ACE Cash Express Review
Payday Loans from $100 to $1,500
Fast approval • Secure application • No commitment
ACE Cash Express at a Glance
About ACE Cash Express
Founded in 1968 in Denver, Colorado, ACE Cash Express is one of the oldest and most established names in the payday lending industry. Now headquartered in Irving, Texas, ACE operates over 900 store locations across 23 states, making them one of the largest retail financial services providers in the United States. With more than 50 years of operation, ACE has served millions of customers and maintains licensing and compliance in every state where they operate.
ACE Cash Express specializes in payday loans ($100-$1,500, 14-30 day terms) with APRs ranging from 375-650%, which is in the mid-range for the industry. What distinguishes ACE is their comprehensive suite of additional financial services beyond lending: check cashing (payroll, government, personal checks), money orders, bill payment services, prepaid debit cards, and tax preparation services. This makes ACE a one-stop financial services center for unbanked and underbanked consumers who may not have access to traditional banking.
ACE offers both in-store and online payday loans. In-store customers can visit any of 900+ locations, complete the application with a store associate, and receive cash within 30 minutes. Online applicants submit a digital application, receive a decision within 1-2 hours, and get funds deposited the next business day. ACE's approval rate of 37% is slightly below the industry average (48%), reflecting their underwriting standards that balance accessibility with risk management. Their 8.1/10 rating reflects solid operational performance, though some customer reviews cite higher-than-expected fees and renewal costs.
ACE Cash Express is best for borrowers who need $500-$1,500 for 14-30 days, prefer in-store service, or require additional financial services like check cashing or bill payment in one location. Their 50+ year track record provides credibility, and their 900+ store network ensures accessibility in most major and mid-sized cities. However, their APRs (375-650%) are higher than some online-first competitors, and their approval rate is lower. ACE is ideal if you value multi-service convenience and have a nearby location, but if you're comfortable online-only and can wait 24 hours, other options may offer lower costs or higher approval rates.
Expert Opinion: Recommended
ACE Cash Express earns a 'Recommended' rating for borrowers who value in-person service and need multiple financial services beyond just a payday loan. Their 50+ year track record (founded 1968) and 900+ store locations provide unmatched credibility and accessibility in the retail payday lending space. If you need to cash a paycheck, pay bills, send a money order, AND get a short-term loan all in one visit, ACE is the clear choice. However, their 375-650% APRs are higher than some online competitors (MoneyLion 150-400%, Speedy Cash 350-600%), and their 37% approval rate is below average. Best for: borrowers who prefer in-person service, need $500-$1,500 for 14-30 days, require additional financial services (check cashing, bill payment), and have a nearby ACE location. If you only need a loan (no other services), are comfortable with online applications, and can wait 24 hours for funding, consider MoneyLion or Speedy Cash for potentially lower APRs and higher approval rates. Only borrow if confident you can repay in full within 30 days—renewals and extensions quickly accumulate fees at 375-650% APR.
Example Loan Cost
Representative example of a typical ACE Cash Express loan:
*This is a representative example only. Your actual APR and costs will depend on your credit profile, loan amount, and state regulations. Always review your loan agreement before accepting.
Pros & Cons of ACE Cash Express
Advantages
- ✓ 50+ years in business (founded 1968, one of the oldest in industry)
- ✓ 900+ store locations across 23 states (extensive retail network)
- ✓ Multi-service convenience (payday loans, check cashing, bill pay, money orders, tax prep)
- ✓ Fast in-store service (cash in hand within 30 minutes)
- ✓ Online option available (1-2 hour decision, next-day funding)
- ✓ Licensed and compliant in all operating states
- ✓ Accepts first-time borrowers with no credit history
- ✓ Prepaid debit card option (ACE Elite Visa for unbanked customers)
Disadvantages
- ✗ Higher APR range (375-650%, above some online competitors)
- ✗ Lower approval rate (37% vs 48% industry average)
- ✗ Short repayment terms (14-30 days, lump sum payment)
- ✗ Service fees for non-loan products (check cashing, money orders)
- ✗ Limited online presence compared to newer tech-focused lenders
- ✗ Mixed customer reviews (3.5/5 typical, complaints about renewal costs)
How to Apply for a ACE Cash Express Loan
Start Your Application
Visit ACE Cash Express's website or use our comparison tool to submit your application. You'll need basic personal information, employment details, and bank account information.
Get Approved
ACE Cash Express will review your application and make a lending decision within 2 hours. You'll receive notification via email or SMS.
Review & Accept
Carefully review the loan terms, including APR, fees, repayment schedule, and total cost. Only accept if you understand and agree to all terms.
Receive Funds
Once you accept the loan, ACE Cash Express will deposit funds directly into your bank account. Funds typically arrive within 2 to 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an ACE Cash Express payday loan?
You have two application methods: (1) In-store: Visit one of ACE's 900+ locations with a valid photo ID, recent paycheck stub or proof of income (bank statement showing deposits), and active checking account information. Complete the application with a store associate and receive cash within 30 minutes. (2) Online: Visit acecashexpress.com, fill out the digital application (10-15 minutes), upload required documents (ID, income proof, bank statement), and receive a decision within 1-2 hours. If approved online, funds are deposited to your bank account the next business day. In-store applications provide same-day cash; online applications take 24 hours for funding.
What are ACE Cash Express's requirements to qualify?
