Part of the Advance America chain · locations
Advance America logo

Advance America in Carson, CA

No stored Google rating available.

Carson, CA Advance America offers payday loans and cash advances at 280 E Sepulveda Blvd.

Data compiled from public sources

Advance America Review

Advance America's Carson location sits at 280 E Sepulveda Blvd, in this busy Carson, CA commercial area. The storefront is open Monday through Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM, and closed Sundays, making it convenient for Carson residents to drop in during weekday breaks or Saturday morning errands.

At this Carson branch, you can access payday loans, title loans, and other short-term cash-access services. The team at 280 E Sepulveda Blvd is ready to discuss your lending needs and process your application quickly. Call +1 310-830-4960 to ask about current rates and terms or to schedule an appointment.

If you are researching short-term cash access in Carson before your next paycheck, bring your ID, proof of income (pay stub or bank statement), and a valid checking account. Advance America helps Carson residents bridge short-term cash gaps with listed terms and provider-stated funding timing options when you apply in person.

Services & Features

Automatic Payment Scheduling
Cash Advances
Debit Card Loan Repayment
In-Store Loan Applications (800+ locations nationwide)
Installment Loans (larger amounts, fixed monthly payments)
Lines of Credit (revolving, up to ~$3,000)
Money Order Services
Online Loan Applications (available 24/7)
Payday Loans ($50–$1,000, repaid on next payday)
Personal Loans for Bad Credit
Same-Day and Next-Business-Day Funding
Title Loans (vehicle-secured, via LoanCenter partner)

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 800+ physical store locations in 27 states — one of the largest in-person payday lending networks in the U.S.
  • 157+ million loans issued since 1997 — proven operational scale and longevity
  • listed funding timing for qualified applicants
  • Accepts borrowers with bad or no credit history — no traditional credit score cutoff
  • Multiple product types available: payday, installment, lines of credit, and title loans
  • 24/7 online portal with full account management, payment scheduling, and debit card repayment
  • A+ BBB rating and formally accredited since September 2024

Cons

  • APRs documented as high as 688.28% — among the most expensive legal borrowing costs available
  • BBB customer review score of just 1.69/5 stars (154 reviews) despite A+ accreditation — persistent customer dissatisfaction
  • 302 BBB complaints filed in the past three years, with 74 in the most recent 12 months
  • Only available in 27 states — roughly half the country has no access
  • Payday loan ceiling of approximately $1,000 makes this unsuitable for any expense beyond minor emergencies

Compare Personal Loan Options

Review lender profiles, APR ranges, fees, minimum-score fields, and funding-speed notes before deciding what to do next.

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Emergency Cash consumers in Carson, CA. It does not confirm that Advance America or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)

Payday loan rules in California

Status: Permitted

Rate context: $15 per $100 borrowed (equivalent to 459% APR on typical 14-day loan)

Amount context: $300

Term context: 31 days

Payday loans capped at $300 with maximum fee of $45 total. One loan at a time allowed. California uses the Statewide Payday Loan Database to prevent rollovers. Regulated under Cal. Fin. Code § 22250 et seq. Lenders must be licensed with DFPI.

Installment loan rules in California

Status: Permitted

Rate context: Governed by California Financing Law. Licensed lenders can exceed usury cap for loans under $10,000. AB 539 caps APR at 36% plus federal funds rate for loans $2,500-$10,000.

Installment loans regulated under Cal. Fin. Code § 22000 et seq. Installment Loan Law requires disclosure of finance charge, APR, payment schedule, and other terms. DFPI oversees licensing and enforcement.

Key state rules to check

  • Payday loans capped at $300 with maximum fee of $15 per $100 (459% APR equivalent).
  • The California Consumer Financial Protection Law grants DFPI broad enforcement authority.
  • Licensed finance lenders under the California Financing Law can charge rates above usury for loans under $10,000.

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Advance America respond to consumer complaints?

According to CFPB data (2023-present), Advance America has a 99.7% response rate to consumer complaints, with 97.4% of those responses delivered within the CFPB's 15-day window. Response rate measures whether the company replied — not whether the consumer's issue was resolved in their favor.

What services does Advance America offer?

Advance America offers 12 services including Payday Loans ($50–$1,000, repaid on next payday), Installment Loans (larger amounts, fixed monthly payments), Lines of Credit (revolving, up to ~$3,000), Title Loans (vehicle-secured, via LoanCenter partner), Cash Advances, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for Advance America?

Advance America has profile signals associated with Underbanked adults researching emergency-cash options before their next paycheck and have no other credit options, Borrowers with poor or no credit history who are ineligible for bank personal loans or credit union products, Consumers who prefer or require in-person assistance at a physical branch location, People facing small, unexpected short-term expenses — car repairs, utility shutoffs, medical copays — who can repay quickly.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Advance America?

