U
USA Check Center (formerly Check Center)
Contact
BBB:
Part of the Checksmart chain · locations
CheckSmart in Columbus, OH
Columbus, OH CheckSmart location on N Wilson Rd offers check cashing and payday loan services with extended Friday hours.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
CheckSmart Review
CheckSmart's Columbus, OH branch is located at 170 N Wilson Rd, offering convenient check cashing and short-term loan services. Open Monday through Thursday from 9AM to 7PM, Friday 8AM to 8PM, and Saturday 9AM to 4PM, this standalone location serves the central Columbus area.
At this Columbus location, you can cash checks, apply for payday loans, and access related financial services. Call 614-276-3334 to speak with staff about rates, requirements, and available services.
For Columbus residents needing quick access to check cashing or payday loans, bring a valid ID and proof of income. This N Wilson Rd location provides same-day services for qualified applicants.
Services & Features
Bill Pay
Check Cashing
Gift Card Exchange for Cash
Green Dot Visa Debit Card (in-store purchase)
In-person customer service and financial guidance
In-store loan application assistance
Money Orders
Online appointment scheduling
Third-party short-term loan referrals (Ohio only)
Wire Transfers
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multiple Columbus-area locations plus coverage across Ohio (Heath, Marion, Marysville, Reynoldsburg, Springfield, Whitehall)
- Extended Friday hours (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) compared to typical weekday schedule
- Green Dot Visa Debit Card available in-store for unbanked customers
- Gift card exchange for cash — converts idle gift cards to spendable funds
- Online appointment scheduling to reduce in-store wait time
- Broad transaction services under one roof: check cashing, money orders, wire transfers, bill pay
- Quick lending decisions for third-party loan referrals with in-person application support
Cons
- CheckSmart is not the actual lender — loans come from an unnamed unaffiliated third party, obscuring rate and term transparency
- Loan applications are in-store only; no fully online loan process available
- Limited weekend availability: Saturday closes at 4:00 PM, Sunday at 5:00 PM
- Ohio-only footprint limits accessibility for out-of-state consumers
- No disclosed APR ranges or loan amounts on the website — requires an in-store visit to get details
Rating Breakdown
Value 2.0
Effectiveness 1.5
Customer Service 2.2
Transparency 2.0
Ease of Use 3.9
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CheckSmart legitimate?
Yes. CheckSmart is a registered company, headquartered in 170 N Wilson Rd, Columbus, OH 43204.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 170 N Wilson Rd, Columbus, OH 43204
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on CheckSmart
CheckSmart is best for underbanked Ohio residents who need reliable in-person access to check cashing, money orders, and everyday financial transactions. The main caveat on the lending side is that CheckSmart is a referral intermediary, not a direct lender — borrowers should expect to ask specifically about the third-party lender's rates and terms before committing, as none are disclosed online.
Best For
- Underbanked Ohio residents who need check cashing or money orders without a bank account
- Consumers who prefer in-person financial service assistance over online applications
- Columbus-area residents needing gift card liquidation or Green Dot debit card access
- Short-term borrowers comfortable with third-party loan referrals and in-store processing
Updated 2026-04-29
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