Advance America Review
Payday Loans from $100 to $2,000
Fast approval • Secure application • No commitment
Advance America at a Glance
About Advance America
Founded in 1997 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Advance America Cash Advance Centers has grown into one of the largest payday loan providers in the United States, with over 1,500 store locations across 28 states. As a subsidiary of Grupo Elektra (a major Mexican retail and financial services conglomerate), Advance America has the financial backing and operational scale to serve millions of customers annually. Their longevity (25+ years) and extensive retail footprint make them a household name in short-term consumer lending.
Advance America specializes in payday loans ranging from $100 to $2,000 (higher max than many competitors) with terms of 7-30 days and APRs of 350-700%. They also offer installment loans in select states (3-12 month repayment terms), title loans (secured by vehicle title), and lines of credit (revolving credit up to $4,000). Their multi-product approach allows customers to choose the loan structure that best fits their needs—whether a one-time $500 emergency (payday) or a larger $2,000 expense requiring monthly payments (installment).
Advance America offers both in-store and online applications. In-store customers can visit any location with ID and proof of income, complete the application in person, and receive cash within 30 minutes. Online applicants fill out a digital form, receive a decision within 2-4 hours, and get funds deposited the next business day (sometimes same-day if approved before noon). Their 39% approval rate is slightly below industry average, but rises to 51% for repeat customers with good repayment history. The 8.4/10 rating reflects solid operational quality and customer service.
What sets Advance America apart is their higher maximum loan amount ($2,000 vs $1,500 typical for payday lenders), making them suitable for larger emergencies. They also offer a customer rewards program (earn points for on-time payments, redeemable for fee discounts) and financial education resources on their website. However, their APRs (350-700%) are on the higher end, and some customer reviews mention aggressive collection practices for late payments. Advance America is best for borrowers who need $1,000-$2,000 urgently, prefer established brick-and-mortar lenders, or want installment loan options with monthly payments.
Expert Opinion: Recommended
Advance America earns a 'Recommended' rating for borrowers who need larger payday loan amounts ($1,000-$2,000) that exceed most competitors' maximums ($1,500 typical). Their 1,500+ store network provides extensive accessibility across 28 states, and the 25-year track record offers credibility. The customer rewards program (earn points for on-time payments) is a unique benefit in the payday space, and their multi-product approach (payday, installment, title, LOC) provides flexibility as needs evolve. However, APRs of 350-700% are on the higher end of the industry, and the 39% approval rate for new customers is below average (48%). Best for: borrowers needing $1,000-$2,000 urgently who prefer established brick-and-mortar lenders, want installment loan options for monthly payments, or plan to be repeat customers (rewards program benefits). If you need less than $1,000, are comfortable with online-only service, and can wait 24 hours for funding, consider MoneyLion (lower APR 150-400%) or Speedy Cash (faster same-day funding). Only borrow from Advance America if confident you can repay in full by the due date—the 350-700% APR makes renewals and late payments extremely expensive.
Example Loan Cost
Representative example of a typical Advance America 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 Advance America
Advantages
- ✓ Higher max loan amount ($100-$2,000, among highest for payday lenders)
- ✓ 1,500+ store locations across 28 states (second-largest retail network)
- ✓ 25+ years in business (founded 1997, established brand)
- ✓ Multiple loan products (payday, installment, title, line of credit)
- ✓ Customer rewards program (earn points for on-time payments)
- ✓ Fast approval (30 min in-store, 2-4 hours online)
- ✓ Repeat customer benefits (51% approval rate vs 39% for new customers)
- ✓ Financial education resources available on website
Disadvantages
- ✗ High APR range (350-700%, upper end of industry)
- ✗ Lower approval rate for new customers (39% vs 48% average)
- ✗ Short payday terms (7-30 days, lump sum repayment)
- ✗ Aggressive collections reported by some customers
- ✗ Title loans carry vehicle repossession risk
- ✗ Mixed reviews (3.3/5 typical, complaints about renewal costs and fees)
How to Apply for a Advance America Loan
Start Your Application
Visit Advance America'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
Advance America will review your application and make a lending decision within 1 hour. 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, Advance America will deposit funds directly into your bank account. Funds typically arrive within 1 to 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I borrow from Advance America?
Advance America offers payday loans from $100 to $2,000, which is higher than most payday lenders (typical max is $1,500). The exact amount you qualify for depends on your state's regulations, income level, and Advance America's underwriting decision. For example, California caps payday loans at $300, while Texas allows up to $1,800. First-time borrowers typically qualify for $300-$800; repeat customers with good repayment history may qualify for the full $2,000. Installment loans (available in select states) range from $500 to $4,000 with 3-12 month repayment terms. Title loans (secured by vehicle) range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on your car's value.
