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Moneytree in Aurora, CO
Moneytree is a Colorado-based lender offering installment loans ($100-$525) and check cashing services with same-day funding and flexible repayment terms.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Moneytree Review
Moneytree is a licensed lender operating in Colorado with a physical branch network, including the Aurora location on East Colfax Avenue. 6-star rating and maintain multiple service locations across the state. Moneytree specializes in small-dollar installment loans designed for first-time borrowers, offering loan amounts of $100, $325, or $525 with approval.
Beyond lending, they provide ancillary financial services including check cashing (personal, payroll, government, settlement, and retirement checks), business check cashing, prepaid cards, and wire transfers. Their installment loans feature flexible repayment schedules with biweekly or other payment options over multiple months, and borrowers can receive funds in cash, via ACH transfer (online only), or through Instant Funding to qualified debit cards within approximately 30-45 minutes. What distinguishes Moneytree is their accessibility to first-time borrowers with minimal qualification requirements—a valid ID, Social Security Number or ITIN, proof of income, and an open checking account.
They operate extended business hours (9 AM-7 PM most days, 10 AM-4 PM Sundays) with a physical branch presence, contrasting with online-only competitors. 92%, and they explicitly note that small-dollar loans used over long periods can be expensive. Moneytree does not lend to covered borrowers under the Military Lending Act, and their loan amounts are capped at $525 for first-time borrowers, limiting usefulness for larger emergency needs.
Services & Features
ACH bank transfers (online loans only)
Business check cashing
Cash-based loan disbursement
Government benefit check cashing
Installment loans ($100-$525) with flexible repayment terms
Online loan application
Payroll check cashing
Personal check cashing
Prepaid card services
Same-day/next-day Instant Funding to qualified debit cards
Settlement and insurance check cashing
Wire transfers
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Same-day or next-day funding available through Instant Funding to qualified debit cards (30-45 minutes in most cases)
- No minimum credit score requirement explicitly stated; serves first-time borrowers
- Multiple funding delivery methods including cash, ACH transfer (online), or debit card deposits
- Extended business hours including weekends (open until 7 PM most days, 10 AM-4 PM Sundays)
- Physical branch locations for in-person service and application in Colorado
- Flexible loan amounts ($100, $325, or $525) with biweekly payment options over 6+ months
- Full suite of additional services (check cashing, wire transfers, prepaid cards) for convenience
Cons
- Extremely high APR of 100.92% on example loan—significantly above industry standards and predatory lending thresholds
- Loan amounts capped at $525 maximum, insufficient for most genuine emergencies or financial needs
- Company explicitly warns that small-dollar loans used long-term are expensive, contradicting promotional messaging
- Does not serve active military members (covered borrowers under Military Lending Act)
- Account must be current and in good standing to access loans, limiting access for those in financial distress
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 Moneytree legitimate?
Yes. Moneytree is a registered company, headquartered in 10305 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 10305 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO 80010
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Moneytree
Moneytree is best for Colorado residents needing small emergency cash ($100-$525) who lack traditional credit access and can reach a physical branch during business hours. The critical caveat is the 100.92% APR—this is a high-cost lender suitable only for genuine emergencies where the borrower understands the true cost and has no better alternatives; using this for non-emergency purposes or repeatedly will result in expensive debt cycles.
Best For
- First-time borrowers with minimal credit history who need $100-$525 in emergency cash within hours
- Colorado residents without access to traditional bank loans or credit unions
- Individuals already using Moneytree's check cashing or financial services seeking additional products
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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