checksmart check cashing
Financial Services

Personal Loans, Money Services, and Check Cashing

By Jessica Price

January 2, 2024

In a world hyper-focused on convenience, having a one-stop shop for personal loan needs and financial services is a smart solution. CheckSmart offers personal loans online and in-store as well as various in-store services with a team that aims to offer quick, simple to navigate solutions and customer service you can count on. Our dedicated team members can help you find a SmartMatch Loan that works best for your situation and help you apply online or in person. Finding a lender that is willing to work with you to answer your questions is paramount to a great lending experience, and CheckSmart is always available to help you navigate your choices and understand your options prior to applying. We want everyone who walks through our doors to know their options for loans as well as in-store services, so we put together a guide with information about each service and loan offered by CheckSmart stores.* So whether you’re looking for a new local check cashing store or need to apply for an Installment Loan, we’ve got you covered.

checksmart personal loans

Personal Loans at CheckSmart

Whether you need a Payday Loan, an Installment Loan, or a Title Loan, CheckSmart offers options that can help when you’re facing a financial situation that requires quick access to cash. Understanding your options and the way each loan works is an important part of deciding if a loan is right for you and if so, which one would best fit your circumstances. Considering the amount, length of the loan term, cost of the loan, and best repayment practices are all a part of the decision-making process as well. Information is an important part of a successful loan experience! As proud members of the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA), CheckSmart adheres to the OLA best practices along with all applicable state rules and regulations. Whether applying in-store or online, CheckSmart customers can count on working with our knowledgeable team members who are dedicated to providing great service.  

Payday Loans

Typically, a Payday Loan is defined as a small, short-term loan1 that is paid back on or around your next pay day. If you determine that a Payday Loan is the best option for you, applying is a simple, quick process. If approved, funds could be available as quickly as the same day. Funds can be deposited into your account, received in cash in-store, or deposited onto a Green Dot® Visa® Debit Card.* Purchase of card required. Rules, fees, and limits apply.  See store for details. Availability and lending amounts vary by state, so make sure to check in with CheckSmart about the options available to you prior to applying for a loan.

Installment Loans

While there are many types of Installment Loans, personal loans, the type of Installment Loan available at CheckSmart, are the most common.2 Installment Loans are paid back over time in payments also called installments. These loans are typically used to fund larger expenses than Payday Loans. Prioritizing debt repayment after beginning your repayment process with CheckSmart can help you save money over time particularly if you choose to pay off your loan early. There is no penalty at CheckSmart for early repayment. Like most personal loans, personal Installment Loans can be utilized for any purpose the borrower sees fit.

Title Loans

Title Loans, which are sometimes called Title Pawns depending on the lender and the state, are available in-store at CheckSmart stores only in Arizona. Borrowers need to submit their Title Loan application in person as vehicles must be appraised by our team in order to determine eligibility for the loan. A clear title means that the borrower owns the vehicle outright and is not making payments nor are there any liens or loans currently against the title. When choosing an auto Title Loan from CheckSmart, borrowers are able to keep their vehicle while repaying the loan.

check cashing checksmart

Money Services at CheckSmart

The team at CheckSmart can help with more than personal loans! Various quick, convenient in-store financial services are available. Find your nearest store and pop by the next time you need to cash a check, purchase a money order, utilize bill pay, send a wire transfer, or sell an unused gift card for cash. You can also purchase a Green Dot® Visa® Debit Card at CheckSmart which can be used anywhere Visa® is accepted. Rules, fees, and limits apply.  See store for details.

Check Cashing

Check Cashing services* are available in CheckSmart stores and provide an option to cash checks as needed in exchange for a fee.3 This is particularly helpful for customers who do not have access to a bank account. Simply pop by your new check cashing store, CheckSmart, and a team member will assist you in cashing your check. A government issued ID may be required to cash a check in-store.  

Money Orders

Western Union® Money Orders can be purchased for a fee from CheckSmart. Money Orders, which work similarly to checks,4 are an alternative way to send money when you do not want to or can’t use cash.  This can be particularly useful for customers who do not have access to a bank account. Customers should make sure to bring a government issued ID when purchasing a Money Order as it may be required. The recipient of a Money Order can be specified much like a check, and customers will receive a tracking number.

Bill Pay

Utilizing Bill Pay services at CheckSmart is a convenient way to ensure payments are made simply, quickly, effectively, and on time. Whether paying a local utility bill or a bill to a major, national vendor, Bill Pay services are an excellent option particularly for customers who do not want to send payments via mail and do not have access to other forms of electronic payment.

Wire Transfer

While there are many ways to send money from one person to another electronically including newer apps, Western Union® Wire Transfers are an excellent, tried and true option. Whether customers need to send money within the United States or out of the country, a Wire Transfer is an excellent option. To send a Wire Transfer, there is a fee, a government-issued ID is needed, and of course funds to send will be needed as well. The process is quick and simple at CheckSmart.

Gift Card Buyback

Have you ever received a gift card that you just knew you wouldn’t use? No matter how long it sits in your wallet staring at you, you never swipe it and use it. CheckSmart offers Gift Card Buyback which is the best way to turn those unused gift cards into cash! Swing by your neighborhood store with your unused gift cards. Most major retailers’ cards are accepted but check with your local store for details and confirmation. Rules and fees apply.

