Payday Loans Are Prohibited in North Carolina
Payday loans in North Carolina are regulated by the North Carolina General Statutes under N.C.G.S. § 53-166.
Payday Loans Are Not Legal in North Carolina
Payday loans in North Carolina are regulated by the North Carolina General Statutes under N.C.G.S. § 53-166.
Alternative Short-Term Lending Options
- Personal installment loans from state-licensed lenders
- Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs), federally capped at 28% APR
- Employer payroll advances or earned wage access programs
- Nonprofit emergency assistance programs (community organizations, churches)
- BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) services for specific purchases
- State-specific small-dollar loan programs (check your state banking regulator)
Governing law: N.C.G.S. § 53-166
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Federal Payday Loan Protections (All States)
| Federal Protection | What It Means | Who It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| CFPB Payday Rule | The CFPB issued a regulation adopting a two-strikes-and-you’re-out rule for covered lenders. Under that rule, after two tries to withdraw money from a borrower’s account have failed, covered lenders can’t try again unless the borrower specifically authorizes another attempt. | All states |
| Military Lending Act (MLA) | 36% MAPR cap. The Military Lending Act (MLA) limits the amount a creditor may charge, including interest, fees, and charges imposed for credit insurance, debt cancellation and suspension, and other credit-related ancillary products sold in connection with the transaction. The total charge, as expressed through an annualized rate referred to as the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR), may not exceed 36 percent. | Active-duty service members |
| Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) | A lender cannot require you to repay by automatic bank (ACH) debit as a condition of getting the loan. You may choose another way to pay. | All states |
CFPB rule source: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/payday-rule/
North Carolina by the Numbers
North Carolina is home to 11,046,024 residents across 552 incorporated cities and towns.
Top metros: Charlotte (1,488,250), Raleigh (1,179,120), and Winston-Salem (443,598).
Unemployment Rate in North Carolina
On average, 5.4% of North Carolina residents across the state's cities and towns are currently unemployed.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Household Income in North Carolina
The median household income across North Carolina cities and towns is $66,655.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Largest Cities in North Carolina
| City | Population |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | 1,488,250 |
| Raleigh | 1,179,120 |
| Winston-Salem | 443,598 |
| Durham | 420,564 |
| Greensboro | 342,060 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau / uscities database.
More Resources for North Carolina Residents
Explore 5 Star Payday Loans's full suite of short-term lending options: Payday Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Bad Credit Loans, Same Day Loans, or find a location near you in our North Carolina Locations Directory.
