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Cash Advance in Charleston, SC
Residents of Charleston, SC who need cash before payday can choose from four legal options: applying for a Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) at one of the 2 local credit unions, drawing early wages through a cash advance app, taking a credit card cash advance at a local bank or ATM, or visiting one of the 21 payday, installment and title loan stores operated by 11 chains in the area. There are also 8 pawn shops in Charleston for borrowers who prefer a collateral loan that does not touch their checking account.
In Charleston, where the median household income is $84,177 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, picking the right option can save you dozens of dollars on a single short-term advance. Storefront payday advances in Charleston are regulated by the SC Board of Fin. Inst. under the SC Deferred Presentment Services Act, which allows advances of from $100 up to $500 (up to $500) for up to 31 days with fees capped at 15% of face value (up to $75, or a typical APR of ~391%). Your CU Partner is an independent consumer-finance resource, not a lender, and we do not make loan decisions.
Where to get a cash advance in Charleston
Below is our directory of the 21 payday, installment and title loan stores (11 chains) in Charleston, alongside the 2 credit unions and 8 pawn shops serving the community. Before walking up to a storefront counter in Charleston, check whether you qualify for a 28%-APR PAL at a local credit union. If you do visit a payday counter, the clerk will ask for your photo ID, recent pay stub, and a personal check or debit authorization; before signing, ask for the written Truth in Lending disclosure showing the exact dollar fee (capped at 15% of face value under the SC Deferred Presentment Services Act) and verify the store's license with the SC Board of Fin. Inst.
| Address | Phone | Hours | Google rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1735 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 852-9610 | — | 5.0 |
| 1738 Savannah Hwy Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 763-0044 | — | 5.0 |
| 5973 Rivers Ave North Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 529-3643 | — | 5.0 |
| 761 Folly Rd Charleston, SC 29412 | (843) 795-2412 | — | 4.9 |
| 1890 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Ste 116 Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 573-9980 | — | 5.0 |
| 8988 University Blvd Unit 106 North Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 824-5550 | — | 5.0 |
| 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd #110 Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 769-5633 | — | 5.0 |
| 8316 Rivers Ave B Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 553-8989 | — | 4.9 |
| 1662 Savannah Hwy Ste 130 Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 628-1023 | — | 4.4 |
| 7800 Rivers Ave Ste 1210 - A North Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 553-5724 | — | 4.5 |
| 1660 Sam Rittenberg Blvd #8 Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 766-4660 | — | 5.0 |
| 6185 Rivers Ave Ste D-1 North Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 747-4001 | — | 4.5 |
| 1836 Ashley River Rd Ste k Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 556-6556 | — | 4.0 |
| 6185 Rivers Ave Ste A-1 North Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 553-5868 | — | 4.2 |
| Sunbelt Credit 1669 Savannah Hwy C Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 556-4737 | — | 5.0 |
| 946 Orleans Rd Unit F-6 Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 577-3220 | — | 5.0 |
| 170 Meeting St Ste 110 Office # 202 Charleston, SC 29401 | (843) 804-8610 | — | 2.3 |
| 611 Burroughs & Chapin Blvd, Ste 208 Myrtle Beach, SC 29403 | (843) 380-2050 | — | 5.0 |
| 1604 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 571-1827 | — | 4.9 |
| Savannah Hwy B Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 573-0530 | — | 4.7 |
| 1669-north, 1669 Savannah Hwy Charleston, SC 29407 | (843) 573-0530 | — | 5.0 |
What a $300 cash advance costs in Charleston, SC
With a median household income of $84,177 in Charleston (U.S. Census Bureau), a typical biweekly gross household paycheck before taxes is roughly a few thousand dollars, leaving little room for high finance charges when rent and utilities are due at the same time. Here is what borrowing a typical $300 cash advance costs across each option available to Charleston residents:
1. Federal credit union PAL in Charleston: At the NCUA maximum 28% APR, borrowing $300 for 30 days costs about $6.90 in interest, plus an application fee of up to $20 (total cost between $6.90 and $26.90, with the option to spread payments over 1 to 12 months at one of the 2 local credit unions).
2. Cash advance app (earned wage access): Advancing $300 of already-earned wages costs $0 in finance charges if you use an app with no mandatory monthly membership fee, skip optional tips, and wait 1 to 3 business days for standard ACH delivery. Choosing instant delivery adds an optional express fee, and some apps charge a monthly membership fee.
