South Carolina · checked October 24, 2026

Payday loans in South Carolina: the rules and your way out

Payday loans allowed, with limits

Licensed deferred presentment providers may make one payday loan at a time, up to $550 for up to 31 days, checked against a state database.

Law: S.C. Code Ann. §§ 34-39-110 to 34-39-290 (South Carolina Deferred Presentment Services Act). S.C. Code on the General Assembly website, which states it is current through the 2026 Session; Chapter 39 last amended by 2009 Act No. 78.

South Carolina's rules, line by line

Largest loan: $550 total advanced to a customer at one time, exclusive of fees (S.C. Code § 34-39-180(B)).
Longest term: 31 days (§ 34-39-180(A), (C)).
Fee or rate cap: Fee may not exceed 15% of the principal amount of the transaction, imposed only once per written agreement (§ 34-39-180(E)). Licensee may pass on one-half of the database verification fee (fee capped at $1) (§ 34-39-270(H)).
Renewals and rollovers: Prohibited: a check may not be repaid from proceeds of another deferred presentment check by the same licensee or affiliate, and the licensee may not renew or extend presentment beyond the agreement date (§ 34-39-180(F)).
Waiting period between loans: No new loan on the same business day a previous one is repaid; for the 8th or later loan in a calendar year, no new loan on the same or next business day after repayment (§ 34-39-270(A)(2)-(3), (B)).
Loans at once: One: no loan to a person who has an outstanding deferred presentment transaction (§ 34-39-270(A)(1)).
Payment plan if you cannot pay: Yes. A customer unable to repay may elect an extended payment plan once in any 12-month period; must request it and sign an amendment before the loan's due date; at least 4 substantially equal installments due on or after paydays, at no additional cost, no interest or fees, prepayable without penalty. No new loan while the plan is unpaid (§§ 34-39-280, 34-39-270(A)(4)). Lenders must post the right and print it on page 1 of the agreement (§ 34-39-280(F)).
State loan database: Yes. South Carolina Deferred Presentment Database, operated by Catalis under contract with the Board of Financial Institutions (§§ 34-39-175, 34-39-270; CFD Deferred Presentment page).
Limits on collection: If a check bounces, the lender may use civil means but may not impose a returned check charge; the borrower is not subject to criminal liability for the check (§ 34-39-180(G)). Licensee may not require security or a guaranty (§ 34-39-200(8)).
Other rights: Right to rescind at no cost on or before close of the following business day (§ 34-39-270(K)). Written agreement must state fees in dollars and as an APR (§ 34-39-180(C)). Board may order repayment of unlawful or excessive fees (§ 34-39-230).

If you are behind on a payday loan in South Carolina

Ask for the payment plan before the due date. South Carolina law gives borrowers a way to repay in installments. The details are in the table above. Ask in writing and keep a copy.
Stop the automatic withdrawals if they are emptying your account. You can revoke the lender's permission to debit your account and tell your bank. How to do it.
Look at a credit union payday alternative loan. Federal credit unions can lend $200 to $2,000 at much lower cost. How they work.
Talk to a nonprofit credit counselor. A counselor can look at all your bills, not just this one. How to find a real one.

Check a lender, or report one

Sources

S.C. Code Title 34, Chapter 39, Deferred Presentment Services, read 2026-10-24
SC Consumer Finance Division, Deferred Presentment, read 2026-10-24
SC Consumer Finance Division, Look up a Licensee, read 2026-10-24
SC Consumer Finance Division, File a Complaint, read 2026-10-24

This page summarizes the law; it is not legal advice. Laws change, and the statute and regulator control. If something here is out of date, write to hello@paydayloan.help.