ACE Cash Express offers small emergency loans, title loans, check cashing, and money transfers at physical store locations nationwide.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
ACE Cash Express operates as a storefront-based financial services company providing short-term lending and cash access solutions. The company has maintained a presence across multiple states with physical store locations, though some operations have been temporarily affected (notably New Orleans stores due to Hurricane Ida). ACE's primary business model centers on emergency cash solutions for consumers who need funds quickly. The company advertises multiple financial products and services designed for consumers facing immediate cash needs. ACE positions itself in the alternative finance space, serving customers who may not qualify for traditional bank products or need faster access to funds than traditional lenders provide. The company maintains customer service operations and indicates online loan options are available, though some products show state-specific availability restrictions (reflected in their messaging that certain loan types are not available in specific states like Colorado for certain services). ACE's service model combines physical locations with digital accessibility through their website and online operations team. The company collects personal information from customers and maintains specific privacy disclosures for California residents. Overall, ACE Cash Express functions as a traditional alternative lender focused on immediate financial needs through both in-store and emerging online channels.
See which lenders actually approve borrowers with bad credit. We compared APRs, fees, minimum scores, and funding speed.
Yes. ACE Cash Express is a registered company headquartered in 722 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
ACE Cash Express is best for consumers facing immediate cash shortfalls who have access to a physical location or can qualify for online loans in their state. The main caveat is that product availability is state-specific and inconsistent—consumers should verify which ACE products are legal and available in their state before applying, as the website indicates certain loan types are restricted in specific states like Colorado.
Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-03-28
HMA Mortgage (Holland Mortgage Advisors) is an independent residential mortgage banker in Pittsburgh, PA, offering home loans including FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional products across 33 states.
Best for: First-time homebuyers in Western PA seeking full-service, guided mortgage support, Veterans and active-duty military using VA loan benefits
MoneyGram operates a network of money transfer locations across the US, partnering with retailers like Ace Cash Express, CVS, and Walmart to offer convenient cash sending and receiving services.
Best for: Unbanked or underbanked consumers who need physical locations to conduct money transfers, People sending money domestically who prioritize convenience and extended hours over online-only options
Pursuit Lending offers SBA-backed business loans and alternative financing in Pittsburgh, including 504, 7(a), microloans, and proprietary products up to $500K.
Best for: Established Pittsburgh-area businesses seeking $100K-$350K for working capital, equipment, or debt refinancing through flexible SBA 7(a) loans, Startup and early-stage Western PA entrepreneurs with minimal cash flow seeking FlexLoan products with deferred payments
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
Interest calculated on both the original amount borrowed AND the interest that's already been added. It's 'interest on interest' — and it makes debt grow faster than you'd expect.
Credit cards and many loans use compound interest. If you only make minimum payments, compound interest is why a $3,000 balance can take 15 years to pay off.
Example
You owe $1,000 at 20% annual interest compounded monthly. After month 1 you owe $1,016.67. Month 2, interest is charged on $1,016.67 (not $1,000), so you owe $1,033.61. After 1 year without payments: $1,219.
A special APR calculation used for military servicemembers that includes ALL costs — fees, insurance, and add-ons — capped at 36% by federal law.
The Military Lending Act protects active-duty servicemembers and their families from predatory lending. Any lender charging above 36% MAPR to military is breaking federal law.
Example
A payday lender charges a $15 fee per $100 borrowed for 2 weeks. For civilians, that's technically legal in some states. For military: that works out to 391% MAPR — illegal under the MLA.
The maximum interest rate a lender can legally charge in a particular state. Charging above this rate is called 'usury' and is illegal.
Usury laws are your main legal protection against predatory interest rates. But beware: some states have weak or no usury caps, and federal banks can sometimes override state limits.
Example
New York caps interest at 16% for most consumer loans (25% is criminal usury). If a lender tries to charge you 30% in NY, that loan is unenforceable — you could fight it in court.
An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.
Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.
Example
A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
A charge added to your account when you miss a payment deadline. Most credit cards charge $29-$41 per late payment, and many loans have similar penalties.
The fee itself hurts, but the real damage is to your credit score. A payment 30+ days late stays on your credit report for 7 years and can drop your score 60-110 points.
Example
Your credit card payment of $150 is due March 1. You pay on March 18. The bank charges a $39 late fee. If it's 30+ days late, it gets reported to credit bureaus and your 760 score drops to 670.
A fee your bank charges when a payment bounces because there isn't enough money in your account. Also called a 'bounced check fee' or 'returned payment fee.'
NSF fees hit you twice — your bank charges you AND the company you were trying to pay may charge their own returned payment fee. That's $50-70 for one missed payment.
Example
Your auto-pay tries to pull $350 for rent, but you only have $280 in checking. Your bank charges $35 NSF fee. Your landlord charges $25 returned payment fee. Total damage: $60 in fees.
The practice of charging interest rates higher than what the law allows. Usury laws set state-specific caps on how much lenders can charge.
If a lender charges usurious rates, the loan may be void, penalties can be reduced, or you may be entitled to damages. Know your state's limits.
Example
Your state caps consumer loans at 24% APR. An online lender charges you 36%. That loan may be unenforceable, and you might only need to repay the principal — no interest or fees.
Using your credit card to get cash from an ATM or bank. It's one of the most expensive ways to borrow — higher interest rate, immediate interest accrual (no grace period), and an upfront fee.
Cash advances are a debt trap: 25-30% APR with no grace period plus a 3-5% fee. Interest starts the second you withdraw, not at the end of the billing cycle.
Example
You take a $500 cash advance. Fee: $25 (5%). Interest: 28% APR starting immediately. After 30 days, you owe $536.67. After 6 months of minimum payments, you've paid $85 in interest on $500.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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