Key strengths: 800+ physical store locations in 27 states — one of the largest in-person payday lending networks in the U.S.; 157+ million loans issued since 1997 — proven operational scale and longevity; listed funding timing for qualified applicants. Areas to consider: APRs documented as high as 688.28% — among the most expensive legal borrowing costs available; BBB customer review score of just 1.69/5 stars (154 reviews) despite A+ accreditation — persistent customer dissatisfaction.

How does Advance America compare to similar companies?

In the Emergency Cash category, comparable providers include California Cash Advance, Cash Depot, Get Auto Car Title Loans Hawthrone CA. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Is Advance America accredited by the Better Business Bureau?

Advance America holds a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is BBB-accredited.

Quick Facts

Founded
1997
Headquarters
Spartanburg, SC
BBB Rating
A+
BBB Accredited
Yes
Certifications
State-licensed lender (all operating states) OLA member (Online Lenders Alliance)
Visit Advance America

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on Advance America

Advance America is genuinely profile signals for underbanked consumers facing a true short-term cash emergency who have already been turned down by banks, credit unions, and credit card options. The main caveat is stark: APRs up to 688.28% make these loans extraordinarily expensive, and the company's 1.69/5 BBB customer review score signals that the borrowing experience frequently disappoints. Anyone who qualifies for a credit union payday alternative loan (PAL), a 0% intro credit card, or a personal loan under 36% APR should exhaust those options before turning to Advance America.

CFPB Transparency Report

Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Response Rate*
99.7%
On-Time Response**
97.4%

* Percentage of consumer complaints that received a company response (does not indicate the complaint was resolved in the consumer's favor)

** Percentage of responses delivered within the CFPB's 15-day window

Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-03-25

Profile Signals

  • Underbanked adults researching emergency-cash options before their next paycheck and have no other credit options
  • Borrowers with poor or no credit history who are ineligible for bank personal loans or credit union products
  • Consumers who prefer or require in-person assistance at a physical branch location
  • People facing small, unexpected short-term expenses — car repairs, utility shutoffs, medical copays — who can repay quickly
Updated 2026-05-08

Similar Companies

California Cash Advance logo

California Cash Advance

California Cash Advance offers payday loans with provider-stated funding timing through physical locations in El Monte and Bellflower. Claims direct lending with no fees to verify and a simple application process.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Consumers with urgent expense research before payday who have no access to credit alternatives, Borrowers with established income (paycheck-dependent) seeking listed funding timing

Cash Depot logo

Cash Depot

Cash Depot Inc offers payday loans and auto title loans in California with fast provider-stated funding timing. They provide short-term cash advances to borrowers who may not qualify for traditional bank loans.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Borrowers with urgent expense research and poor credit history who cannot access traditional bank loans, California residents in Los Angeles or Hawthorne areas who prefer in-person service

Get Auto Car Title Loans Hawthrone CA logo

Get Auto Car Title Loans Hawthrone CA

Get Auto Car Title Loans provides short-term cash access loans secured by vehicle titles in Hawthorne, CA and throughout California, offering listed funding timing for emergency expenses.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Vehicle owners with poor or no credit history facing short-term cash access emergencies, Consumers who need $1,000+ quickly and have exhausted traditional lending options

Compare Your Needs With Advance America

Answer 3 quick questions to review category, service, and profile context.

1. What's your primary financial goal?

Quick Summary

  • Advance America is listed as a Emergency Cash provider in Carson, CA on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
  • If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
  • For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.

Financial Wellness Guides

Financial Terms Explained (10 terms)

New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.

Interest & Rates

APR — Annual Percentage Rate

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.

Why it matters

Lenders are required to 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 lower-cost 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.

Compound 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.

Why it matters

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.

MAPR — Military Annual Percentage Rate

A special APR calculation used for military servicemembers that includes ALL costs — fees, insurance, and add-ons — capped at 36% by federal law.

Why it matters

The Military Lending Act protects active-duty servicemembers and their families from high-cost 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.

Usury Rate — Usury Rate (Interest Rate Cap)

The maximum interest rate a lender can legally charge in a particular state. Charging above this rate is called 'usury' and is illegal.

Why it matters

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.

How Loans Work

Collateral — Loan Collateral

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.

Why it matters

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.

Fees & Costs

Late Fee — Late Payment Fee

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.

Why it matters

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.

NSF Fee — Non-Sufficient Funds Fee

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.'

Why it matters

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.

Legal Terms

Usury — Usury (Illegal Interest)

The practice of charging interest rates higher than what the law allows. Usury laws set state-specific caps on how much lenders can charge.

Why it matters

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 may only be required to repay the principal — no interest or fees.

Credit Cards

Cash Advance — Credit Card Cash Advance

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.

Why it matters

Cash advances are a repeat-borrowing risk: 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.

Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Advance America and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Compensation does not determine whether a provider can be covered; visible star ratings use stored Google review ratings when available. Learn more.