Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, honest answers to the questions people ask most often about Check City loans, applications, costs, and alternatives.
Check City Loans at a glance: Range $100–$5,000, available in 13 states, soft credit pull at application (no FICO hit), same-day in-store funding or next-business-day ACH online. The 12 questions below cover eligibility, APR ranges, repayment, and how Check City compares to alternatives.
What is Check City and how long has it been in business?
Check City is a licensed direct lender headquartered in Provo, Utah, that was founded in 1986 - about 40 years ago. The company offers payday loans, installment loans, title loans, and lines of credit through more than 70 retail store locations and online in the states where it is licensed.
What loan products does Check City offer?
Check City offers four main consumer loan products: short-term payday loans ($100-$1,000), installment loans ($500-$5,000 repaid in fixed monthly payments), auto title loans (secured by your vehicle title, $300-$5,000), and lines of credit. Availability of each product depends on your state of residence.
How much can I borrow from Check City?
Loan amounts vary by product and state. Payday loans typically range from $100 to $1,000, installment loans from $500 to $5,000, and title loans from $300 to $5,000 depending on your vehicle's value. Maximum amounts are capped by state law.
Does Check City check my credit score?
Check City performs a soft credit check at application, which does not affect your credit score. Approval is based on income, banking history, and ability to repay rather than a minimum FICO score. A hard credit pull may occur at funding for some products.
How fast will I receive my funds - same-day or next business day?
If you apply and finalize in person at a Check City store before close, you can typically walk out with cash the same day. Online applications that are approved and signed before the daily ACH cutoff will generally fund by direct deposit the next business day.
What is the APR on a Check City loan?
APR varies significantly by product, state, loan amount, and term. Payday loan APRs typically range from approximately 350% to 912% on an annualized basis. Installment loan APRs run roughly 350% to 650%. Title loans typically run 200% to 300%+. Your exact APR appears on your loan offer before you sign, as required by federal law.
What states does Check City serve?
Check City is licensed as a direct lender in Alabama, Alaska, California, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In Texas, CheckCity.com operates as a Credit Services Organization / Credit Access Business (CSO/CAB).
Is Check City a legitimate, licensed lender?
Yes. Check City has been in continuous operation since 1986, is BBB-accredited with a B+ rating, and is licensed by the state financial regulator in every state where it lends. You can verify a lender's standing through your state's Department of Financial Institutions or the BBB.
What happens if I can't repay on time?
If you anticipate missing a payment, contact Check City customer service before the due date - some states allow extended payment plans, modifications, or rollovers (with limits). Late payments may incur a state-capped late fee. Repeated missed payments can be reported to credit bureaus and may eventually be sent to collections. For title loans specifically, default can result in vehicle repossession.
Can I pay off my Check City loan early without penalty?
Yes. Check City does not charge prepayment penalties. Paying off your loan early reduces your total interest cost. You can typically pay early through the customer portal, by phone, or in person at any store.
Is CheckCityApply.com the official Check City website?
No. CheckCityApply.com is an independent information and marketing resource and is not the official Check City website. Loan products are offered by Check City directly. We provide independent information, comparisons, and an application path that connects you with the Check City application system.
What are the best alternatives to Check City?
Before applying for any high-APR short-term loan, consider: a Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) from a federal credit union (capped at 28% APR), an employer-provided pay advance, an early-wage-access app like Earnin, a payment plan with the original biller, a 0% intro APR credit card if you qualify, or a hardship grant from a nonprofit. Check City makes sense when those options aren't available or aren't fast enough - not as a first choice.