$ Cash Advance

Emergency-Cash · California

Rating: 2.3/5

$ Cash Advance logo

ACE Cash Express offers payday loans ($100–$255) and short-term cash advances in Hawthorne, CA, with online and in-store application options for quick funding.

Official Website

https://www.acecashexpress.com/locations/california/hawthorne/4035/

$ Cash Advance Review

ACE Cash Express is an established financial services company operating physical retail locations across the United States, including a Hawthorne, California store at 3928 W Rosecrans Ave. The company specializes in small-dollar, short-term lending products designed to bridge gaps between paychecks for consumers facing unexpected expenses. ACE's core payday loan product provides loans ranging from $100 to $255, available both online and at their physical locations, with repayment expected in full on the borrower's next payday.

Beyond payday loans, ACE Cash Express operates a comprehensive financial services platform. They offer check cashing without requiring a bank account (only a valid government-issued ID), bill payment services for rent and utilities, MoneyGram money transfers to over 200 countries, money orders, ATM services, and tax preparation services. The company also provides prepaid card products (ACE Elite Visa Card, Flare Account, and Porte mobile banking account) in partnership with Pathward, N.A., a federally chartered bank and FDIC member.

ACE Cash Express differentiates itself through its hybrid online-and-brick-and-mortar model, allowing customers to apply for payday loans either digitally or in person. The company maintains convenient store hours (9 AM–7 PM weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM Saturdays) and provides in-person support for account management and cash transactions. Their integration with Pathward for banking products and MoneyGram for money transfers positions them as a comprehensive alternative financial services provider rather than a single-product lender.

However, payday loans carry significant financial risks. While the website does not explicitly disclose APR or fee structures, California payday loans are subject to state caps on fees, but borrowers can still incur substantial costs. The short repayment term (full balance due on next payday) creates a cycle risk for consumers who cannot repay in full, potentially leading to repeated borrowing. This product is best suited as a genuine emergency measure, not a regular financial strategy.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider $ Cash Advance and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

  • ✓Low minimum loan amount ($100) accessible to consumers with minimal credit
  • ✓Multiple application channels (online and in-store) for convenience
  • ✓Same-day or next-day funding available for approved applicants
  • ✓No bank account required for check cashing (valid ID only)
  • ✓Extended store hours (open until 7 PM weekdays, 5 PM Saturdays)
  • ✓Comprehensive financial services ecosystem including money transfers, bill pay, and prepaid cards
  • ✓Physical retail locations provide in-person support and account management

Areas to Consider

  • !APR and fee structure not disclosed on website; payday loans typically carry triple-digit annual rates even within California's regulatory limits
  • !Full repayment due on next payday creates cash flow risk for consumers living paycheck-to-paycheck
  • !Short-term loan structure can lead to debt cycles if borrowers cannot repay in full and roll over the loan
  • !Limited loan amounts ($100–$255 maximum) may not address larger emergency expenses
  • !No mention of credit-building or alternative products for consumers seeking to improve financial standing

Verdict Summary

$ Cash Advance works best for consumers who value low minimum loan amount ($100) accessible to consumers with minimal credit and can accept the tradeoff of apr and fee structure not disclosed on website; payday loans typically carry tri. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

Feature Checklist

✗Credit Monitoring
✗All Three Bureaus
✗Goodwill Letters
✗Cease Desist Letters
✗Debt Validation
✗Credit Education
✗Identity Theft Protection
✗Score Tracking
✗Mobile App
✗Online Portal
✗Personal Advisor
✗Ai Powered

Best For

Before You Contact $ Cash Advance

Before signing up with any Emergency Cash provider, review these safeguards:

Compare Your Needs With $ Cash Advance

Match these decision factors against $ Cash Advance's profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Emergency Cash providers.

