Yes. Payday loans are legal in South Carolina, and lenders must follow S.C. Code Ann. § 34-39-110 et seq.
Payday loan rules in South Carolina at a glance
| Payday loans | Legal, from licensed lenders |
|---|---|
| Fee or rate cap | 391% (computed) |
| Largest loan | $550 |
| Loan term | Up to 31 days |
| Rollovers and renewals | Not allowed |
| Wait between loans | 1 day |
| Extended payment plan | Required if you meet the conditions the law sets: at no extra cost (S.C. Code Ann. § 34-39-280(A)-(F); § 34-39-270(A)(4)). The conditions are listed below |
| State loan database | Yes, lenders must check it before lending |
| Right to cancel | Yes, you can cancel on or before the close of the following business day |
| Arrest and criminal charges | Lenders may not use criminal charges to collect |
| Lender license | Required |
| Regulator | South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions |
| Statute | S.C. Code Ann. § 34-39-110 et seq. |
Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 34-39-110 et seq. (read the law). We last checked it against the statute on October 3, 2026. See payday loan laws in every state.
What a payday loan costs in South Carolina
Under South Carolina's limits, borrowing $100 for 14 days costs $15 in fees, so you repay $115. That works out to 391% APR. Your offer may differ.
| Loan | Term | Fees | Total repaid | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | 14 days | $15 | $115 | 391% |
| $300 | 14 days | $45 | $345 | 391% |
| $550 | 14 days | $82 | $632 | 391% |
A payday loan is usually repaid in one payment on your next payday, so a fee that looks small is a high APR. Compare it with the APR on any other option before you sign.
If you can't repay on time
South Carolina doesn't let a lender roll a payday loan over into a new one for another fee. If you can't repay on time and you meet the conditions the law sets, the lender must offer an extended payment plan at no extra cost. The conditions are listed below. Lenders may not use criminal charges to collect a payday loan in South Carolina.
The conditions on the payment plan in South Carolina (S.C. Code Ann. § 34-39-280(A)-(F); § 34-39-270(A)(4)):
- Customer is unable to repay the transaction when due.
- Once in any twelve month period, measured from the date of one plan to the next plan with the licensee.
- Customer must request the plan and sign an amendment to the deferred presentment agreement that memorializes the plan's terms.
- Repay in at least four substantially equal installments, each due on or after a date the customer receives regular income; no additional cost, interest or fees.
- Licensee may require a new check with each payment or multiple post-dated checks up front.
- Missing an installment is a default; the licensee may accelerate the balance.
- No new deferred presentment transaction until the original is repaid in full; plan entered in the state database.
- No counseling or in-person requirement in the statute.
A federal rule also protects your bank account: after two payment attempts in a row fail, the lender needs your new permission before it tries again (CFPB payday rule).
How to check a lender in South Carolina
Payday lenders in South Carolina need a state license. Look the lender up in the official license search before you sign. Complaints go to the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions. Lenditup does not check lender licenses for you (see how we verify).
Looking for a loan in South Carolina?
A payday loan is due in one payment within weeks. If you would rather spread the cost, compare a personal installment loan first. If a payday loan is still the right fit, you can send one request and see what lenders and lending marketplaces in our network offer.
Lenditup is not a lender. Sending a request does not mean you will be approved; each lender sets its own rates and terms within South Carolina law.
Payday loan questions for South Carolina
01What is the most a payday lender can charge in South Carolina?
02How much can I borrow with a payday loan in South Carolina?
03How long can a payday loan last in South Carolina?
04Can I roll over a payday loan in South Carolina?
05How soon can I take out another payday loan in South Carolina?
06What if I can't repay a payday loan in South Carolina on time?
07Can I cancel a payday loan in South Carolina after I sign?
08How do I check that a payday lender is licensed in South Carolina?
09Is Lenditup a payday lender in South Carolina?
Other loan rules in South Carolina
Car title loans have their own law: see title loan rules in South Carolina. To compare payday rules across states, use the state payday loan law table, or read how payday loans work.