Is Check n’ Go Legit for a Personal Loan? Our Complete 2025 Review

Installment Loans

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Our take: Check `n Go can work for borrowers who need a small loan quickly and may not qualify elsewhere, but its lack of transparency, $5,000 loan cap, and no prequalification option make it less appealing than other lenders. While the process is simple and customer service is solid, better choices exist if you qualify.

• Quick, simple process for a small loan in a pinch
• Fast funding, in as little as 30 minutes if using a Visa debit card
• Easy loan management platform called Pocket360

• Lack of transparency around rates and terms
• No soft-credit-check prequalification
• Loans capped at $5,000

Table of Contents

1. What is Check `n Go?
2. How do Check `n Go installment loans work?
   1. Interest rates and loan amounts
   2. State availability
   3. Costs and fees
   4. Repayment
      1. Options and terms
      2. Pocket 360 loan management platform
   5. Requirements and eligibility
   6. How to apply
3. Check `n Go reviews and customer feedback
4. Check `n Go customer service
5. Pros and cons of Check `n Go loans
6. Alternatives to Check `n Go installment loans
   1. Check `n Go vs. Upstart
   2. Check `n Go vs. Upgrade
   3. Check `n Go vs. Avant
7. Check ‘n Go’s other products
   1. Cash advances
   2. Payday loans
   3. Netspend Prepaid Mastercard®

What is Check `n Go?

Check `n Go began in 1994 in Covington, Kentucky, with a focus on providing quick access to cash for borrowers who might not qualify through traditional banks. Since then, it has expanded nationally, offering installment loans, payday loans, cash advances, and additional services such as the Netspend Prepaid Mastercard®. Availability varies by state, with some products offered online and others in-store.

Its installment loans, capped at $5,000, are the company’s main product. These loans feature fixed payments aligned with the borrower’s pay cycle, and funds can be available as soon as the next business day online or the same day in-store. Pocket360, the company’s online management tool, allows borrowers to track balances and make payments.

While Check `n Go is designed to provide fast funding and flexible options, it does not disclose detailed rates or terms upfront and does not offer soft-credit-check prequalification. This means applicants must complete a hard credit inquiry to determine eligibility and loan details.

How do Check `n Go installment loans work?

Check `n Go installment loans can be used for a range of needs, such as covering emergencies, consolidating debt, or making larger purchases. The company doesn’t place strict restrictions on how funds are used, but borrowers are expected to spend them responsibly.

• Application: You can apply online or in-store, depending on state availability. The process requires personal and financial details, including proof of income. Joint applications and cosigners are not accepted. Unlike many lenders, Check `n Go does not offer soft-credit-check prequalification, so applying will likely trigger a hard credit inquiry.
• Approval and loan amount: Check `n Go reviews your application to determine eligibility. It does not disclose specific credit or income requirements. Loan amounts vary by state, with a maximum of $5,000.
• Receiving funds: Once approved, funding is fast. Online loans are usually deposited the next business day, while in-store loans may be available the same day. If you choose an eligible Visa debit card linked to your bank account, funds can arrive in as little as 30 minutes after approval.
• Loan management: Borrowers can track balances, make payments, and manage their accounts through Pocket360, Check `n Go’s online loan management platform.

Check ‘n Go interest rates and more

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.

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; within 30 min. if using a Visa debit card to receive the funds
Unique features	Online management via Pocket360 online app Loan refinancing available for eligible loans

State availability

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

Costs and fees

Check `n Go does not publish exact rates for its personal installment loans. Loan costs vary by state and are based on factors like credit history and income. The company notes that fees such as late payment charges may apply, but it does not provide detailed fee schedules online.

Loan amounts are capped at $5,000, and repayment terms are tied to the borrower’s pay cycle. Since no soft-credit-check prequalification is available, borrowers cannot view their potential rate or terms without applying and undergoing a hard credit inquiry.

Repaying a Check ‘n Go installment loan

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.

Pocket 360 loan management platform

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

Check `n Go loan requirements and eligibility

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

How to apply for a Check `n Go loan online

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.

Check `n Go reviews and customer feedback

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	9,791 reviews
Better Business Bureau (BBB)	1 out of 5	7 reviews
Google	Nearly 5 out of 5 in most locations	Varies by location

Data collected August 31, 2025

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 9,000 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.

Check `n Go customer service

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.

Pros and cons of Check `n Go 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.

• Fast funding if you use a Visa debit card

  If you receive your funds using a Visa debit card, you can receive your funds in as little as 30 minutes.

• Easy online payment platform

  Pocket360 allows users to manage their loans easily online.

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.

Alternatives to Check `n Go installment loans

Borrowers who qualify for traditional personal loans may find better options with lenders that offer higher loan amounts, more transparent terms, and soft-credit-check prequalification. Here’s how Check `n Go compares with some alternatives:

Check `n Go vs. LendingClub

LendingClub offers personal loans up to $40,000, far higher than Check `n Go’s $5,000 cap. It provides fixed APRs, clear rate disclosures, and the ability to prequalify with a soft credit check. This makes it a stronger choice for borrowers who want transparency and flexibility.

Check `n Go vs. Upstart

Upstart uses alternative data like education and employment history in addition to credit scores, making it more accessible for some borrowers. Loan amounts go up to $50,000, and borrowers can prequalify without a hard inquiry. Compared to Check `n Go, Upstart offers more competitive rates and wider loan amounts, but approval may take longer.

Check `n Go vs. Upgrade

Upgrade combines personal loans of up to $50,000 with online banking features and a mobile app. Like LendingClub and Upstart, it allows prequalification through a soft credit check. Compared with Check `n Go, Upgrade offers better transparency, larger loans, and additional features like free credit monitoring.

Check `n Go vs. Avant

Avant targets borrowers with fair to average credit, offering personal loans up to $35,000. Rates can be higher than some competitors, but Avant still provides clearer terms and larger amounts than Check `n Go, along with soft-credit-check prequalification.

Check ‘n Go’s other products

In addition to installment loans, Check `n Go also offers short-term borrowing options. These include both cash advances and payday loans, which are structured differently but serve a similar purpose: providing quick funds to cover expenses until your next paycheck.

Cash advances

Cash advances are small, short-term loans meant to bridge a gap between paychecks. They’re typically for lower amounts than installment loans and must be repaid quickly, often on your next payday. While they provide immediate access to cash, the fees can make them an expensive option if repayment isn’t managed carefully.

Payday loans

Payday loans are another short-term option and a major part of Check `n Go’s business. These loans usually range from a few hundred dollars up to state-specific limits and must be repaid in full—plus fees—within 7 to 40 days. APRs can run extremely high, sometimes approaching 400%, making them a costly form of borrowing. Missing a payment can lead to additional charges and rollovers, quickly increasing the loan’s total cost.

The table below shows the availability, maximum amounts, terms, and extension options for Check `n Go’s payday loans by state. Because of their high cost, payday loans are generally best considered only as a last resort.

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

Netspend Prepaid Mastercard®

In addition to loans, Check n Go offers the Netspend Prepaid Mastercard®. This reloadable prepaid card can be used for everyday spending, direct deposits, and money management without requiring a traditional bank account. It’s available through Check n Go retail locations and provides an alternative for customers looking for a convenient, card-based option to access funds.