to $550 and charge no more than 15% of the principal.
The governing law is S.C. Code §§ 34-39-110 et seq… South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division licenses lenders and takes complaints.
Loan limits in South Carolina
- Loan size: up to $550
- Loan term: Up to 31 days
- Loans at one time: One at a time, tracked in a statewide database
- Rollovers: Not allowed
What a payday loan costs in South Carolina
State law sets the price rule: 15% of the principal.
On a $100 loan repaid after 14 days, the most a lender may charge is $15. You would repay $115, an APR of 391%. For comparison, most credit cards charge between 20% and 30% APR.
Before you deal with an online lender
- Look the company up with South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division. No license, no loan.
- Never pay a fee up front to get a loan. That is the mark of an advance-fee scam.
- Read the agreement for the finance charge, the APR and the due date before you give out bank details.
If you cannot repay a loan in South Carolina
Contact the lender before the due date and ask for a payment plan in writing. If a lender or collector breaks the rules, file a complaint with South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division and with the CFPB. Our guide to what happens if you don’t pay covers each step.
Lower-cost options in South Carolina
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs): $200 to $2,000 at no more than 28% APR.
- A payment plan with the landlord, utility or hospital you owe often costs nothing.
- Local assistance: dial 211 for rent, utility and food programs near you.
See all payday loan alternatives or work out a loan’s price with the cost calculator.
Free help in South Carolina
- 211Free, confidential referrals to local help with rent, utilities and food. Call 211.
- USA.gov: help paying billsGovernment programs for rent, energy, phone and medical bills.
- National Foundation for Credit CounselingNonprofit credit counselors who can set up a debt management plan. Call 800-388-2227.
- CFPB complaint portalFile a federal complaint about a lender or a debt collector.
Common questions
Are payday loans legal in South Carolina?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in South Carolina under S.C. Code §§ 34-39-110 et seq., and lenders need a state license.
How much can I borrow with a payday loan in South Carolina?
Up to $550 on a single loan.
What does a payday loan cost in South Carolina?
At the legal maximum, a $100 loan for 14 days costs $15. That equals an APR of 391%. A lender may charge less, so compare before you sign.
Can I roll over a payday loan in South Carolina?
State rule on rollovers: Not allowed. A rollover adds a new fee without reducing what you owe.
Can I be arrested for not repaying a payday loan in South Carolina?
No. Not paying a loan is a civil matter, not a crime. A lender can still sue you in civil court, so never ignore a court summons.
Where do I complain about a lender in South Carolina?
Contact South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions, Consumer Finance Division. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Does Northlight lend money?
No. Northlight is an information site. We explain the rules and the costs; we do not make loans or credit decisions.
Sources
Keep reading
- South DakotaSouth Dakota caps small loans at 36% APR, so high-cost payday loans are not offered. See what is allowed, what it costs and the alternatives.
- Rhode IslandPayday loans are legal in Rhode Island. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $10 (261% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to comp
- TennesseePayday loans are legal in Tennessee. A $100 two-week loan can cost up to $15 (391% APR). See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complai
- PennsylvaniaPayday loans are not legal in Pennsylvania. Learn what the law says, why online offers are risky and which lower-cost options you can use instead.
- TexasPayday loans are legal in Texas. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.
- OregonPayday loans are legal in Oregon. See the loan limits, the rules lenders must follow and where to complain. Checked against state law in November 2026.