Part of the Checksmart chain · locations
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CheckSmart in Lakewood, OH

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Lakewood, OH's CheckSmart on W 117th St offers check cashing and payday loans with extended hours.

Data compiled from public sources

CheckSmart Review

CheckSmart at 1508 W 117th St in Lakewood, OH, is a standalone financial service center operating Monday through Thursday 9AM-7PM, Friday 8AM-8PM, and Saturday 9AM-4PM (closed Sundays). Located on West 117th Street, this Lakewood branch serves the local community with convenient hours designed to fit busy schedules.

This Lakewood, OH location provides check cashing, payday loans, title loans, and prepaid card services. You can reach the branch at +1 216-226-4066 to discuss your financial needs or confirm current service availability.

For Lakewood residents researching short-term cash access or check-cashing services, this W 117th St location offers same-day processing. Bring a valid government-issued ID and proof of income; most requests are handled within minutes. CheckSmart specializes in fast, accessible financial solutions.

Services & Features

Bill payment (in-store)
Check cashing
Gift card exchange for cash
Government ID-based identity verification for loan processing
Green Dot Visa Debit Card issuance
In-person loan application assistance
Money orders
Online appointment scheduling for loan applications
Third-party short-term loan facilitation
Wire transfers

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Multiple financial services available in a single in-store visit (check cashing, money orders, wire transfers, bill pay)
  • Green Dot Visa Debit Card available in-store — useful for unbanked customers needing a prepaid card
  • Gift card exchange for cash on the spot without mailing or waiting
  • Online appointment scheduling reduces in-store wait time for loan applicants
  • Extended Friday hours (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) accommodate customers who work standard hours
  • Open seven days a week including Sundays
  • Multiple Columbus-area locations for geographic convenience

Cons

  • Loans are facilitated through an unaffiliated third-party lender — CheckSmart does not control rates, fees, or approval criteria
  • No loan APR, fee schedule, or rate range disclosed anywhere on the website
  • In-person visit required for all services — no fully online loan application or remote access
  • Sunday hours are significantly limited (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM only)
  • Short-term emergency loan products of this type typically carry triple-digit APRs

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Check Cashing & Money Services consumers in Lakewood, 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 payment (in-store), Green Dot Visa Debit Card issuance, and 5 more.

What profile signals are listed for CheckSmart?

CheckSmart has profile signals associated with Unbanked or underbanked consumers who need check cashing, money orders, or wire transfers without a bank account, Ohio residents who need fast access to a short-term loan and prefer face-to-face service, Consumers holding unused gift cards who want short-term cash access value, People who need a prepaid debit card (Green Dot Visa) and want to get one same-day in-store.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of CheckSmart?

Key strengths: Multiple financial services available in a single in-store visit (check cashing, money orders, wire transfers, bill pay); Green Dot Visa Debit Card available in-store — useful for unbanked customers needing a prepaid card; Gift card exchange for cash on the spot without mailing or waiting. Areas to consider: Loans are facilitated through an unaffiliated third-party lender — CheckSmart does not control rates, fees, or approval criteria; No loan APR, fee schedule, or rate range disclosed anywhere on the website.

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
1508 W 117th St, Lakewood, OH 44107
BBB Accredited
No
Visit CheckSmart

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on CheckSmart

CheckSmart is best suited for unbanked or cash-dependent consumers in Ohio who need a single location for check cashing, money orders, wire transfers, and quick access to short-term loan products. The primary caveat is that CheckSmart does not directly lend — loans come from an unnamed third party with no rates published — so borrowers must ask for full cost disclosures before committing.

Profile Signals

  • Unbanked or underbanked consumers who need check cashing, money orders, or wire transfers without a bank account
  • Ohio residents who need fast access to a short-term loan and prefer face-to-face service
  • Consumers holding unused gift cards who want short-term cash access value
  • People who need a prepaid debit card (Green Dot Visa) and want to get one same-day in-store
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 Lakewood, 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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