Payday loans like Advance America

• More than 2,000 store locations nationwide
• Payday, installment and auto title loans available
• Member of the Community Financial Services Association

• Limited information available online
• Recent settlement with state of California

1. Check Into Cash

Check Into Cash offers up to $1,000 in some states and is a founding member of the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA), a trade organization representing the payday lending industry.

It services 30 states and offers payday loans, installment loans and title loans to its borrowers. But if you aren’t 21 years old, you won’t be eligible to borrow.

Pros

• Loans available in 30 states
• Founding member of the Community Financial Services Association
• Site includes informative pages on state laws

Cons

• Must be at least 21 to apply
• Not every state includes a store location

2. ACE Cash Express

ACE Cash Express serves a wide variety of lending needs through its website and more than 1,000 store locations. Like many lenders, it offers payday loans and other short-term credit options, including installment loans and auto title loans. And unlike many lenders, it has a 72-hour satisfaction guarantee: If you decide you no longer want your loan, cancel it within three days with no penalty — much longer than the single business day offered by Advance America.

However, ACE Cash Express services only 23 states and isn’t licensed to offer payday loans everywhere it services. So even if you have an ACE Cash Express location in your state, you may not be able to borrow.

Pros

• 72-hour satisfaction guarantee
• No prepayment penalties
• Online verification of credentials

Cons

• Only services 23 states
• No approval with previous bankruptcies

3. CashNetUSA

CashNetUSA doesn’t cap its payday loans at $1,000 — in a few states, you may be able to borrow up to $1,800. Because its entire loan process is online, you won’t have the option of leaving a check or picking up your cash in person. And even though CashNetUSA offers a variety of short-term loans, payday loans are only available in 18 states.

Pros

• Easy-to-navigate website
• High loan amounts in most states
• Offers payday loans, installment loans and lines of credit

Cons

• No physical stores
• Payday loans limited to 18 states
• High APRs of up to 1,140.63%

4. Cash Store

Cash Store’s website offers an informative FAQ that answers how much you can borrow and how much you’ll pay back. You can complete a portion of your application online, which speeds up the process of getting your loan at a store. And special offers mean you might be able to save more on your first financing charge or by referring a friend.

But if you’re looking for an online payday loan, it might not be the right choice for you — you must visit a store in one of its serviced states to apply.

Pros

• Save more by referring a friend
• Discounts for first-time borrowers
• Quick turnaround on loans

Cons

• Operates stores in only seven states
• No online application
• Cash advances limited to Illinois and Michigan

5. Check ‘n Go

Check ‘n Go offers loans up to $1,500, depending on where you live. It also has a $50 bonus per referral, and its website includes informative pages about the states it services.

Unlike Advance America, Check ‘n Go requires a $100 minimum loan. Which means it might not be your best bet if you need less to get you to the next paycheck.

Pros

• 24-hour customer support
• Borrow up to $1,500 in some states
• Founding member of the Community Financial Services Association
• Refer a friend to earn $50

Cons

• Limited state availability
• Not accredited by the BBB

6. Speedy Cash

Speedy Cash offers loans online and in person. And your options aren’t limited to payday loans — it has installment loans and title loans, just like Advance America. It also has the ability to load your funds onto one of three prepaid debit cards, giving you access to emergency funds without ATM fees when you withdraw at a Speedy Cash store.

Unlike many of its competitors, however, Speedy Cash isn’t represented on the Better Business Bureau’s site. You also won’t find a physical location in all states, potentially limiting its “instant” options.

Pros

• Turnaround by the next business day
• Store pickup available
• Loans of up to $26,000

Cons

• Only installment loans offer higher amounts
• Valid phone number required
• Available in less than half the US states

7. LoanByPhone

LoanByPhone offers payday loans between $100 to $1,500 either online or by phone. Its online rate calculator can help you estimate the amount you’ll owe based on how much you borrow. Simply select your state and use the slider to adjust your loan amount to see the APR, fee and total you’ll pay back over the life of your loan.

But while you can prequalify through the company, you’re redirected to Check Into Cash for the actual application. If you’d rather stick with one direct provider, look to Advance America or other competitors.

Pros

• Backed by Check Into Cash
• Member of the Community Financial Services Association
• Comprehensive online rate calculator

Cons

• Must be at least 21 to apply
• To apply, you’re redirected to Check Into Cash
• No physical locations

8. LendUp

LendUp is an online lending platform focused on helping its borrowers rebuild their credit histories. Through the LendUp Ladder, you can increase the amount you borrow at lower interest rates as you pay off existing loans. Once you reach Platinum or Prime status, your loans are reported to a major credit bureau, allowing you to improve your score with responsible repayments. While its licensed to lend in only eight states, its free educational courses makes it an excellent resource for people looking to improve their financial health.

Your state of residence affects how much you can initially borrow — likely under $500 for a first-time borrower. The structure of the LendUp Ladder also varies by state, and you may not be able to access every tier with a payday loan. If you’re looking for larger amounts or don’t live in a state LendUp services, look into competitors.

Pros

• Build your credit through small-dollar loans
• Instant decisions on loans
• Free resources on credit, rights, and the true cost of borrowing

Cons

• Low initial loan amounts
• Limited state availability
• No physical locations or storefronts