Check ‘n Go Personal Loan Review

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Our take on Check ‘n Go personal loans

• Biggest benefit: Quick, simple process for a small loan in a pinch with solid customer service
• Biggest drawback: Lack of transparency around rates and terms, and no soft-credit-check prequalification

Our editorial team didn’t rate Check ‘n Go personal loans, but they could be a viable option for individuals needing a small loan who may not qualify for other personal loan products with lower rates and more transparent terms.

The process to apply is fast and straightforward, and reviews highlight solid customer service. However, a major drawback is a lack of transparency around loan rates and an inability to check your rate without affecting your credit score via prequalification. Check ‘n Go also caps its loans at $5,000.

Because of this, we recommend choosing other reputable online personal loan lenders instead of Check ‘n Go if you qualify. Keep reading for what you need to know about Check ‘n Go personal loans. We’ll also give you a glimpse of Check ‘n Go’s payday loans, but we recommend this route only as a last resort. 

About Check ‘n Go

Check ‘n Go began in 1994, offering financial solutions to those needing quick cash. It specializes in payday loans and personal installment loans. These services cater to individuals who might not have access to other loan products and who need quick funds.

The company’s mission is to provide short-term financial assistance. Ideal borrowers often have urgent cash needs, possibly with limited credit options. Check ‘n Go’s range of products varies by state, with some available online and others in-store.

Check ‘n Go personal loan at a glance

Check ‘n Go’s personal installment loan is available in several states online and in-store. It also offers variations of the installment loan for select customers and residents. For Ohio residents, the Select Loan is exclusively in-store. Meanwhile, the Choice Loan® is an in-store-only option.

The company doesn’t disclose much about the differences between these products or the details of its personal installment loan. For assistance, it’s best to stop in to a location, if available, or call 1-800-561-2274.

Here’s a quick overview of the general terms we could find for Check ‘n Go’s personal loans. We’ll discuss these further below. 

Terms	Details
Fixed rates (APR)	Varies by state
Loan amounts	Up to $5,000
Repayment period	Based on the borrower’s pay cycle/frequency
Unsecured or secured?	Unsecured
Joint loans?	No
Time to funding after approval	Next business day online, possibly same day in-store
Unique features	Online management via Pocket360 online app Loan refinancing available for eligible loans

Details such as minimum credit score and income requirements, APR, rate discounts, loan fees, and repayment assistance are not disclosed by Check ‘n Go.

Loan amounts and online versus in-store availability of installment loans vary by state. Here are the states where Check ‘n Go’s personal loan:

State	Availability	Maximum loan amount
Alabama	Online and in stores	$5,000
Delaware	Online and in stores	$5,000
Idaho	Online and in stores	$5,000
Missouri	Online and in stores	$5,000
Oklahoma	In stores	$1,500
South Carolina	Online and in stores	$5,000
Texas	Online and in stores	$5,000 (in-store) / $4,500 (online)
Utah	Online and in stores	$5,000
Wisconsin	Online and in stores	$5,000

How does a Check ‘n Go personal loan work?

A Check ‘n Go personal loan can provide quick financial assistance through a straightforward process, but there are several hidden drawbacks to be aware of.

Here’s how these loans work:

1. Application: Begin by applying for an installment loan online or in-store, depending on what is available in your state. The process involves providing personal and financial details (read more on how to apply later in this article). Only individuals may apply—joint loans and cosigners are not accepted.

Tip

You can’t prequalify for a Check ‘n Go personal loan via a soft credit check. The company doesn’t explicitly state this, but it says it “can’t say” how applying will affect your credit. Expect a hard credit inquiry and a minor hit to your credit score when you apply.

2. Approval and loan amount: After you apply, Check ‘n Go reviews your information. It doesn’t disclose credit or income requirements (although proof of income is required; more on that later), but they factor into your approval. Loan amounts vary by state, with a maximum of $5,000.
3. Receiving funds: Once approved, funds are typically available the next business day for online applications and possibly the same day for in-store applications.
4. Loan management: You can manage your loans online via an app called Pocket360, where you can view loan details, make payments, and explore refinancing options.

What can a Check ‘n Go personal loans be used for?

Check ‘n Go doesn’t have strict restrictions on how borrowers can use the funds from these loans. They can be used for various purposes, including:

• Emergency expenses: Covering unforeseen costs, such as medical bills or urgent home repairs.
• Debt consolidation: Paying off high-interest debts to simplify finances.
• Major purchases: Financing significant expenses, such as appliances or furniture.