Green Dot® Visa® Debit Card

No credit or debit card? No problem. A Green Dot® Visa® Debit Card from CheckSmart is a great solution which allows you the ease of online and electronic payments without utilizing a traditional bank account or credit card. You can purchase a new card at your local CheckSmart store.

CheckSmart Can Help

Whether you need a new check cashing place or you are facing a financial hurdle and need funds as soon as possible, CheckSmart is available to help. A knowledgeable CheckSmart team member can help you in-store, online, or over the phone to answer any questions you may have prior to applying for a loan or utilizing a store service.

* Keep in mind that availability of loans and services can vary from state to state.

*Ohio: Check Cashing provided by Buckeye Check Cashing, Inc., CC700000, Main Office 5165 Emerald Parkway, Suite 100, Dublin OH 43017.

*Green Dot cards are issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.

Sources:

1Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2022, Jan 17). What is a payday loan? Retrieved from: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-payday-loan-en-1567/

2Taylor, Mia (2023, Sept 19). What is an installment loan? Retrieved from: https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/what-is-an-installment-loan/#:~:text=Installment%20loans%20allow%20individuals%20to,require%20regular%20equal%20monthly%20payments.

3Ben Gran and Daphne Foreman (2021, Jan 8). What Is a Check-Cashing Service? Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/what-is-a-check-cashing-service/

4Grant, Mitchell (2023, May 27). What Is a Money Order, How Does It Work, and How Do I Get One? Retrieved from: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/money-order.asp

5E. Napoletano and Mitch Strohm (2022, Mar 31). What is a wire transfer? Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/money-transfer/wire-transfer/

Jessica is hyper-focused on making information about the Personal Loans offered by CheckSmart including Payday Loans, Installment Loans, and Title Loans accessible and easy to understand. Learning the basics about finances shouldn’t be complicated after all! The key to responsible borrowing is understanding the loans you’re considering, and it’s Jessica’s mission to help anyone considering a loan make an informed decision. Jessica is passionate about sharing easy-to-follow Budgeting Tips and helping readers increase their financial literacy in the Financial Corner of the blog. You’ll find great budgeting tips, Simplified Savings tips, and information that will help you improve your financial wellness sprinkled throughout each of her blogs.

Loan/Pawn Products: To receive a loan, you must meet applicable creditworthiness criteria. Subject to state regulations, eligibility, credit check, underwriting and approval. Must meet state database eligibility. Applicant cannot be an active-duty member of the Military, or that person's spouse or dependent. Funded amounts vary by state, store, product or based on the results of an ability to repay analysis (where applicable. Rates, terms and conditions apply. Lending decisions and funding times subject to system limitations. Some applications may require additional verification, which can delay the lending decision. All products are not available at all locations. 

Title loans are subject to minimum auto value requirements. Vehicle and title must be present to complete appraisal where applicable. 

Store Services: Rules, restrictions, and fees apply. See store for details. 

Green Dot: Must be the age of majority in your state of residence (18 or more) to open an account. Online access, mobile number verification (via text message) and identity verification (including SSN) are required to open and use your account. Mobile number verification, email address verification and mobile app are required to access all features.

1. Early direct deposit availability depends on payor type, timing, payment instructions, and bank fraud prevention measures. As such, early direct deposit availability may vary from pay period to pay period. The name and Social Security number on file with your employer or benefits provider must match your Green Dot account to prevent fraud restrictions on the account.

2. Opt-in required. Account must have initial eligible direct deposits, must be in good standing and have an activated chip-enabled debit card to opt-in. Ongoing eligible direct deposits and other criteria apply to maintain eligibility for overdraft protection. Only debit card purchase transactions are eligible for overdraft protection and overdrafts are paid at our discretion. We reserve the right to not pay overdrafts. For example, we may not pay overdrafts if the account is not in good standing, or is not receiving ongoing eligible direct deposits, or has too many overdrafts. Overdraft fees may cause your account to be overdrawn by an amount that is greater than your overdraft coverage. A $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid a fee. Overdraft protection is only available on Demand Deposit Accounts that meet eligibility requirements. Log into and refer to your Account Agreement to check feature availability.

3. See app for free ATM locations. 4 free withdrawals per calendar month, $3.00 per withdrawal thereafter. $3 for out-of-network withdrawals and $.50 for balance inquiries, plus any fee the ATM owner may charge. Limits apply.

Green Dot® cards are issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. And by Mastercard international Inc. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Green Dot Bank also operates under the following registered trade names: GO2bank, GoBank and Bonneville Bank. All of these registered trade names are used by, and refer to, a single FDIC-insured bank, Green Dot Bank. Deposits under any of these trade names are deposited with Green Dot Ban and are aggregated for deposit insurance coverage up to the allowable limits.

Fees, limits, terms, and conditions apply. See store for details.

©2025 Green Dot Bank. All rights reserved. Green Dot Corporation NMLS #914924; Green Dot Bank NMLS #908739

Ohio:  Check Cashing provided by Buckeye Check Cashing Inc., CC700000, Main Office 2312 E Trinity Mills Rd, Ste 100, Carrollton TX 75006

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