Bridgeport at a glance
- Population: 148,028 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 subcounty estimate), the 1st-largest of 29 places in Connecticut.
- 2020 Census base: 148,642 people counted in the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau).
- 2020 to 2023 change: a loss of about 0.4% since the 2020 count (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Connecticut places: 1st by size among 29 communities (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 97% of places in Connecticut rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: it sits at 41.1874, -73.1958 in the US Census Bureau Gazetteer.
- Nearest larger cities: Yonkers, NY (39 mi); New York, NY (53 mi); Paterson, NJ (54 mi); Jersey City, NJ (56 mi); Newark, NJ (60 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller towns: Shelton, CT (9 mi); Woodmont, CT (11 mi); Derby, CT (11 mi) — US Census Bureau populations.
What a personal loan costs in Bridgeport
Unlike a revolving credit card, a personal loan is closed-end: the balance falls on a fixed schedule and the payment does not change.
APR, not the simple interest rate, reflects what the loan actually costs once fees are included; the personal loan calculator puts a figure on it.
A longer repayment period spreads the cost and increases the interest paid, so compare total cost, not just the monthly figure.
A useful rule is to keep the new payment inside the room your budget already has, so the loan eases pressure instead of adding to it.
Connecticut lending rules that apply in Bridgeport
The table carries the Connecticut rate and licensing rules that apply to consumer loans made in Bridgeport.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payday lending status | Not permitted — payday loans (small loans at more than 12% APR) are void and unenforceable unless made by exempt persons; licensed small loan companies may charge up to 36% APR Source says: "Connecticut Banking Law considers such loans as void and unenforceable"; "Small Loan licensees can charge up to 36% annual percentage rate (APR)". | Connecticut Department of Banking as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Small loan license required for loans of $50,000 or less with an APR greater than 12% (Small Loan Lending and Related Activities Act, C.G.S. §§ 36a-555 to 36a-573) Source says: "Without having first obtained a small loan license from the commissioner pursuant to section 36a-565, no person shall". | Connecticut General Assembly — C.G.S. § 36a-556 (2026 Supplement) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Connecticut Department of Banking Source says: "The Department of Banking considers payday loan companies as unlicensed small loan lenders". | Connecticut Department of Banking as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan APR caps (§ 36a-558(d)) | Loans under $5,000: lesser of 36% APR or the Military Lending Act rate cap; loans $5,000–$50,000: 25% APR Source says: "an APR that exceeds the lesser of thirty-six per cent"; "an APR that exceeds twenty-five per cent". | Connecticut General Assembly — C.G.S. § 36a-558(d) (2026 Supplement) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 12% per annum (consumer loans; statutory exceptions apply, e.g., banks, credit unions, small loan licensees) Source says: "charge, demand, accept or make any agreement to receive therefor interest at a rate greater than twelve per cent per annum". | Connecticut General Assembly — C.G.S. § 37-4 as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Bridgeport
Run through this list before signing anything in Bridgeport:
- 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 Connecticut using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.