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Money Mart in Mesa, AZ
Money Mart offers fast cash advance loans ($100–$1,000) with 15–45 day terms, plus check cashing and money transfer services at retail locations across five states.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Money Mart Review
Money Mart is a financial services retailer operated by Dollar Financial Group, Inc., with a long history as a convenience-based money services provider. The company positions itself as a 'one-stop money services destination' for consumers seeking immediate liquidity solutions outside traditional banking channels. Money Mart's primary offering is short-term cash advance loans ranging from $100 to $1,000, available in-store with 15- to 45-day repayment terms. The company operates in Alaska, Arizona, California, Louisiana, and Florida, with the Mesa, Arizona location serving as one of many retail points of access.
Beyond cash advances, Money Mart provides a full suite of ancillary financial services: check cashing (including mobile check cashing), MoneyGram money transfers with currency exchange, money orders, prepaid Mastercard products (the Momentum card issued by The Bancorp Bank), and small business financial services. The company emphasizes accessibility and speed, with same-day or next-day cash availability for qualifying applicants. Online cash advance applications are limited to California and Louisiana, though in-store applications are available across all five operating states. Their Mesa location maintains extended hours (9 AM–6 PM weekdays, 9 AM–7 PM Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Saturday).
Money Mart's primary distinction lies in its multi-service retail model—customers can address multiple financial needs at a single location without visiting separate vendors for check cashing, money transfers, or loans. The company is transparent about state-specific lending restrictions and includes clear disclaimers that short-term loans are not recommended as long-term financial solutions. Their prepaid card offering and MoneyGram integration position them competitively against check-cashing-only competitors.
However, Money Mart's core product—short-term cash advances—is inherently expensive and designed for short-term emergencies only. The 15–45 day loan terms, combined with unspecified interest rates and fees, create a high-cost borrowing mechanism suitable only for acute cash needs. The company's disclaimer explicitly warns that 'borrowers often use these loans over a period of months, which can be expensive,' acknowledging the debt-cycle risk. Limited geographic footprint (five states only), restricted online lending access, and reliance on storefront traffic further limit its utility compared to broader fintech alternatives.
Services & Features
Cash advance loans ($100–$1,000, 15–45 day terms, in-store only in AZ/CA/LA/FL/AK)
Check cashing (in-store and mobile)
Mobile app for account access and check deposit
Momentum Prepaid Mastercard (issued by The Bancorp Bank, FDIC-insured)
Money orders
MoneyGram money transfers (domestic and international with currency exchange)
Online cash advance applications (California and Louisiana only)
Small business financial services
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cash advance loans available in-store with minimal documentation, enabling rapid access to $100–$1,000
- Extended Friday hours (until 7 PM) and Saturday availability (9 AM–5 PM) accommodate working-age customers
- Multi-service model allows check cashing, money orders, prepaid cards, and MoneyGram transfers at one location
- Mobile check cashing option provides additional convenience for routine check deposits
- Transparent about state-specific loan availability and licensing (NMLS #898432 for MoneyGram, regulated prepaid card issuer)
- Momentum Prepaid Mastercard issued by FDIC-member bank (The Bancorp Bank), offering safer cash storage than unbanked alternatives
- Clear disclaimer language warns borrowers that short-term loans are not long-term solutions, reducing predatory appearance
Cons
- Interest rates and APR not disclosed on website; loan costs are opaque and likely very high given 15–45 day terms
- Geographic footprint limited to five states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Florida), excluding 45 states and DC
- Online cash advance applications restricted to California and Louisiana only; most states require in-store visits
- Short-term loan structure creates debt-cycle risk; company's own disclaimer acknowledges borrowers often renew loans for months at escalating cost
- Check cashing fees vary by state with no published fee schedule; customers must inquire in-store for costs
Rating Breakdown
Value 2.0
Effectiveness 1.5
Customer Service 2.2
Transparency 2.0
Ease of Use 3.9
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Money Mart legitimate?
Yes. Money Mart is a registered company, headquartered in 340 W University Dr Ste 28, Mesa, AZ 85201.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 340 W University Dr Ste 28, Mesa, AZ 85201
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Money Mart
Money Mart is best for consumers in its five-state footprint facing genuine short-term cash emergencies ($100–$1,000) with reliable near-term repayment ability. The critical caveat is that advertised interest rates are entirely absent from marketing materials, and the company's own disclaimers warn that short-term loan renewal creates expensive debt cycles—this product should never be used for recurring or non-emergency expenses. Customers seeking affordable emergency alternatives (credit union PALs, employer advances, or CDFI loans under 36% APR) should exhaust those options first.
