In South Carolina, the Office of the Commissioner of Consumer Finance licenses and supervises consumer finance lenders and handles complaints about them, while the Department of Consumer Affairs handles general consumer complaints. Verify a lender's license, get the APR in writing, and never pay a fee before funding.
On this page
- Two agencies, two jobs
- Verifying a lender
- Coastal and inland differences
- Local guides
- South Carolina by the numbers
- Two agencies, in practice
- Questions to ask a South Carolina lender
- Where to turn for help
- South Carolina storms and borrowing
- Military and coastal borrowers
- Quick reference
- Local help
- Frequently asked questions
Two agencies, two jobs
South Carolina splits consumer-lending oversight in a way that confuses people. - The Office of the Commissioner of Consumer Finance, part of the State Board of Financial Institutions, licenses and supervises consumer finance companies and takes complaints about licensed lenders. - The Department of Consumer Affairs handles general consumer complaints and publishes consumer information.
If your problem is with a licensed consumer lender, start with the Commissioner of Consumer Finance. If it is a general business practice problem, the Department of Consumer Affairs is the starting point.
Verifying a lender
- Search the lender's name and the word "complaints".
- Ask for its South Carolina license number and confirm it with the Commissioner of Consumer Finance.
- Get the APR, finance charge and amount financed in writing.
- Never pay a fee up front. The FTC calls upfront fee demands the hallmark of advance-fee loan scams.
Coastal and inland differences
The Lowcountry and Grand Strand face tidal flooding and hurricane costs, while the Upstate's economy leans on manufacturing, including the supplier network around the BMW plant. Different local risks mean different borrowing triggers: roof and flood repair on the coast, vehicle and appliance costs inland.
Local guides
Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, North Charleston, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach and more in the Carolinas directory.
South Carolina by the numbers
The table uses Census Bureau 2020 to 2024 estimates and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' September 2026 county unemployment rates for the South Carolina counties where we publish local guides.
| County | Unemployment (BLS, latest) | Median household income | Households $100,000+ | Median rent | Largest industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aiken County | 3.6% | $70,609 | 33% | $1,062 | education and health care (21%) |
| Beaufort County | 3.5% | $86,573 | 43% | $1,653 | education and health care (20%) |
| Berkeley County | 3.3% | $84,358 | 40% | $1,654 | education and health care (19%) |
| Charleston County | 3.0% | $88,494 | 45% | $1,620 | education and health care (22%) |
| Greenville County | 3.2% | $76,932 | 38% | $1,262 | education and health care (21%) |
| Horry County | 4.2% | $66,880 | 30% | $1,255 | education and health care (21%) |
| Lexington County | 3.2% | $77,408 | 36% | $1,178 | education and health care (22%) |
| Pickens County | 3.2% | $61,064 | 28% | $972 | education and health care (26%) |
| York County | 3.7% | $89,095 | 45% | $1,387 | education and health care (20%) |
Two agencies, in practice
The Office of the Commissioner of Consumer Finance licenses and supervises consumer finance lenders and takes complaints about them. The Department of Consumer Affairs handles complaints about general business practices. If your problem is with a licensed small-loan lender, start with the first; if it is a general scam or unfair practice, start with the second. Both accept complaints online; see the links in our sources.
Questions to ask a South Carolina lender
- What is your South Carolina license number?
- Is the loan from a licensed consumer finance lender or another type of lender?
- What is the total I will repay, in dollars?
- What fees apply, and are any taken from the proceeds?
- Do you report to the credit bureaus?
Where to turn for help
| Need | Resource |
|---|---|
| Local help with bills | Dial 211 |
| Free civil legal help | South Carolina Legal Services |
| Credit counseling | Nonprofit agencies through the NFCC |
| Lender license check | Commissioner of Consumer Finance |
| Scam reports | Department of Consumer Affairs and ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
South Carolina storms and borrowing
Hurricane season affects borrowing along the coast, from Myrtle Beach and Georgetown to Charleston and Beaufort, and flooding has affected inland counties as well. After a storm, apply for insurance and federal help before you borrow, and check contractors with the Contractors' Licensing Board.
Military and coastal borrowers
South Carolina is home to several military installations, and service members and their families may be eligible for protections and for credit unions that serve them. Along the coast, tourism-season income can swing, so size any loan to your slowest months.
Quick reference
Regulator: Office of the Commissioner of Consumer Finance. General complaints: Department of Consumer Affairs. Help with bills: dial 211. Scam reports: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Local help
South Carolina's regional councils of government and county offices run housing and utility assistance, and local United Way chapters staff the 211 line. Ask about programs for seniors, veterans and families.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I complain to about a lender in South Carolina?
For a licensed consumer lender, the Office of the Commissioner of Consumer Finance. For general consumer issues, the Department of Consumer Affairs.
How do I check a South Carolina lender's license?
Ask for the license number and confirm it with the Commissioner of Consumer Finance.
Do South Carolina rules differ from North Carolina?
Yes. The agencies and licensing frameworks differ, so check the rules for the state where you live.
Do I need to be a South Carolina resident for a local lender?
Lenders license by state, and many lend only to residents. Be ready to show a current address.
What if a lender is not licensed in South Carolina?
Do not share details. Report it to the Commissioner of Consumer Finance.
Are payday-style loans legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina regulates deferred presentment services under its own laws, which differ from North Carolina's ban. Check current rules with the Consumer Finance office and compare cheaper options first.
Who can I call about a lender's behavior?
The Commissioner of Consumer Finance for licensed lenders and the Department of Consumer Affairs for general complaints.
Do I need a South Carolina address to apply?
Lenders licensed in the state usually lend to residents. Have a current address and ID ready.
Where can I get free help with debt?
A nonprofit credit counselor through the NFCC, and 211 for local assistance.