During the application process, Check ‘n Go may inquire about the purpose of the loan, but this is typically for informational purposes rather than imposing restrictions. 

However, it’s important to use the funds responsibly. Check ‘n Go does not monitor the usage of loan funds, but you should never use personal loan funds for illegal activities, gambling, or speculative investments. This could lead to legal consequences or difficulties with the loan.

Who’s eligible for a Check ‘n Go personal loan?

Eligibility for a Check ‘n Go personal loan hinges on a few criteria, but the company doesn’t disclose details about certain minimum requirements. 

A valid U.S. government ID or driver’s license is essential, and in Alabama, Indiana, and Oklahoma, applicants must provide their Social Security number. Check ‘n Go doesn’t specify a minimum credit score or income, but it considers various income sources, including unemployment income and Social Security benefits, as valid proof of income.

Check ‘n Go doesn’t accept co-applicants or cosigners, meaning eligibility and loan terms are determined based on an individual applicant’s information and creditworthiness.

Here’s a breakdown of the primary eligibility requirements:

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	Not disclosed Valid U.S. government ID or driver’s license required Social Security number required in Alabama, Indiana, and Oklahoma
Employment status	Not disclosed Various income sources accepted, including unemployment, disability, and Social Security
State of residence	Availability varies See table above for specific state availability
Minimum age	Not disclosed
Minimum credit acore	Not disclosed
Minimum income	Not disclosed, but proof of income is required
Other requirements	Valid phone number Active checking account with proof of routing and account number, active for at least 30 days

What are the costs and fees of a Check ‘n Go personal loan?

When considering a Check ‘n Go personal installment loan, it’s important to understand the associated costs and fees. 

What determines the cost of your loan?

• Interest rates: Rates influence the cost of borrowing. For Check ‘n Go personal installment loans, these rates are based on creditworthiness and state-specific regulations.
• Rate calculation: Borrowers’ rates are typically calculated considering their credit history and income.
• Fees: Check ‘n Go may charge origination or late payment fees, common in personal loans.

Example of loan cost

Check ‘n Go doesn’t disclose specific interest rates, but we’ll explore the impact of a hypothetical high rate, such as 36% APR, which is at the upper limit of what is generally recommended for personal loans.

Consider taking a $1,000 installment loan with a 36% APR and a 12-month repayment period. The monthly payment would be around $97. This leads to a total repayment of approximately $1,164 over a year, where the additional $164 represents the cost of borrowing, including interest and any applicable fees.

How do you repay a loan from Check ‘n Go?

Repayment on a Check ‘n Go personal loan is tailored to the borrower’s pay cycle, with several options available for making payments. 

Repayment options and terms

• Repayment schedule: Repayment terms on installment loans vary, and Check ‘n Go doesn’t specifically disclose them. It says it aligns repayment dates with the borrower’s paydays to make the process more manageable. The options include:

Payment option	What it looks like
Weekly	Payments are made every week (for example, every Friday)
Biweekly	Payments are made every two weeks (for example, every other Friday)
Monthly	Payments are made once per month (for example, the 1st of each month)
Semi-monthly	Payments are made twice per month (for example, the 1st and 15th of every month)

• Customizability: The repayment frequency aligns with your pay cycles, but the terms aren’t entirely customizable. They are set based on the loan agreement and state regulations.
• Impact on cost: The frequency of payments can affect the overall cost at the end of the term. More frequent payments might reduce the interest accrued over time, lowering the total cost of the loan.
• No prepayment penalty: Borrowers can pay off their loan early without incurring a prepayment penalty. This can be a prudent decision that reduces the total interest you pay over the life of the loan.

Repayment process

Borrowers can make payments online through Check ‘n Go’s management system, Pocket360. This platform offers a convenient and straightforward way to track and manage loan repayments.

You can also call a customer service agent at 888-372-9329 to make a payment.

Note: Online loans can only be paid online or over the phone—you can’t pay an online loan in a Check ‘n Go store. 

Pros and cons of Check ‘n Go personal loans

Check ‘n Go, like any financial service, comes with advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right option for your needs.

Pros

• Credit building

  If you consistently make on-time payments, Check ‘n Go’s installment personal loan could help in building credit history and improving your credit score.

Cons

• Lack of transparency

  Check ‘n Go doesn’t disclose much about rates and terms on its website. This lack of clarity can make it challenging to compare options and understand the full cost of the loan.

