Check Into Cash Review
Payday Loans from $50 to $1,500
Fast approval • Secure application • No commitment
Check Into Cash at a Glance
About Check Into Cash
Founded in 1993 in Cleveland, Tennessee, Check Into Cash pioneered the retail payday loan industry in America and remains one of the largest and most recognized names in short-term lending. With over 1,000 physical store locations across 30 states plus a robust online lending platform, Check Into Cash has served over 30 million customers in its three-decade history, processing more than $70 billion in loans.
As a direct lender with both in-store and online presence, Check Into Cash offers borrowers flexibility in how they apply and receive funds. In-store customers can walk in with a paycheck stub and ID, complete the application face-to-face, and walk out with cash in hand within 30 minutes. Online applicants enjoy the same speed—approval decisions typically within 1 hour, with funds deposited as early as the next business day via direct deposit.
Check Into Cash specializes in payday loans ($50-$1,500, 7-31 day terms), title loans (secured by vehicle title), and installment loans (6-18 month terms) depending on state regulations. Their APR ranges from 391-664% for payday products, typical for the industry. They're licensed in all operating states and comply with state-specific lending laws, including caps on loan amounts, APRs, and repayment terms.
What sets Check Into Cash apart is their extensive retail footprint—with 1,000+ locations, they're accessible to borrowers who prefer in-person service or lack reliable internet access. Their brand recognition (30+ years in business) and A rating with the Better Business Bureau provide credibility. However, their APRs remain very high, and their 8.3/10 rating reflects mixed customer experiences—fast service and accessibility praised, but costs and collections practices sometimes criticized. Check Into Cash is best for borrowers who need $500-$1,500 urgently, value in-person service, and can repay within 30 days.
Expert Opinion: Recommended
Check Into Cash earns a 'Recommended' rating for borrowers who value in-person service or need immediate cash. Their 1,000+ store network is unmatched in accessibility—ideal if you lack internet access, prefer face-to-face interaction, or need cash in hand within 30 minutes. The 30-year track record, A BBB rating, and brand recognition provide credibility. However, their 391-664% APRs are among the highest in our review, and the 38% approval rate is below category average (48%). Customer reviews are mixed (3.2/5 on Trustpilot), with complaints about aggressive collections for late payments. We recommend Check Into Cash for: (1) borrowers needing $500-$1,500 immediately who can visit a store, (2) those who prefer in-person applications, or (3) rural borrowers with limited internet. If you're comfortable with online applications and can wait 6 hours for funds, consider MoneyLion (8.9 rating, lower APR) or Possible Finance (credit-building features). Only borrow from Check Into Cash if you're confident you can repay within 14-30 days—extended or rolled-over loans become extremely expensive due to the high APR.
Example Loan Cost
Representative example of a typical Check Into Cash 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 Into Cash
Advantages
- ✓ Dual access: 1,000+ physical stores OR online application (borrower's choice)
- ✓ Fast in-store service (cash in hand within 30 minutes typical)
- ✓ Quick online approval (1-hour decision, next-day funding)
- ✓ 30+ years in business with strong brand recognition
- ✓ A rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB accredited since 2012)
- ✓ Accepts first-time borrowers with no credit history
- ✓ Title loan and installment loan options (in addition to payday)
- ✓ Available in 30 states with local store presence
Disadvantages
- ✗ Very high APR range (391-664%, among highest in category)
- ✗ Short repayment terms (7-31 days max for payday)
- ✗ In-store hours limited (typically 9 AM - 6 PM weekdays, shorter weekends)
- ✗ Lower online approval rate (38% vs 50%+ for some competitors)
- ✗ Title loan option requires vehicle as collateral (repossession risk)
- ✗ Mixed customer reviews (3.2/5 on Trustpilot, complaints about collections)
How to Apply for a Check Into Cash Loan
Start Your Application
Visit Check Into Cash'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 Into Cash 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 Into Cash 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 Into Cash loan?
