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CheckSmart in Columbus, OH

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Columbus, OH CheckSmart location on N Wilson Rd offers check cashing and payday loan services with extended Friday hours.

Data compiled from public sources

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

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Check Cashing & Money Services consumers in Columbus, OH. It does not confirm that CheckSmart or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions

Money services context in Ohio

Short-term lending status: Restricted

General rate context: 28% APR cap on short-term loans (HB 123, 2018); 8% general usury

Ohio reformed payday lending in 2018 with HB 123, capping APR at 28% and requiring minimum 91-day terms. A statewide database prevents borrower abuse. The Division of Financial Institutions regulates consumer lenders, and consumers can file complaints with the Division or the Attorney General.

Key state rules to check

  • HB 123 (2018) reformed payday lending with 28% APR cap plus a monthly maintenance fee.
  • Short-term loans capped at $1,000 with minimum term of 91 days.
  • Monthly maintenance fee of up to 10% of original principal (max $30/month).

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does CheckSmart offer?

CheckSmart offers 10 services including Check Cashing, Money Orders, Wire Transfers, Bill Pay, Green Dot Visa Debit Card (in-store purchase), and 5 more.

What profile signals are listed for CheckSmart?

CheckSmart has profile signals associated with 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.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of CheckSmart?

Key strengths: 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. Areas to consider: 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.

How does CheckSmart compare to similar companies?

In the Check Cashing & Money Services category, comparable providers include Bancosecha, Cash Plus, CheckSmart. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
170 N Wilson Rd, Columbus, OH 43204
BBB Accredited
No
Visit CheckSmart

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on CheckSmart

CheckSmart is profile signals 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.

Profile Signals

  • 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 2026-05-08

Similar Companies

Bancosecha logo

Bancosecha

Bancosecha is a multi-service financial center in Columbus, Ohio offering check cashing, money transfers, bill payments, notary services, and vehicle registration assistance with locations serving the Spanish-speaking community.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Spanish-speaking immigrants and residents of Columbus, Ohio needing multi-service financial hubs, Individuals sending frequent remittances to Mexico, Guatemala, or Central America

Cash Plus logo

Cash Plus

Multi-location check cashing and financial services provider in the Cincinnati area offering payday advances, money orders, and bill payment services.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Consumers who need to cash checks and lack a traditional bank account, People who need quick access to money orders and Western Union transfers for domestic or international payments

CheckSmart logo

CheckSmart

Cincinnati, OH's CheckSmart at 8398 Reading Rd offers quick check-cashing and money transfer services in a standalone location.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Unbanked or underbanked customers needing check cashing, money orders, and basic money services, Workers seeking quick emergency cash with listed funding timing options

Compare Your Needs With CheckSmart

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Quick Summary

  • CheckSmart is listed as a Check Cashing & Money Services provider in Columbus, OH on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
  • If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
  • For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.

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