Category

Emergency Cash

Service scope

10 services listed

Geographic coverage

1 states

Match to your priorities

  • ●
    Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
  • ●
    Complexity priority: Consider $ Cash Advance's stated strengths (Low minimum loan amount ($100) accessible to consumers with minimal credit) against your specific credit situation.
  • ●
    Timeline priority: Emergency Cash typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
  • ●
    Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
  • ●
    Alternatives: Compare against all Emergency Cash providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

  • Monthly Price: 0
  • Setup Fee: 0
  • Money Back Guarantee: False
  • Guarantee Details:
  • Free Consultation: True
  • Tiers: []
  • Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does $ Cash Advance offer?

$ Cash Advance offers 10 services including Payday loans ($100–$255, online and in-store), Check cashing (no bank account required), Bill payment (rent, utilities, credit cards), MoneyGram money transfers (domestic and international), MoneyGram money orders, and 5 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is $ Cash Advance best suited for?

$ Cash Advance's profile signals suggest it may fit: Consumers with immediate, small emergency expenses ($100–$255) and predictable next paycheck income; Unbanked or underbanked individuals who need check cashing or bill payment without a bank account; People in urgent need of domestic or international money transfers via MoneyGram. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of $ Cash Advance?

Key strengths: Low minimum loan amount ($100) accessible to consumers with minimal credit; Multiple application channels (online and in-store) for convenience; Same-day or next-day funding available for approved applicants. Areas to consider: APR and fee structure not disclosed on website; payday loans typically carry triple-digit annual rates even within California's regulatory limits; Full repayment due on next payday creates cash flow risk for consumers living paycheck-to-paycheck.

How does $ Cash Advance compare to similar companies?

In the Emergency Cash category, comparable providers include ACE Cash Express, 12M Payday Loans, 15M Finance. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Where does $ Cash Advance operate?

$ Cash Advance serves customers in 1 states including California. Confirm current service availability in your state directly with the provider.

How much does $ Cash Advance cost?

Listed pricing for $ Cash Advance: monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

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State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Emergency Cash consumers in California. It does not confirm that $ Cash Advance or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Consumer protection: California Attorney General Consumer Protection

Credit and debt help rules in California

Key state rules to check

Payday lending in California: Legal (max $300)

Usury cap: 10% for personal/consumer loans (Article XV, CA Constitution); payday loans capped at $15 per $100

Complaint resources

State references

California regulates payday loans at a maximum of $300 with a $45 fee cap. The DFPI oversees all consumer lending and enforces the California Consumer Financial Protection Law. Consumers have strong rights under the state's comprehensive lending regulations, including the ability to file complaints online with the DFPI.

Similar Companies ⓘ

Comparable Emergency Cash providers with similar service scope. Ratings reflect stored review context; verify current licensing and pricing directly before contracting.

ACE Cash Express logo

ACE Cash Express

ACE Cash Express offers payday loans ($100–$255) and short-term cash advances in California, with both online and in-store options for fast emergency funding.

Rating 3.3/5

Read review →

Notable: Low loan caps ($100–$255 max in California) reduce the risk of over-borrowing compared to larger payday loans

12M Payday Loans logo

12M Payday Loans

12M Payday Loans operates physical locations across California offering fast payday loans up to $5,000 and check cashing services for urgent financial needs.

Rating 2.8/5

Read review →

Notable: 14 physical store locations across California enabling in-person service and same-day transactions

15M Finance logo

15M Finance

15M Finance offers payday and installment loans up to $5,000 with online applications and 24-hour funding. A loan marketplace that connects borrowers to lend...

Rating 2.8/5

Read review →

Notable: Advertises same-day or next-day funding (within 24 business hours) for time-sensitive borrowing needs

1st Capital Car Title Loans Clover logo

1st Capital Car Title Loans Clover

1st Capital Car Title Loans Clover offers fast title loans up to $10,000 in Clover, SC, allowing borrowers to keep their vehicles while accessing emergency cash.