You have two options: (1) In-store: Visit one of 1,000+ Check Into Cash locations with a valid ID, recent paycheck stub or proof of income, and active checking account information. Complete the application in person and receive cash immediately (typically 30 minutes). (2) Online: Visit checkintocash.com, fill out the online form (5-10 minutes), upload required documents (ID, bank statement, proof of income), and receive a decision within 1 hour. If approved, funds are deposited to your bank account the next business day.
What are the requirements to qualify?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a regular source of income (minimum $800/month gross typical, varies by state), possess a valid government-issued ID, and have an active checking account in your name. Check Into Cash does not require a minimum credit score—they accept applicants with bad credit, no credit, or even bankruptcies. However, they may perform a soft credit check to verify identity and check for outstanding payday loans at other lenders. Specific requirements vary by state; for example, some states require in-person application only.
How fast can I get money from Check Into Cash?
In-store applications are fastest: you can walk in, complete the application, and walk out with cash in hand within 30 minutes (sometimes as fast as 15 minutes if you have all documents ready). Online applications typically receive approval decisions within 1 hour during business hours (9 AM - 6 PM CT weekdays). If approved online before 4 PM CT on a business day, funds are deposited to your bank account the next business day. Weekend and holiday applications are processed the next business day.
What is Check Into Cash's APR and fee structure?
APRs range from 391% to 664% depending on your state, loan amount, and term. For example, a typical $500 payday loan for 14 days might have a $75 finance charge (equivalent to 391% APR). State laws dictate maximum fees: in Tennessee (Check Into Cash's home state), the fee is $15 per $100 borrowed up to $425. In California, it's $15 per $100 up to $255 total. Always review your state-specific fee schedule on their website before applying. Check Into Cash does not charge application, origination, or prepayment fees—you only pay the finance charge based on how long you keep the loan.
Does Check Into Cash accept bad credit?
Yes. Check Into Cash does not use credit score as a primary approval factor. They focus on your current income and ability to repay. Most applicants with bad credit (FICO 500-650), no credit history, past bankruptcies, or previous payday defaults are approved if they have steady income of $800+/month and an active checking account. Check Into Cash performs a soft credit check (doesn't affect your score) primarily to verify your identity and check for outstanding payday loans. Their 38% approval rate is lower than some competitors, but this is due to income verification strictness rather than credit score requirements.
What's the difference between in-store and online loans?
In-store loans offer instant cash (walk in, walk out with money in 30 minutes), face-to-face service, and the ability to ask questions to a loan officer. This is ideal if you need cash immediately, prefer personal interaction, or have complex questions. Online loans offer 24/7 application submission, no need to visit a store, and privacy. Approval takes 1 hour (vs 30 minutes in-store), but you avoid travel time. Funds arrive via next-day direct deposit (vs instant cash in-store). Both have the same APR and terms; the main difference is speed and convenience preference.
Does Check Into Cash offer title loans and installment loans?
Yes, in states where permitted. Title loans allow you to borrow larger amounts ($1,000-$10,000 typical) using your vehicle title as collateral, with repayment terms of 6-12 months. APRs are similar to payday loans (300%+). Risk: if you default, Check Into Cash can repossess your vehicle. Installment loans offer longer repayment terms (6-18 months) with monthly payments instead of a lump sum. Amounts range from $500-$5,000. Not all states allow title and installment products—check your state's availability on their website or call your local store.
In what states is Check Into Cash available?
Check Into Cash operates in 30 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Store locations vary by state—Tennessee has the most (150+), while some states have only online lending. Visit checkintocash.com/locations to find stores near you. States NOT served include New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and others with stricter payday loan regulations.
Alternatives to Check Into Cash
While Check Into Cash 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 Into Cash?
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Apply Now at Check Into Cash →⚠️ Important Disclosure
High-Cost Loan Warning: Check Into Cash loans have APRs ranging from 391% to 664%, 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 Into Cash 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