Check ‘n Go Review Overview and Alternatives

Check ‘n Go is a storefront and online lender based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with 1,000 locations across the United States. Founded in 1994, the company has provided customers with funding for over 25 years. As of today, Check ‘n Go has serviced more than 50 million loans. 

Check ‘n Go primarily offers payday loans, installment loans, and check cashing. They have retail stores in 22 states and provide online services to five other states, including California, Hawaii, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Maine. 

Products and Services 

Here is a more detailed breakdown of Check ‘n Go’s products and services: 

Products  

Services

Rates and Fees

Check ‘n Go’s website allows you to check the services, interest rates, and amounts available based on your state. For example, if you live in Ohio, you can see that Check ‘n Go only offers installment loans of up to $5,000. 

APRs also vary from state to state. The website offers detailed fee schedules for each state, and each document also includes the APR for particular products and services provided in that state. On average, you can expect to pay between 360% and 390% for a 30-day online payday loan and an APR of more than 600% for 14-day periods. 

Pros and Cons of Check ‘n Go

As with any lender, Check n’ Go has its pros and cons. Consider these factors before starting your loan application:

How to Apply for a Loan With Check ‘n Go

To apply for a loan at Check ‘n Go, either physically or online, some personal information and documentation will be necessary, including: 

• A valid U.S. government-issued ID card or driver’s license.
• A working phone number.
• Proof of recent financial income information.
• Proof of routing and account number from an open and active checking account.
• Social Security Number (AL, IN, and OK only).  

Step 1. Sign up on the website

You have to sign up on the official website by providing a valid email address and generating a password. All your activity will be available on your account from then on. Provide basic information about yourself, including your permanent address, phone number, and Social Security Number. 

Step 2. Check the availability of products and services in your state

Depending on your state of residence, the website will automatically show which products and services you can apply for. For example, if you live in California, you may see that only a payday loan of up to $255 is available for you. 

Step 3. Provide income and checking account information

If you’re employed, you should give the name of your employer and how often you get paid. You can also choose the unemployed option if you’re currently not working. A checking account with the account and the routing number is mandatory for completing the application. Your checking account should allow a direct deposit to receive the funds from the lender. 

Step 4. Read the agreements and submit your application

Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before you sign and submit your application. 

Step 5. Receive the funds

If you’re approved, Check ‘n Go may transfer the funds in as little as one business day. The company will also clarify when your payments are due, how much the interest rate is, and when to pay back the whole amount. 

FAQ 

What Is Check ‘n Go?

Check ‘n Go is a lending company that provides fast-cash solutions to consumers in 22 states across the U.S. It offers cash advances and installment loans of up to $5,000, as well as cash checking services and a NetSpend Mastercard card. 

What Is the Minimum Credit Score That Check ‘n Go Will Consider?

According to Check ‘n Go, the minimum FICO® credit score to apply for loan products is 500.

Can I Have a Payday Advance and Installment Loan at the Same Time?

No, you are only allowed to have one active loan at a time.

What if I Miss a Payment?

If you miss a payment or if the lender is unable to withdraw funds from your checking account, Check ‘n Go may send the payment to collections. In some states, a returned check fee or a late payment may be charged. In addition, your credit score may be negatively affected.

Is Check ‘n Go Safe?

Yes. The company has several positive ratings on multiple consumer reporting websites.

How Much Does Check ‘n Go Charge for Interest?

On average, APR for Check ‘n Go loans can reach triple digits. Although these rates can be high, the rates you are offered depend on your creditworthiness and financial history.

Additionally, the type of loan and state regulations can play a role in your APR. 

What About Other Fees? 

Check ‘n Go does not specify whether they charge additional application, late, or origination fees. Before completing the loan application, it is best to consult with the lender to determine what other fees may be added to your total amount.

Can I Get a Check ‘n Go Loan if I am Not Employed?

Unemployed applicants may be able to find financing through Check ‘n Go. However, it is best to speak with a representative from the company before submitting an application. The lender may require documentation to verify alternative forms of income. 

How Many Times Can You Take Out a Loan?

State limitations and regulations determine how many loans you can obtain. Make sure you speak with a registered lender to figure out how to comply with these requirements. 

Alternatives to Check ‘n Go

Due to its limited availability in some areas and the lack of other financial products, Check ‘n Go may not be the best choice for all situations. If Check ‘n Go doesn’t offer what you’re looking for, we have a few alternatives that you can turn to: 

• If you’re looking for a wider selection of products and services: Cash Express, LLC 
• If you’re looking for a larger sum loan: Avant 

Cash Express, LLC

Founded in Cookeville, TN, in 1995, Cash Express offers flex loans, payday loans, installment loans, title loans, check cashing, pawn loans, and cash for gold. However, the company only operates in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky. Rates and fees are pretty similar to Check ‘n Go, with payday loans given out at a relatively high cost and short repayment periods. 

One of the newest offerings by Cash Express, LLC is the flex loan. These loans allow you to borrow up to $4,000 and only pay the interest for the amount of time you keep the loan.

Additionally, prepayment penalties are not charged, and you can pay the loan earlier to reduce the interest. 

Cash Express also offers pawn loans, which allow you to bring an item of value and take a loan based on that value. The company holds your belongings until you pay off the loan. A title loan is another option for getting access to funding. It lets you borrow money based on the appraised value of your vehicle and places a lien on your title while you pay back the loan. 

Avant

Avant is a financial services provider based in Chicago, IL. The company offers personal loans of up to $35,000 and prepaid credit cards with a $300 to $1,000 credit limit. The APR for personal loans ranges from 9.95% to 35.99%, and the repayment ranges from 24 to 60 months. 

Check ‘n Go provides funding of up to $5,000 for emergencies, but Avant can grant you a sum seven times higher than that if you are eligible. Eligibility can be checked online and will not affect your credit score. However, the company requires you to have a 550 minimum credit score and present a recent income statement.

Bottom Line

To put it in a nutshell, Check ‘n Go may be a good option if you’re looking for quick payday loans and installment loans. The company operates in 22 states and provides services both at its storefronts and online. The minimum credit score is 500, giving you a chance if you have a relatively low credit score. However, their financial products and services come with pretty high-interest rates. Check ‘n Go may help you out in emergencies, but it does come at a high cost which you should be aware of beforehand.