Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Thursday, March 20th
Ace Cash Express is a financial services company known for its diverse range of offerings, including payday loans, installment loans (also known as personal loans), check cashing, and prepaid debit cards. With over 900 locations across 22 states and DC, Ace Cash Express provides convenient access to short-term financial solutions for people facing unexpected expenses or cash flow challenges, catering primarily to those with less-than-perfect credit or those in need of immediate funds.
Mostly a provider of payday and title loans
It's important to understand how limited your options are at Ace Cash Express. First off, you should only use this service if you're okay with using a company that primarily specializes in payday and title loans (industries that are well-known for being, shall we say, less than reputable).
Online personal loans only offered in 4 states
Next, you'll only be able to apply online for a personal loan (typically referred to on this site as an "installment loan”) with Ace Cash Express if you live in Delaware, Florida, Missouri, or Texas. And, the state you live in will determine how much you can apply for: it's up to $2,000, unless you live in the Sunshine State where the max loan amount is $1,000.
A few eligibility criteria to meet
But, let's say you do live in one of those four states and you want to know more about Ace Cash Express' personal loans. Here's what we can tell you. First, you can opt to have your loans directly deposited to your bank account or available for pickup at a brick and mortar location near you. Either way, you'll need to have proof of a steady source of recurring income (like a job, disability, or retirement) and of a bank account that has been open for at least a month.
Interest rates are downright scary
Here's where it really gets ugly: Ace Cash Express doesn't mention anything about loan interest rates or repayment terms in any easy-to-find place on their site. We had to turn to Google to find the PDF disclosing some "sample loan rates” and a fee schedule, and we immediately understood why they're not more forthcoming with those little details: your personal loan here will have a 5-month repayment term, and the "sample” interest rates were from 396.54% to 495.76%. They even do the math for you, pointing out that on an example loan of $400, you'd wind up paying back a total of $1,004 and change. Scarier still, our research showed that there are some personal loans here with APRs of a whopping 630%.
Has helped people in desperate circumstances
The only thing saving Ace Cash Express from getting our absolute lowest 1-star rating is the fact that they have an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau and more than 8000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. For people in truly desperate financial circumstances, Ace Cash Express has come through in a pinch.
Not recommended for personal loans
Still, compared with other options on our list (whose maximum interest is a more "reasonable” 35.99% APR), Ace Cash Express doesn't even come close to getting our recommendation. You certainly wouldn't use a loan here to consolidate debt or pay off your credit cards. This is a personal loan option you'd only turn to if you literally couldn't get approved anywhere else, and we don't recommend it for the average person trying to pay off high-interest debt or fund a home improvement project.
Personal loans are a type of borrowing where you can get money from a bank, credit union, or online lender and pay it back over time with interest. Why would you want to take out a personal loan? There are plenty of reasons. Typically, people turn to personal loans for big purchases or expenses you can't afford to pay for all at once, like buying a car, paying for a wedding, or covering unexpected medical bills.
Personal loans can also be helpful if you want to consolidate high-interest debt from credit cards into one lower-interest loan, which can save you money in the long run. Some people also use personal loans to fund home improvement projects or even to take a much-needed vacation.But before you go rushing off to apply for a personal loan, there are a few things you should consider.
First, think about whether you really need the money and if you can afford to pay it back. Taking out a loan is a big responsibility, and you don't want to get in over your head with debt. Take a look at your budget and make sure you can comfortably make the monthly payments.
Next, you'll want to shop around and compare loan offers from different lenders to make sure you're getting the best deal. Pay attention to things like interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. You can usually get prequalified for a loan online without affecting your credit score, which can help you see what kind of offers you might be eligible for.
Speaking of applying online, should you do it? Absolutely. It's super convenient to apply for a personal loan online since you can do it from the comfort of your own home and compare offers from multiple lenders without having to visit a bunch of banks or credit unions in person.
Plus, many online lenders offer quick approval and funding, so you can get the money you need fast. Just make sure you're dealing with a reputable lender and that you understand all the terms and conditions of the loan before you sign on the dotted line.
Now that you're ready to apply for a personal loan, which lender or website is best? Here are some things to look for as you make the decision:
To help you find the best option for getting a personal loan, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's most popular lenders and referral platforms. Use our research to start your journey with a trustworthy company and get the funds you need!
Select any 2 Personal Loans to compare them head to head