• No soft credit check to prequalify

  The website doesn’t disclose how applying might affect your credit. The absence of a soft credit check for prequalification means potential borrowers can’t gauge their eligibility without risking harm to their credit score.

• Varying availability and loan amounts

  The availability of loans and the maximum loan amounts vary by state, which can be inconvenient for borrowers in certain regions. In most states, the maximum amount for personal loans is $5,000.

• Small loan amounts

  Compared to other lenders, Check ‘n Go offers relatively small loan amounts, limiting its usefulness for those needing more substantial financing.

Check ‘n Go offers a viable option for borrowers looking to build credit through installment loans. However, its lack of transparency, absence of a soft credit check for prequalification, and varying availability and loan amounts based on state can be significant drawbacks. The smaller loan amounts also may not meet the needs of all borrowers.

For those who qualify, exploring other online lenders might be more beneficial, especially lenders that offer more transparency, higher loan amounts, and soft credit checks for prequalification. 

Check out our best personal loans page to view our recommended lenders for varying credit scores.

Is Check ‘n Go a reputable lender?

To assess the reputation of Check ‘n Go, we consulted customer reviews and ratings from trusted sources. These reviews provide insights into customer experiences and satisfaction.

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	4.5 out of 5	7,271 reviews
Better Business Bureau (BBB)	1 out of 5	17 reviews
Google	Nearly 5 out of 5 in most locations	Varies by location

Data collected December 18, 2023

Check ‘n Go’s reviews paint a mixed picture of its reputation:

• Trustpilot: A high rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 7,000 reviews suggests many customers are satisfied with the service, citing a simple process with good customer service.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check ‘n Go has an A+ rating, but it is not BBB-accredited. Accreditation shows a commitment to making an effort to resolve consumer complaints. The customer rating is low at 1 out of 5. Complaints include reports of threatening calls from debt collectors, indicating potential issues in its collections practices.
• Google: These reviews vary by location but are generally positive. The near-perfect scores in most locations highlight good customer service experiences.

These reviews are from well-regarded sources that are widely trusted for consumer feedback. 

Trustpilot and Google Reviews are platforms where customers can freely express their opinions, making them reliable for gauging customer satisfaction. The BBB rating, although not based on customer reviews, reflects business practices and ethics, which are essential factors in evaluating a lender’s reputation.

Despite the negative aspects, particularly noted in BBB reviews, Check ‘n Go’s overall customer satisfaction seems favorable, especially in terms of the ease of process and customer service. However, the complaints reported to the BBB suggest areas where Check ‘n Go could improve, particularly in its debt collection methods.

Does Check ‘n Go have a customer service team?

Check ‘n Go’s customer service team plays a crucial role in assisting borrowers throughout the loan process. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati and houses a customer service team for its online loans. 

Borrowers can also visit retail locations in various states for in-store assistance. If loans are available in-store in your state, it means retail locations exist. Use the Find a Store function on Check ‘n Go’s homepage to find a location near you.

Customers can reach out to Check ‘n Go customer service for assistance with loan applications, repayment queries, account management issues, or any other concerns related to the company’s services. 

The team is noted for its role in contributing to positive customer service experiences as reflected in various customer reviews. If you need to contact Check ‘n Go, several methods are available:

• Contact page: Submit a question or concern on the Check ‘n Go contact page. Messages are grouped according to three main concerns—loans and application questions, feedback and complaints, and fraud concerns.
• Phone number:
  • Feedback hotline: 888-372-9329
  • Retail support: 800-561-2274
• Mailing Address: Check `n Go, P.O. Box 36454, Cincinnati, OH 45236-0454
• Chat box: Available on the Check ‘n Go website for instant support.
• Pocket360 account: For managing loans and getting in touch with customer service.

How to apply for a Check ‘n Go personal loan

The application process at Check ‘n Go is straightforward, but it lacks features that could make the process more borrower-friendly. 

Unlike lenders that offer a soft credit check to prequalify, Check ‘n Go does not state whether applying will affect the applicant’s credit score. This lack of a prequalification step means borrowers may not be able to gauge their eligibility without affecting their credit.

If you decide to apply, here are the steps:

1. Gather necessary documents: Before applying, ensure you have all required documents. These typically include a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of income (such as recent pay stubs), a valid and working phone number, and details of an active checking account.
2. Complete the application: Visit Check ‘n Go’s website or a store (if available in your state) to start the application process. Fill in the required details, including personal, employment, and financial information.
3. Undergo credit and eligibility check: Upon submission, Check ‘n Go will review your application. This process may include a credit check, which could affect your credit score.
4. Wait for approval: The approval time can vary. Borrowers often receive a quick decision, sometimes the same day they apply.
5. Loan disbursement: If you’re approved, the loan amount is often disbursed by the following business day for online applications. In-store applications may offer same-day funding.

