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USA Check Center (formerly Check Center)
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BBB:
Part of the Checksmart chain · locations
CheckSmart in Lakewood, OH
Lakewood, OH's CheckSmart on W 117th St offers check cashing and payday loans with extended hours.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
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 needing quick cash 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
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 1508 W 117th St, Lakewood, OH 44107.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 1508 W 117th St, Lakewood, OH 44107
- 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 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.
Best For
- 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 immediate cash value
- People who need a prepaid debit card (Green Dot Visa) and want to get one same-day in-store
Updated 2026-04-29
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