Order Express Inc. was established in 1993 as a proudly Mexican company operating under U.S. laws and statutes. The company was founded in response to a significant opportunity in Chicago, Illinois, which had a high concentration of Latino immigrants needing accessible financial services. The company's original focus on money transfer services expanded over time to address diverse customer needs in underserved markets.
The company offers a comprehensive range of financial services beyond basic check cashing, including money transfers, money orders, wire transfers, bill payment, currency exchange, plane tickets, courier services, vehicle-related services (renewals and plates), insurance, phone top-ups, bus passes, and Bitcoin ATM kiosks. As of January 2021, Order Express operates as a regulated entity in 25 states with more than 70 company-owned branches and authorized agents. The company also operates JP Financial Service, a currency exchange specialist with 16 branches in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Order Express distinguishes itself through multilingual service delivery (English and Spanish), extended operating hours (8 am - 7 pm weekdays, 8 am - 5 pm weekends at the Lawrence Ave location), and a focus on serving immigrant communities traditionally underserved by mainstream financial institutions. The company maintains a 4.8-star Google rating based on customer reviews praising service quality, speed, and professional attention. Their loyalty program and diverse service offerings create a one-stop-shop model for their target demographic.
As a non-bank financial services provider, Order Express operates in the informal/alternative financial services space. While they provide essential services to underbanked populations, customers should be aware that check-cashing and money transfer services typically charge fees that may be higher than traditional bank alternatives. The company's primary strength lies in accessibility and community trust rather than competitive pricing on traditional banking services.