Advance America is a national alternative lender offering payday loans ($100–$500), installment loans ($100–$1,000), and title loans up to $25,000 with same-day in-store or online access.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Advance America is a nationally recognized, fully accredited consumer lending company with retail store locations across the United States, including this Jacksonville, FL branch in the Commonwealth Village neighborhood of North Edgewood. The company serves millions of customers seeking short-term financial solutions and bills itself as one of the most trusted names in alternative lending. Its Jacksonville store is accessible from both the downtown area and major interstates (I-95, I-295, and I-10).
The store offers three loan products. Payday Loans range from $100 to $500 and are structured as two-to-four-week short-term loans meant to bridge gaps between paychecks, available both online and in-store. Installment Loans range from $100 to $1,000 and allow repayment across multiple payments over a longer term, offering more flexibility than a payday loan with larger maximum amounts. Title Loans, offered online in partnership with LoanCenter, range from $2,000 to $25,000 and use the borrower's paid-off, registered vehicle as collateral. The branch also provides Western Union money transfer services. All loans can be pre-qualified over the phone at (904) 781-7075, and applications require a government-issued ID, proof of income, a checking account, and a Social Security Number or ITIN.
Several features set this location apart. The staff is bilingual in Spanish, making the service accessible to a broader customer base. Both online and in-store application channels are available, giving borrowers flexibility. Advance America has accumulated over 125,000 verified customer reviews with a 4.9 out of 5 rating — and over 200,000 reviews on Google — suggesting consistently strong customer service execution. A referral reward program is also in place for existing customers who bring in new borrowers.
Honestly assessed, Advance America serves a real need but carries significant financial risk for the borrower. Payday loans at this size routinely carry annualized APRs in the 300–400% range, making them extremely expensive if not repaid in full on the due date. The website does not display interest rates or APRs upfront, which limits transparency during comparison shopping. Title loans carry the added risk of vehicle repossession if payments are missed — a serious consequence for any borrower who depends on their car. Advance America is best treated as a last resort when no cheaper credit alternative exists, not as a routine financial tool.
See which lenders actually approve borrowers with bad credit. We compared APRs, fees, minimum scores, and funding speed.
Yes. Advance America is a registered company headquartered in 2840 34th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Advance America is best for borrowers facing a genuine short-term cash emergency who have exhausted cheaper options like credit union loans, employer advances, or family assistance. The main caveat is cost: payday loans in particular are among the most expensive forms of credit available, and the lack of upfront APR disclosure makes it easy to underestimate the true cost of borrowing.
Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-03-26
Pawn Max is a Tampa Bay-area pawn shop chain with 9 FL locations offering collateral-based loans and retail merchandise available in-store and online.
Best for: Tampa Bay-area residents needing quick collateral-based cash without a credit check, Secondhand shoppers looking for electronics, jewelry, or tools available for online purchase
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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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