How do I apply for an Advance America loan?
Apply in-store or online. In-store: Visit one of 1,500+ Advance America locations with a valid photo ID, recent paycheck stub or bank statement showing income deposits, active checking account information, and Social Security number. Complete the application with a store associate (5-10 minutes) and receive cash within 30 minutes. Online: Visit advanceamerica.net, fill out the digital application (10 minutes), upload required documents (ID, income proof, bank statement), and receive a decision within 2-4 hours. If approved before noon CT on a weekday, funds may arrive same-day via expedited ACH; otherwise next business day. Online applications submitted on weekends process Monday. Both methods have the same approval criteria.
What are Advance America's approval requirements?
You must be at least 18 years old, have verifiable income of at least $1,000/month gross from any source (employment, benefits, self-employment, retirement), possess a valid government-issued photo ID, have an active checking account in your name for at least 30 days, and provide a Social Security number or ITIN. Advance America does not require a minimum credit score—they regularly approve applicants with bad credit (500-650 FICO), no credit history, bankruptcies, or previous payday defaults. They perform a credit check to verify identity and check for active payday loans, but this is a soft inquiry (doesn't affect score). Approval rate is 39% for new customers, rising to 51% for repeat customers with on-time payment history.
What is Advance America's APR and cost?
APRs range from 350% to 700% depending on state regulations, loan amount, and term. Example: A $500 payday loan for 14 days in Texas might have a $90 fee (469% APR equivalent). In South Carolina (Advance America's home state), the fee is $15 per $100 borrowed, so a $500 loan costs $75 (391% APR). Some states cap fees lower: Ohio limits APR to 28%, forcing Advance America to offer only installment products (not payday) there. Advance America does not charge application, origination, or prepayment fees. However, late fees apply if you miss your due date ($25-$35 typical), and NSF fees ($30-$40) apply if your payment bounces. Always review your state-specific fee schedule before accepting a loan—costs vary significantly by state.
Does Advance America have a rewards program?
Yes. Advance America's Rewards Program allows customers to earn points for on-time loan payments, referrals, and repeat borrowing. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future loan fees (typically $5-$25 off finance charges). For example, paying off three payday loans on time might earn you a $10 discount on your next loan. The program is free to join (automatic enrollment for customers) and points accumulate in your account. This is rare in the payday lending industry—most lenders don't offer loyalty benefits. The rewards program benefits repeat customers but doesn't offset the high 350-700% APRs—only borrow if confident you can repay on time to avoid accumulating more interest than the discount saves.
Can I get an installment loan from Advance America?
Yes, in select states. Advance America offers installment loans with amounts from $500 to $4,000 and repayment terms of 3-12 months (monthly payments instead of lump sum). APRs for installment loans are lower than payday products (typically 100-400% vs 350-700%), making them more affordable for larger expenses. For example, a $2,000 installment loan repaid over 12 months might have a $250/month payment with 200% APR, whereas a $2,000 payday loan due in 30 days would cost $400+ in fees. Installment loans require credit checks and have stricter approval criteria than payday loans (credit score 600+ recommended). Available states include Texas, South Carolina, Missouri, and others—check advanceamerica.net for your state's availability.
How does Advance America compare to other payday lenders?
Advance America's key differentiator is the higher $2,000 maximum (vs $1,500 typical) and 1,500+ store network (second only to Check Into Cash's 1,000+ stores). Their rewards program is unique—most payday lenders don't offer loyalty benefits. However, their APRs (350-700%) are higher than online-first competitors like Speedy Cash (350-600%) or MoneyLion (150-400%). Approval rates are average (39% new, 51% repeat). Best for: borrowers needing $1,000-$2,000 (higher than most payday lenders), who prefer in-store service, want multi-product options (installment/title), or value rewards for repeat borrowing. If you need less than $1,000 and are comfortable online, consider Speedy Cash or MoneyLion for lower APRs and faster approval.
What states does Advance America operate in?
Advance America operates 1,500+ stores across 28 states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Store density varies—South Carolina (home state) has 100+ locations, Texas 200+, California 150+. Some states only allow installment products (not payday) due to APR caps—Ohio and Oregon fall into this category. Online lending may be available in additional states. Visit advanceamerica.net/locations to find stores near you and verify product availability in your state.
Alternatives to Advance America
While Advance America 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 Advance America?
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Apply Now at Advance America →⚠️ Important Disclosure
High-Cost Loan Warning: Advance America loans have APRs ranging from 350% to 700%, 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. Advance America 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