Best For
- Consumers in AZ, CA, LA, FL, or AK facing immediate cash emergencies (medical, car repair, utilities) with repayment capacity within 15–45 days
- Unbanked or underbanked individuals needing reliable check cashing and money order services without bank account requirements
- Small business owners requiring occasional cash flow support or money transfer capabilities at convenient retail hours
Updated 2026-04-29
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Read guide →Financial Terms Explained (10 terms)
New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
Interest & Rates
APR — Annual Percentage Rate
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Why it matters
Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
Compound Interest
Interest calculated on both the original amount borrowed AND the interest that's already been added. It's 'interest on interest' — and it makes debt grow faster than you'd expect.
Why it matters
Credit cards and many loans use compound interest. If you only make minimum payments, compound interest is why a $3,000 balance can take 15 years to pay off.
Example
You owe $1,000 at 20% annual interest compounded monthly. After month 1 you owe $1,016.67. Month 2, interest is charged on $1,016.67 (not $1,000), so you owe $1,033.61. After 1 year without payments: $1,219.
MAPR — Military Annual Percentage Rate
A special APR calculation used for military servicemembers that includes ALL costs — fees, insurance, and add-ons — capped at 36% by federal law.
Why it matters
The Military Lending Act protects active-duty servicemembers and their families from predatory lending. Any lender charging above 36% MAPR to military is breaking federal law.
Example
A payday lender charges a $15 fee per $100 borrowed for 2 weeks. For civilians, that's technically legal in some states. For military: that works out to 391% MAPR — illegal under the MLA.
Usury Rate — Usury Rate (Interest Rate Cap)
The maximum interest rate a lender can legally charge in a particular state. Charging above this rate is called 'usury' and is illegal.
Why it matters
Usury laws are your main legal protection against predatory interest rates. But beware: some states have weak or no usury caps, and federal banks can sometimes override state limits.
Example
New York caps interest at 16% for most consumer loans (25% is criminal usury). If a lender tries to charge you 30% in NY, that loan is unenforceable — you could fight it in court.
How Loans Work
Collateral — Loan Collateral
An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.
Why it matters
Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.
Example
A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
Fees & Costs
Late Fee — Late Payment Fee
A charge added to your account when you miss a payment deadline. Most credit cards charge $29-$41 per late payment, and many loans have similar penalties.
Why it matters
The fee itself hurts, but the real damage is to your credit score. A payment 30+ days late stays on your credit report for 7 years and can drop your score 60-110 points.
Example
Your credit card payment of $150 is due March 1. You pay on March 18. The bank charges a $39 late fee. If it's 30+ days late, it gets reported to credit bureaus and your 760 score drops to 670.
NSF Fee — Non-Sufficient Funds Fee
A fee your bank charges when a payment bounces because there isn't enough money in your account. Also called a 'bounced check fee' or 'returned payment fee.'
Why it matters
NSF fees hit you twice — your bank charges you AND the company you were trying to pay may charge their own returned payment fee. That's $50-70 for one missed payment.
Example
Your auto-pay tries to pull $350 for rent, but you only have $280 in checking. Your bank charges $35 NSF fee. Your landlord charges $25 returned payment fee. Total damage: $60 in fees.
Legal Terms
Usury — Usury (Illegal Interest)
The practice of charging interest rates higher than what the law allows. Usury laws set state-specific caps on how much lenders can charge.
Why it matters
If a lender charges usurious rates, the loan may be void, penalties can be reduced, or you may be entitled to damages. Know your state's limits.
Example
Your state caps consumer loans at 24% APR. An online lender charges you 36%. That loan may be unenforceable, and you might only need to repay the principal — no interest or fees.
Credit Cards
Cash Advance — Credit Card Cash Advance
Using your credit card to get cash from an ATM or bank. It's one of the most expensive ways to borrow — higher interest rate, immediate interest accrual (no grace period), and an upfront fee.
Why it matters
Cash advances are a debt trap: 25-30% APR with no grace period plus a 3-5% fee. Interest starts the second you withdraw, not at the end of the billing cycle.
Example
You take a $500 cash advance. Fee: $25 (5%). Interest: 28% APR starting immediately. After 30 days, you owe $536.67. After 6 months of minimum payments, you've paid $85 in interest on $500.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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