3. Credit card cash advance at a Charleston ATM or bank: Using typical national figures from the CFPB and Federal Reserve, a 5% upfront fee ($10 minimum) on $300 equals $15.00 immediately, plus 30 days of daily interest at a typical 30% APR ($7.40), for a total cost of about $22.40 ($322.40 repaid after 30 days).
4. Storefront payday cash advance in Charleston: Under the SC Deferred Presentment Services Act, lenders in South Carolina can charge up to 15% of face value (up to $75 on a maximum loan of $500 for up to 31 days, or ~391% APR). At the typical national payday fee of $15 per $100 borrowed for 14 days (~391% APR), a $300 advance costs $45.00 in just two weeks ($345.00 due on your next payday).
Compare cash advance dollar costs in Charleston
| Estimated fees and interest | Estimated total repayment | Estimated effective APR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payday cash advance | |||
| Credit card cash advance (~5% fee + ~30% APR) | |||
| Cash advance app (membership + optional express fee) | |||
| Credit union PAL (up to 28% APR + up to $20 fee) |
Estimates are for educational comparison only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend.
Cash advance FAQ: Charleston
How can I get same-day cash in Charleston, SC?
You have three ways to get cash on the same day in Charleston. If you have a credit card with an active PIN and available cash advance limit, you can withdraw cash immediately at a local ATM or bank branch, though a typical 5% fee and ~30% APR apply from day one. You can also request an instant transfer through an earned wage access app for an optional express fee, or visit one of the 21 payday, installment and title loan stores or 2 credit unions in Charleston during normal business hours before their afternoon cutoff.
What do I need to bring to a cash advance counter in Charleston?
To apply in person at one of the 21 loan stores or 2 credit unions in Charleston, bring a valid government-issued photo ID proving you are at least 18 years old, your most recent pay stub or proof of recurring income, and proof of your Charleston address. Storefront payday lenders also require an active checking account statement and either a blank personal check or debit card details to set up the deferred presentment repayment.
Are there cheaper alternatives to payday storefronts in Charleston?
Yes, Charleston has 2 credit unions where members can apply for a Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) capped at 28% APR under NCUA rules, which costs about $6.90 in interest on $300 over 30 days (plus up to a $20 application fee). By contrast, payday storefronts in Charleston can legally charge up to 15% of face value (up to $75, or ~391% APR) under the SC Deferred Presentment Services Act. If you have an item of value and want to avoid bank account debits altogether, you can also compare collateral loan rates at the 8 pawn shops in Charleston.
What are typical hours for cash advance stores in Charleston, SC?
Hours vary by lender and location. Where a store publishes its hours, we show them in the list on this page; for the rest, call ahead — every listing with a phone number has a tap-to-call link. Credit union branches among the 2 credit unions in Charleston usually keep weekday banking hours, and some open on Saturday mornings.
How do I verify a cash advance store in Charleston is licensed?
Every storefront offering deferred presentment cash advances in Charleston is required by the SC Deferred Presentment Services Act to display its state license certificate openly near the counter. You can also search the company name or street address in the public database maintained by the SC Board of Fin. Inst. before visiting. If a lender is not listed with the SC Board of Fin. Inst., report it to the state regulator and the CFPB.
Cash advance options in cities near Charleston, SC
More small-dollar borrowing resources for South Carolina residents
How we get our numbers: Store counts in Charleston, SC (21 payday, installment and title loan stores across 11 chains) come from lender websites and Google Maps listings; credit unions (2, by headquarters) from NCUA data; pawn shops (8) from Overture Maps open data. State limits (from $100 up to $500, up to 31 days, 15% of face value, ~391%) are summarized from the SC Deferred Presentment Services Act. Median household income ($84,177) is from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Credit card and national payday figures are typical benchmarks based on CFPB and Federal Reserve data.
To report an unlicensed lender, an overcharge above state fee caps, or an unfair collection practice, file a complaint with the SC Board of Fin. Inst. in your state and submit a federal complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or by calling (855) 411-2372.
Your CU Partner is a free, independent educational website. We are not a lender, loan broker, credit union, or cash advance app provider, and we do not make credit or loan approval decisions. Nothing on this page constitutes personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. State lending statutes, fee caps, and product terms change periodically; always verify current rates, fees, and Truth in Lending disclosures directly with the credit union, card issuer, app, or lender, and confirm any lender's license status with the SC Board of Fin. Inst.