Chester at a glance
- Population: the Census estimates 853 residents, ranking 64th of 127 places in Montana (Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 845 residents (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census).
- 2020 to 2023 change: population rose about 0.9% (US Census Bureau Vintage 2023 estimate vs 2020 Census).
- Rank among Montana places: 64th of the state's 127 Census places (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: it exceeds roughly 50% of Montana's Census places by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: mapped at 48.5113, -110.9661 by the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Shelby, MT (41 mi); Fort Benton, MT (49 mi); Conrad, MT (51 mi); Havre, MT (59 mi); Cut Bank, MT (63 mi) — straight-line distances, US Census Bureau populations.
- Nearest smaller towns: Hingham, MT (25 mi); Big Sandy, MT (45 mi); Kevin, MT (48 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Chester
With an installment loan the payment is fixed for the life of the loan, so the schedule is predictable from the first month to the last.
Judge an offer by its APR, which blends the interest rate with fees, and use the personal loan calculator to see the total cost.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
A payment that strains the budget is a warning sign; a smaller loan or a little more saving time is the safer route.
Montana lending rules that apply in Chester
The table lists the Montana rules that apply to a loan made in Chester, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred deposit loan license requirement (MCA 31-1-705) | A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department Source says: "A person may not engage in or offer to engage in the business of making deferred deposit loans unless licensed by the department." | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | Greater of 15% or prime rate + 6 percentage points per year (written agreement); regulated lenders exempt Source says: "Parties may agree in writing to the payment of any rate of interest that does not exceed the greater of 15%" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Legal; deferred deposit lenders must be licensed; fee capped at 36% per annum Source says: "A licensee may not charge a fee for making or carrying each deferred deposit loan authorized by this part that exceeds 36% per annum" | Montana Legislative Services Division (Montana Code Annotated) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer loan license required under the Montana Consumer Loan Act (32-5-101); licensing through NMLS Source says: "A consumer loan license is needed to engage in business as defined in the Montana Consumer Loan Act" | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (BFID), Department of Administration Source says: "The Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (Division) does all of its licensing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS)." | Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Chester
Here is a short checklist for comparing personal loans in Chester:
- Pull your free credit reports and dispute any error — it is the cheapest way to improve the rate you are offered.
- Run your figures through the personal loan calculator on this site so you know the payment before a lender quotes one.
- Pre-qualify with at least three lenders and compare the APR, not the interest rate.
- Check that the lender is licensed in Montana using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.