CheckSmart offers payday, installment, and title loans plus check cashing, bill pay, wire transfers, and tax prep at retail stores across the Midwest and South.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
CheckSmart was founded in 1987 as a retail alternative financial services company and now operates under Community Choice Financial, Inc., which acquired CheckSmart Financial in 2011. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Community Choice Financial holds BBB accreditation dating back to 1998 and completed a merger with Katapault in December 2025. CheckSmart is a state-licensed lender in every state it operates and has been subject to CFPB examination authority since 2012, covering both retail and internet lending channels. The company concentrates its hundreds of physical store locations primarily in the Midwest and South, targeting unbanked and underbanked consumers who lack access to conventional banking.
CheckSmart's lending lineup includes payday loans, installment loans repaid over scheduled payments, and title loans secured by a vehicle. Its mobile app supports applications ranging from $200 to $5,000. Beyond lending, CheckSmart operates as a one-stop alternative financial center: customers can cash payroll, government, or personal checks; purchase money orders; send domestic or international wire transfers; load Green Dot® Visa® Prepaid Debit Cards; sell back unwanted gift cards; pay bills; and prepare federal and state tax returns in-store, with basic federal filing starting around $139. Loan APRs for qualified consumers are published between 6.63% and 35.99%, with exact rates varying by state, loan product, and applicant profile and disclosed in full at application.
What distinguishes CheckSmart from digital-only lenders is its commitment to in-person service. Same-day or next-business-day cash disbursement is a central selling point, and the multi-service store model effectively functions as a substitute bank branch for consumers without traditional accounts. Customers can walk in, cash a check, pay a utility bill, wire money abroad, and apply for a short-term loan in a single visit. An online portal at secure.checksmart.com and a dedicated Android app extend these options to customers who prefer digital channels without eliminating the walk-in safety net.
CheckSmart genuinely serves a population that mainstream finance ignores — unbanked and credit-limited consumers who need immediate cash access. Same-day disbursement and bundled services are real advantages. However, payday and title loan products carry well-documented risks: debt cycles are common, and the lack of publicly posted check cashing fee schedules makes comparison-shopping difficult. Community Choice Financial has faced regulatory scrutiny in Ohio over payday lending practices, and CFPB oversight reflects the broader risk profile of this lending category. Consumers should read the full rates-and-terms disclosure at application — especially for title and payday products — before signing.
Yes. CheckSmart is a registered company headquartered in Dublin, OH, founded in 1987. They hold a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are BBB-accredited.
CheckSmart plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
CheckSmart is best suited for unbanked or underbanked consumers in the Midwest and South who need same-day cash or bundled alternative financial services that a conventional bank would not provide. The main caveat is cost: payday and title loan products can carry high effective rates, and fees are not fully disclosed until application, so this is a last-resort or convenience option rather than a cost-competitive one.
Advance America is a national short-term lender offering payday, installment, and title loans to consumers with poor or no credit through 800+ stores and online.
Best for: Consumers with bad or no credit who cannot qualify for bank loans or credit union products, People facing a genuine short-term financial emergency — medical bills, car repairs, or utility shutoffs — with no lower-cost options available
Advance America offers payday loans ($100–$500), installment loans ($100–$1,000), and title loans ($2,000–$25,000) with same-day funding at physical locations and online.
Best for: Workers facing unexpected expenses between paychecks who can repay quickly, Vehicle owners with paid-off cars seeking larger sums (up to $25,000) via title loans
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