No stored Google rating available.
Al's Check Cashing is a licensed currency exchange in Blaine, MN offering check cashing, bill payment, gift card buying, and office services.
Data compiled from public sources
Al's Check Cashing operates as a licensed Currency Exchange in Minnesota (License #CE40156934, NMLS ID 1532374) with a physical location in Blaine, Minnesota. The company has established itself as a local financial services provider serving the Minneapolis metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Founded to serve customers needing quick access to cash and payment services, Al's Check Cashing operates six days a week from its single Blaine location at 1434 93rd Ln NE.
The company maintains an active hiring presence, indicating ongoing operations and growth. Al's Check Cashing offers a diverse suite of financial and office services beyond traditional check cashing. Core offerings include check cashing (personal and corporate), bill payment with same-day or next-day processing, prepaid debit cards, precious metals services, and gift card exchange.
50/page), postage stamps (85¢), and envelope sales (45¢). Additionally, they offer a Cash4debit service and accept most major gift card brands for cash conversion. What distinguishes Al's Check Cashing from larger national check-cashing chains is its position as a smaller, locally-focused operator with a single physical location rather than a franchise network.
Their integration of office services (notary, copies, fax) into a check-cashing venue provides convenience for customers who may need multiple services in one visit. The company's 6-day-per-week operating schedule and emphasis on "no appointment necessary" for notary services suggests accessibility-focused operations. They appear positioned to serve unbanked and underbanked populations typical of check-cashing demographics.
As a check-cashing business, Al's is a legitimate financial services provider operating under Minnesota state licensing requirements. However, customers should be aware that check-cashing services typically involve fees that vary by check type and amount, though specific fee schedules are not disclosed on the website. The company is suitable for those without traditional bank accounts or those researching short-term cash access, but represents a higher-cost alternative to traditional banking for routine financial needs.
This is state-level context for Check Cashing & Money Services consumers in Blaine, MN. It does not confirm that Al's Check Cashing or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Consumer protection
Short-term lending status: Legal
General rate context: 8% default; payday loans capped at $350 with tiered fees
Minnesota allows payday lending with a $350 cap, tiered fee structure, and a minimum 30-day term requirement. The Department of Commerce regulates all consumer lenders. Consumers benefit from the Minnesota Consumer Fraud Act and can file complaints with the Department of Commerce or Attorney General.
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Al's Check Cashing offers 12 services including Check cashing (personal and corporate), Bill payment with same-day or next-day processing, Prepaid debit cards, Gift card exchange and buying, Precious metals services, and 7 more.
Al's Check Cashing has profile signals associated with Unbanked and underbanked individuals in the Minneapolis-Blaine area researching short-term cash access, Small business owners requiring corporate check-cashing services, People with unused gift cards looking to convert them to cash, Customers needing multiple office services (notary, copies, fax) in a single visit.
Key strengths: Licensed Minnesota Currency Exchange with legitimate state oversight (License #CE40156934); Six-day-per-week operating schedule provides accessibility beyond typical banking hours; No appointment necessary for notary public services. Areas to consider: Single location (Blaine, MN) limits accessibility for those outside the immediate area; Check-cashing services inherently involve fees that are not transparently listed on website.
In the Check Cashing & Money Services category, comparable providers include Checks R US, MoneyGram, MoneyGram. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Al's Check Cashing is profile signals for unbanked or underbanked residents of the Minneapolis-Blaine area who are researching short-term cash access, bill payment, or complementary office services without a bank account. The main caveat is that check-cashing services carry inherent fees that make them significantly more expensive than traditional banking for routine transactions, and the single-location model limits accessibility for those outside the immediate Blaine area.
Checks R US is a check-cashing service located in St. Paul, MN, offering check cashing, money orders, wire transfers, and bill payment services with extended weekday hours.
Profile signals: Unbanked or underbanked individuals needing immediate check conversion without a bank account, Working people in St. Paul who need weekend or evening check-cashing access
Bloomington, MN MoneyGram at 9200 Old Cedar Ave S offers check-cashing and money transfer services.
Profile signals: Consumers needing to send or receive domestic money transfers quickly at a convenient retail location, People already shopping at Cub Foods who want to handle money transfers during their store visit
Brooklyn Center, MN MoneyGram at 6810 N Humboldt Ave offers check cashing and money transfers with seven-day hours until 9 PM.
Profile signals: Customers needing quick domestic money transfers without a bank account, Immigrants and international families sending remittances to relatives abroad
Answer 3 quick questions to review category, service, and profile context.
1. What's your primary financial goal?
Cash advances are expensive. Here are cheaper, faster ways to cover an emergency expense without getting trapped in a debt cycle.
Read guide →Balance transfer cards can save you money on interest, but fees to verify and deadlines catch people off guard. Here's how to use them the right way.
Read guide →A parent's guide to teaching teenagers about money, credit, and financial decisions before they leave home — covering the skills schools skip.
Read guide →Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Al's Check Cashing 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.