Check City Review
Payday Loans from $100 to $5,000
Fast approval • Secure application • No commitment
Check City at a Glance
About Check City
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Midvale, Utah, Check City has been providing payday loans, title loans, and check cashing services for nearly 40 years. With over 70 physical store locations across Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, plus online lending available in multiple states, Check City offers both in-person and digital loan options.
As a direct lender, Check City specializes in short-term payday loans from $100 to $5,000, with repayment terms ranging from 7 to 180 days depending on state regulations and loan amount. Unlike online-only lenders, Check City's physical locations allow you to walk in, speak with a loan specialist, and receive cash the same day. For borrowers who prefer digital convenience, Check City's online application delivers approval decisions within 2 hours and deposits funds the next business day.
Check City's product lineup includes single-payment payday loans (due in 7-30 days), installment loans with multiple payments (for amounts over $1,000), auto title loans secured by your vehicle, and even prepaid debit cards. This variety allows Check City to serve a wider range of financial needs—from a $100 payday loan for groceries to a $5,000 title loan for major expenses.
With a 7.8/10 rating, 36% approval rate, and BBB accreditation (B+ rating), Check City has established credibility as a licensed, regulated lender. Their APRs range from 350-650%, which is typical for payday lenders but still significantly higher than traditional loans. Check City is best for borrowers who value in-person service, need cash immediately, or live in states where Check City is licensed and prefer a local lender over online-only alternatives.
Expert Opinion: Recommended with Caution
Check City is a solid choice for borrowers who live near one of their 70+ store locations and value in-person service, same-day cash, and face-to-face interaction with loan specialists. Their nearly 40-year history, BBB accreditation, and state licensing provide credibility and consumer protections. The ability to walk in, get approved in 30 minutes, and leave with cash is unmatched by online-only lenders. However, Check City's 350-650% APRs are just as expensive as online competitors, so the primary advantage is convenience and local presence, not cost savings. We recommend Check City if you're in Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana and prefer in-person lending over digital applications. If you're comfortable with online-only lending or live outside Check City's service area, consider nationwide alternatives like CashNetUSA (1-hour approval, 300-664% APR) or MoneyLion (installment loans, lower APR, all 50 states). Before using any payday lender, exhaust cheaper alternatives: credit union payday alternative loans, payment plans, cash advance apps (Earnin, Dave), or family loans.
Example Loan Cost
Representative example of a typical Check City 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 Check City
Advantages
- ✓ 70+ physical store locations across 7 states for in-person service and same-day cash
- ✓ Online application available with 2-hour approval and next-day funding
- ✓ Wide loan range ($100-$5,000) accommodates both small payday loans and larger installment loans
- ✓ BBB accredited with B+ rating—licensed and regulated in operating states
- ✓ Flexible repayment terms from 7 to 180 days depending on loan type
- ✓ Accepts first-time borrowers and bad credit applicants
- ✓ Additional services: title loans, check cashing, prepaid cards—one-stop shop
- ✓ Nearly 40 years in business with established reputation
Disadvantages
- ✗ High APR range (350-650%) typical of payday lenders
- ✗ Limited to 7 states for in-store service (Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana)
- ✗ Online lending availability more limited than nationwide competitors
- ✗ 36% approval rate is lower than top online lenders (MoneyLion at 55%)
- ✗ In-store loans require physical visit during business hours—inconvenient for some
- ✗ Does not report to credit bureaus—no credit-building benefit
- ✗ Late payment and returned payment fees add to already high costs
How to Apply for a Check City Loan
Start Your Application
Visit Check City'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
Check City 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, Check City will deposit funds directly into your bank account. Funds typically arrive within 2 to 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Check City loan?
You have two options: (1) In-Store: Visit one of Check City's 70+ locations with your ID, proof of income (paystub or bank statement), and voided check or bank account info. A loan specialist will review your application, verify your information, and provide approval within minutes. You'll receive cash the same day. (2) Online: Visit checkcity.com and complete the digital application (takes 10 minutes). Upload or email photos of required documents. Most applicants hear back within 2 hours. If approved, funds are deposited into your bank account the next business day.
What are the requirements for a Check City loan?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a regular source of income (job, self-employment, or benefits), maintain an active checking account that's been open for at least 30 days, provide a valid government-issued ID, and reside in a state where Check City is licensed. For in-store loans, bring proof of income (recent paystub or bank statement showing deposits). Check City does not require a minimum credit score and accepts first-time borrowers and applicants with bad credit. However, larger loan amounts ($2,000+) may require income verification.
How fast can I get money from Check City?
In-store applicants receive cash the same day—typically within 30 minutes of approval. Online applicants receive approval within 2 hours during business hours, and approved funds are deposited via direct deposit the next business day. If you apply online after business hours or on weekends, you may receive funding within 1-2 business days. For immediate cash needs, visiting a physical Check City location is the fastest option.
What is the APR for Check City loans?
Check City's APR ranges from 350% to 650% depending on your state, loan amount, and repayment term. For example, a $500 payday loan for 14 days in Utah would cost approximately $75 in fees (APR 391%), while a $2,000 installment loan for 6 months might have an APR of 450%. These rates are typical for payday lenders but significantly higher than traditional personal loans. Always review your loan agreement for the exact APR and total cost before signing.
Can I get a Check City loan with bad credit?
Yes, Check City accepts applicants with bad credit, no credit history, or past bankruptcies. They focus on your current income and ability to repay rather than credit scores. Check City performs a soft credit check that doesn't affect your score during the application process. However, having bad credit may limit your initial loan amount to $500-$1,000 for first-time borrowers. After demonstrating on-time repayment, you may become eligible for larger amounts.
Is Check City a direct lender or broker?
Check City is a direct lender, meaning they use their own capital to fund loans and make all lending decisions in-house. You work directly with Check City from application through repayment—they do not sell your application to third parties or act as a broker. Check City is licensed and regulated in each state where they operate, providing transparency and consumer protections under state lending laws.
What fees does Check City charge?
Check City charges a finance fee based on your loan amount and state regulations, typically $15-$30 per $100 borrowed. For example, a $1,000 loan might cost $150-$300 in fees for a 30-day term. There are no application fees or origination fees. However, late payments incur a fee (typically $25-$35), and returned payments (NSF) result in additional charges ($25-$35). Some states allow prepayment penalties—check your loan agreement. In-store customers may also pay check cashing fees if receiving loan funds via check instead of cash.
What states does Check City operate in?
Check City has physical store locations in Utah (30+ stores), Nevada (15+ stores), California (10+ stores), Idaho (5+ stores), Colorado (5+ stores), Wyoming (3+ stores), and Montana (2+ stores). Online lending is available in select states where Check City holds licenses, though availability is more limited than nationwide online lenders. Check Check City's website to confirm if they serve your state for online loans. States like New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and others with strict payday lending bans are not served.
Alternatives to Check City
While Check City 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 Check City?
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Apply Now at Check City →⚠️ Important Disclosure
High-Cost Loan Warning: Check City loans have APRs ranging from 350% 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. Check City has not influenced this review.
Emergency Financial Help
If you're experiencing financial difficulties, contact your local financial counseling service.
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