Amscot offers in-person cash advances, check cashing, money orders, and bill payment at 220+ Florida branches — no credit check required.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Amscot Financial was founded in 1989 by Ian MacKechnie and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Over three decades it has grown into Florida's largest provider of short-term cash advances and check cashing services, operating more than 220 retail branches exclusively within the state. The company is licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (License #FT20700107) and registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business. It holds no CDFI, HUD, or NFCC certifications, which are not applicable to its business model. Its BBB rating is A+.
Amscot's core product is the cash advance — a payday-style loan of up to $500 (Florida's legal cap), issued in $50 increments, at a fee of 10% of the amount plus a $3 state fee. A $100 advance, for example, costs $13 in total fees, with an APR equivalent of roughly 338.93% on a 14-day term. The company also offers an installment cash advance ranging from $100 to $1,000, with longer repayment terms. Beyond lending, Amscot provides check cashing (4.5% for payroll and handwritten checks; 9.9% for personal checks), free money orders, bill payment, wire transfers, prepaid access cards, notary services, ATM access at every branch, and fax, copy, and postage services. No credit check is required for cash advances, and funds are disbursed in person at the branch — not via ACH or digital transfer.
What sets Amscot apart operationally is its scale and reliability within Florida. Many branches operate 365 days a year, with some open 24 hours, making it one of the few financial service providers available on holidays and overnight. Its one-stop-shop model — combining short-term lending, check cashing, and everyday financial services under one roof — is specifically designed for unbanked and underbanked consumers who need accessible, immediate financial services without a traditional bank relationship. An online application is available at amscot.com to initiate a cash advance, though completion and fund pickup must occur in person.
Amscot's primary strength is convenience and accessibility: no credit check, same-day cash, extended hours, and a dense Florida branch network. However, its cash advance product carries a very high APR (~339%), which is typical of payday-style lending and can trap borrowers in repeat-use cycles. The service is Florida-exclusive — anyone outside the state cannot access it. No mobile app has been confirmed, and there is no money-back guarantee on any product. For consumers with access to lower-cost alternatives like credit union PALs or employer advances, Amscot should be a last resort rather than a first choice.
See which lenders actually approve borrowers with bad credit. We compared APRs, fees, minimum scores, and funding speed.
Yes. Amscot - The Money Superstore is a registered company headquartered in Tampa, FL, founded in 1989. They hold a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Amscot - The Money Superstore plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Amscot is best suited for Florida residents who lack access to traditional banking and need fast, in-person cash services with no credit check. Its broad branch network and extended hours are genuine advantages, but the ~339% APR on cash advances makes it a high-cost option that should only be used when lower-cost alternatives like credit union PALs, employer advances, or community lending programs are unavailable.
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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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