What if I’m denied a personal loan from Check ‘n Go?

If your application is denied, Check ‘n Go may provide reasons for the denial, which can help you understand what aspects of your financial profile need improvement. Common reasons for loan denial include insufficient income, low credit score, unstable employment history, or high debt-to-income ratio.

Here are the steps you can take if you are denied a personal loan from Check ‘n Go:

• Understand the reason: If Check ‘n Go provides a specific reason for the denial, use this information to address the issue. For instance, consider ways to improve your credit if it’s due to a low credit score.
• Reapply if circumstances improve: Once you’ve addressed the reason for denial, such as improving your credit score or stabilizing your employment, you can consider reapplying. Ensure you’ve improved the factors that led to the initial denial.
• Explore other options: If Check ‘n Go isn’t a fit, look into other lenders. Some may have different criteria or offer products more suited to your financial situation.
• Seek financial advice: If you’re repeatedly denied, it may help to seek advice from a financial professional. They can provide guidance on improving your financial health and increasing your chances of loan approval in the future.
• Consider alternative financial solutions: Depending on your needs, other financial solutions, such as credit counseling or debt management programs, could be more appropriate.

What about Check ‘n Go’s payday loans?

Check ‘n Go offers payday loans as a significant part of its business. These are designed for short-term financial needs by allowing you to borrow necessary funds, which you repay with your next paycheck. 

However, payday loans typically come with high interest rates—sometimes as high as 400% APR. Due to these rates, we don’t recommend using payday loans when you need to borrow money. Only consider them if you have no other options and absolutely need the funds. 

The high interest and fees associated with these loans can make them an expensive option, especially if you miss a payment. Missing a payment on a payday loan can lead to substantial fees and interest charges on a small loan amount.

The table below provides information on Check ‘n Go’s payday loans, including their availability, loan amounts and terms, and whether payment extension is possible if you can’t make a payment. A payday loan should be a last resort due to the potential for high costs and financial strain.

State	Payday loan availability	Maximum loan amount	Terms	Extension possible?
Alabama	Online and In stores	$500	10 – 31 days	Yes, once
California	Online	$255	10 – 31 days	Yes, after rescission period
Florida	Online	$500	10 – 31 days	No, but a grace period might be available
Indiana	Online	20% of gross monthly income or $660	14 – 35 days	Yes
Kansas	Online	$500	14 – 30 days	No
Maine	Online	$250	10 – 40 days	No
Michigan	Online and In Store	$600	10 – 31 days (online), 7 – 30 days (in store)	Yes, with a fee
Missouri	Online and In Store	$500	14 – 31 days	Yes, twice, with fee and loan balance reduction
North Dakota	Online	$500	7 – 45 days	No
Texas	Online and in stores	$1,500	10 – 40 days (online), 5 – 35 days (in store)	Yes, subject to qualification
Utah	Online and in store	$1,000	10 – 40 days	Yes, up to 3 times, must pay loan fee
Wyoming	Online	$200	10 – 30 days	No

Aside from these details, eligibility requirements and repayment frequency mirror what you’ll find with installment loans, just in a shorter time frame. Most states require borrowers to have a pay stub or proof of income on file to qualify for a payday loan.

Check ‘n Go personal loan FAQ

Can you have more than one Check ‘n Go personal loan?

No, in most states, you are only allowed to have one personal loan with Check ‘n Go at a time. This policy helps prevent borrowers from overextending their financial commitments. Once you have repaid your loan, you are eligible to apply for another one.

Can you pay off a Check ‘n Go personal loan early?

Check ‘n Go does not charge penalties for early repayment. This means you can pay off your loan ahead of schedule, potentially saving on interest costs. Early repayment can be a smart financial move, especially if you have the means to do so without straining your budget.

Is Check ‘n Go legit?

Yes, Check ‘n Go is a legitimate lending company. It has been in operation since 1994 and offers various loan products, including personal installment loans and payday loans. Check ‘n Go is known for its widespread presence online and in retail stores across different states. 

It’s a legitimate lender, but consider the terms and conditions before taking out one of its loans, especially the high interest rates associated with payday loans.