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Part of the Checksmart chain · locations
CheckSmart in Columbus, OH
Columbus, OH's CheckSmart location at 7370 Sawmill Rd offers fast payday loans and title loans with same-day service.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
CheckSmart Review
CheckSmart at 7370 Sawmill Rd, Unit O, sits in Columbus, OH as a standalone location offering quick cash solutions. The storefront operates Monday through Thursday from 9AM to 7PM, extends hours to 8PM on Friday, and opens Saturday 9AM to 4PM; it's closed Sundays. This Columbus area location provides convenient access for residents needing rapid financial assistance without the wait times of traditional lenders.
At this Columbus CheckSmart location, customers can apply for payday loans, title loans, and other short-term financial services. Call +1 614-764-1110 to speak with a representative about rates, terms, and your eligibility. Same-day funding is often available for approved applicants at this location.
When visiting the Sawmill Rd CheckSmart in Columbus, bring a valid ID, proof of income, and banking information for loan consideration. This location serves residents across Columbus and surrounding areas who need immediate cash for emergencies or short-term expenses. CheckSmart specializes in fast approval processes designed for those without access to traditional bank credit.
Services & Features
Bill payment services
Check cashing
Customer service consultation
Gift card exchange for cash
Green Dot Visa Debit Card issuance
In-store loan application processing
Money orders
Online appointment scheduling
Short-term loans through third-party lenders
Wire transfers
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extended operating hours including 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday and Sunday availability for working customers
- Multiple financial services in one location: check cashing, wire transfers, bill pay, money orders, and card issuance
- Online appointment scheduling to reduce in-store wait times and streamline loan applications
- 11 store locations across Ohio providing geographic accessibility in Columbus, Heath, Marion, and other areas
- Green Dot Visa Debit Card issuance available in-store for unbanked customers
- Gift card exchange service providing alternative to gift card resale websites
- Quick lending decision and funding process emphasized for time-sensitive cash needs
Cons
- Loans are provided through unaffiliated third-party lenders, not directly by CheckSmart, limiting company accountability for terms
- Website contains no specific information about APRs, fees, loan amounts, or repayment terms for loan products
- No disclosure of eligibility requirements or credit score considerations for loan approval
- Limited emphasis on financial counseling or alternatives to short-term lending despite customer vulnerability
- Check cashing and payday-adjacent services typically involve high fees not disclosed on this storefront page
Rating Breakdown
Value 2.0
Effectiveness 1.5
Customer Service 2.2
Transparency 2.0
Ease of Use 3.9
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CheckSmart legitimate?
Yes. CheckSmart is a registered company, headquartered in 7370 Sawmill Rd Unit O, Columbus, OH 43235.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 7370 Sawmill Rd Unit O, Columbus, OH 43235
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on CheckSmart
CheckSmart is best suited for Ohio consumers who need immediate access to basic financial services like check cashing, money orders, and wire transfers, or who are seeking rapid short-term loan funding. The primary caveat is that lending products are sourced from third-party lenders with undisclosed terms and APRs, meaning customers cannot evaluate actual loan costs before applying, and should carefully review all terms before accepting any loan.
Best For
- Unbanked or underbanked consumers needing basic financial services like check cashing and money orders
- Customers seeking rapid access to small emergency cash loans with same-day or next-day funding
- Working individuals with irregular schedules who need extended evening and weekend financial service hours
- Ohio residents seeking multiple financial services at a single physical location
Updated 2026-04-29
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Financial Wellness Guides
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Read guide →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 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.
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 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.
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 might only need 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 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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