To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, have a regular source of income (minimum varies by state, typically $1,000/month gross), possess a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), and have an active checking account in your name. ACE does not require a minimum credit score—they accept applicants with bad credit, no credit, bankruptcies, or previous payday loan defaults. ACE may perform a credit check to verify your identity and check for outstanding payday loans, but this is typically a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your credit score. State-specific requirements may vary; for example, some states require proof of residency or have income minimums.
How fast can I get money from ACE Cash Express?
In-store applications are fastest: visit a location, complete the application with a store associate, and receive cash in hand within 30 minutes (sometimes as fast as 15 minutes if you have all required documents). Store hours are typically Monday-Friday 9 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM (varies by location). Online applications receive approval decisions within 1-2 hours during business hours. If approved online before 4 PM CT on a weekday, funds are deposited to your bank account the next business day (typically arrives by 9 AM). Weekend online applications are processed starting Monday morning. For fastest service, apply in-store on a weekday.
What is ACE Cash Express's APR and fee structure?
APRs range from 375% to 650% depending on your state, loan amount, and term. For example, a typical $500 payday loan for 14 days might carry a $75 finance charge (391% APR equivalent). State regulations cap fees differently: in Texas, the fee is $22 per $100 borrowed (so a $500 loan costs $110 total repayment). In California, it's $15 per $100 up to $255 max fee (a $500 loan costs $75 fee). ACE does not charge application or origination fees, but they do charge fees for their other services (check cashing: 1-5% of check amount; money orders: $0.79-$1.25; bill payment: $1-$3 per payment). Always review your state-specific fee schedule before accepting a loan. Early repayment does not incur penalties.
Does ACE Cash Express accept people with bad credit?
Yes. ACE Cash Express does not use credit score as a primary approval criterion. They focus on your current income and banking activity. Applicants with bad credit (FICO scores 500-650), no credit history, previous bankruptcies, collections, charge-offs, or prior payday loan defaults are regularly approved if they meet income and banking requirements. ACE performs a soft credit inquiry to verify your identity and check for active payday loans at other lenders, but this does not impact your credit score. Their 37% approval rate is slightly below industry average (48%), but this reflects income verification strictness rather than credit score requirements. If you have $1,000+/month verifiable income and an active checking account, you have a strong chance of approval regardless of credit history.
What other services does ACE Cash Express offer besides payday loans?
ACE Cash Express is a full-service financial center offering: (1) Check cashing (payroll, government benefits, tax refunds, personal checks, cashier's checks) with fees of 1-5% depending on check type. (2) Money orders ($0.79-$1.25 each, up to $1,000). (3) Bill payment services (pay utilities, rent, phone, cable directly at the store for $1-$3 per payment). (4) Prepaid debit cards (ACE Elite Visa, reload with cash or direct deposit, use nationwide). (5) Tax preparation services (in-season, includes rapid refund options). (6) Money transfers (wire money domestically and internationally). This multi-service approach makes ACE convenient for customers who need multiple financial services in one location, especially unbanked individuals without checking accounts or credit cards.
How does ACE Cash Express compare to online-only payday lenders?
ACE offers in-store convenience that online lenders can't match: face-to-face service, immediate cash (vs 24-hour wait), and ability to ask questions to a loan officer. Their 900+ locations provide accessibility in rural and urban areas. However, online-only lenders often have advantages: lower APRs (MoneyLion 150-400% vs ACE 375-650%), higher approval rates (MoneyLion 50%+ vs ACE 37%), and 24/7 application submission. ACE's strength is multi-service convenience (check cashing, bill pay, money orders) in one location, making them ideal if you need payday loan PLUS other financial services. If you only need a loan and are comfortable with online applications, digital lenders like MoneyLion, Possible Finance, or Speedy Cash may offer better rates and faster approval.
In what states does ACE Cash Express operate?
ACE Cash Express operates store locations in 23 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Texas has the most ACE locations (300+), followed by California (150+) and Florida (100+). Not all states have the same services—some states restrict payday lending, so ACE may only offer check cashing and other financial services (not loans) in those locations. Visit acecashexpress.com/locations to find stores near you and confirm payday loan availability in your state. Online payday loans may be available in additional states where ACE doesn't have physical stores.
Alternatives to ACE Cash Express
While ACE Cash Express is a solid choice, you may also want to consider these alternatives:
- → Credit Union Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) – Lower APRs (28% max) but slower approval
- → Installment Loans – Longer terms (6-24 months) with smaller monthly payments
- → Cash Advance Apps – $50-$250 advances with low/no fees (Earnin, Dave, Brigit)
- → Compare Other Lenders – See all 30 lenders in our network
Ready to Apply with ACE Cash Express?
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Apply Now at ACE Cash Express →⚠️ Important Disclosure
High-Cost Loan Warning: ACE Cash Express loans have APRs ranging from 375% to 650%, which is significantly higher than traditional bank loans. These loans are intended for short-term financial needs only and can be expensive if not repaid quickly.
Responsible Borrowing: Only borrow what you can afford to repay on time. Late or missed payments can result in additional fees, collection actions, and damage to your credit score.
Editorial Independence: Credizen.net is a comparison service. We may earn a commission when you click on lender links or apply for a loan through our platform. All reviews and ratings are based on publicly available data and user feedback. ACE Cash Express has not influenced this review.
Emergency Financial Help
If you're experiencing financial difficulties, contact your local financial counseling service.
- South Africa: National Credit Regulator - 0860 627 627
- Romania: ANPC - 0213142200
- Colombia: Superintendencia Financiera - (571) 594 2222
- Poland: KNF - 22 262 5000