Rating 4.3/5

Read review →

Notable: Loan amounts up to $10,000 available for emergency cash needs

2nd Chance Bad Credit Loans logo

2nd Chance Bad Credit Loans

Second Chance Ventures is a loan matching platform connecting borrowers with lenders for small personal and short-term loans ($100-$5,000) with fast funding.

Rating 2.6/5

Read review →

Notable: Two-minute application process requiring only basic identity, employment, and income information

300 Cash Loans logo

300 Cash Loans

300 Cash Loans Houston, TX — 300 Cash Loans offers payday and installment loans up to $5,000 in Houston with no hard credit checks and next-business-day...

Rating 2.8/5

Read review →

Notable: No hard credit checks; applicants approved based on income and eligibility rather than credit score

A-1 Cash Advance logo

A-1 Cash Advance

A-1 Cash Advance offers payday loans up to $825 with same-day online approval and check cashing services across Indiana and Tennessee locations since 1996.

Rating 2.8/5

Read review →

Notable: Same-hour online approval with 24/7 application availability

A+ Financial Services, Inc. #01 logo

A+ Financial Services, Inc. #01

Georgia-based lender offering small personal loans up to $2,000 with same-day approval and pickup. Licensed by Georgia Department of Banking & Finance with 1...

Rating 2.6/5

Read review →

Notable: Same-day approval and cash pickup available for applications submitted before 2 PM

Related Questions

Quick Summary

$ Cash Advance — Emergency Cash in California.

Overall rating: 2.3/5

ACE Cash Express offers payday loans ($100–$255) and short-term cash advances in Hawthorne, CA, with online and in-store application options for quick funding.

Visit $ Cash Advance

Next Steps

  1. Compare $ Cash Advance against similar options above.
  2. Run our borrowing power quiz to see how $ Cash Advance matches your situation.
  3. Check state regulator listings for $ Cash Advance's licensing before committing.
  4. Visit $ Cash Advance once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Emergency Cash providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Installment Loan
A loan you repay in fixed monthly payments over a set period — typically 12 to 60 months. Each payment covers part of the principal plus interest. Personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and student loans are all installment loans.
Why it matters: Installment loans are the most common way Americans borrow money. Unlike revolving credit (credit cards), installment loans have a clear end date and predictable payments. Making on-time installment payments builds yo...
Example: You borrow $5,000 as a personal installment loan at 12% APR for 36 months. Your fixed monthly payment is $166. After 36 payments totaling $5,978, the loan is paid off. You paid $978 in interest but built 36 months of positive payment his...
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.
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 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.
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.
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 might only need to repay the principal — no interest or fees.
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.
Amortization — Loan Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.
Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
Balloon Payment
A large lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan, after a period of smaller monthly payments. The loan isn't fully paid off by the regular payments — the balloon settles it.
Why it matters: Balloon payments make monthly payments look affordable but create a financial cliff. If you can't pay or refinance at the end, you could lose your home or asset.
Example: A 5-year balloon mortgage on $200,000: you pay $1,054/month (as if it were a 30-year loan), but after 5 years you owe a balloon of $186,108 all at once.
Cosigner — Loan Cosigner
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Why it matters: Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example: A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
Credit Bureau — Credit Reporting Agency (Bureau)
A company that collects and sells information about your credit history. The three major bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Why it matters: Not all lenders report to all three bureaus, so your reports may differ. You should check all three reports because an error on one could be costing you money.
Example: Your car loan only reports to Equifax and TransUnion. Your Experian report doesn't show that good payment history, so your Experian score is 15 points lower.
Credit Freeze — Security Freeze / Credit Freeze
A free tool that locks your credit report so no one (including you) can open new accounts until you lift it. It's the strongest protection against identity theft.
Why it matters: A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening loans in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It's free by law and doesn't affect your credit score.
Example: Your data was in a breach. You freeze your credit at all 3 bureaus (takes 10 minutes online). A thief tries to open a credit card in your name — denied because the lender can't pull your frozen report.