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Frequently asked questions

Payday Loans

What is a Cash Advance (also known as a Payday Loan)?

A Cash Advance (or Payday Loan) is a short-term, small-dollar loan, often used to cover unexpected expenses or just get a little extra money before your next paycheck. A Cash Advance is a personal loan that provides an alternative to bouncing checks. Cash Advances are used to cover short-term financial situations — they are not a long-term financial solution.

What is the difference between an in-store and online Cash Advance (also known as Payday Advance or Payday Loan)?

An in-store Cash Advance/Payday Loan allows you to visit one of our stores and receive your money in person. The entire process typically takes about 15 minutes, and you could get the money you need on-the-spot. An online Payday Loan gives you the convenience of processing your loan completely online without the need to visit a store. Simply submit an online loan application, and if approved, the funds from this personal loan are deposited directly into your bank account, as soon as the same day.*

*Online approvals before 10:30 AM ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5 PM ET same-day. Approvals after 10:30 AM ET are typically funded in the morning the next banking day.

What do I need to apply for a Cash Advance (Payday Loan)?

If you’re applying in-store, you’ll need:

Government issued photo ID, proof of open and active checking account (statement), most recent proof of income (check stub, award letter or direct deposit), and verification of SSN. Depending on state, a check may be required.

If you’re applying online, you’ll need:

  • Valid Social Security Number

  • Have a valid and active email address

  • Active Checking Account

  • Source of Income

Installment Loans

How much money can I get?

Installment Loan amounts vary by state. When applying for a loan, we use your personal information to determine a loan amount that works for you.

Do you check my credit when I apply for an installment loan?

For Installment Loans or extended term loans, we will review third party data sources to verify credit.

Title Loans

What is a Title Loan?

If you own the title to your vehicle, a Title Loan allows you to borrow money based on its value. Your car is used as collateral for the loan so you can get the money you need immediately, and keep driving your car while you pay back your personal loan. Title Loans are ideal for individuals looking for a fast solution to short-term financial needs.

How do Title Loans work?

To get a Title Loan, you give Advance America the title to your vehicle as collateral in exchange for a loan. You keep your car and can continue driving while you pay back the loan. Applying is easy. Simply bring your car and car title to an Advance America store that offers Title Loans. An employee will inspect your vehicle in minutes, and provide a loan amount comparable to the vehicle value. Then, agree to the terms and scheduled payments, leave with the money you need, and repay your loan on scheduled due dates.

Where do you offer title loans?

We offer title loans in select states across the country. To see if Title Loans are available in your state, click here.

Line of Credit

What is a Line of Credit?

A Line of Credit is the most convenient, safe and secure way to access money when you need it most. Once you are approved for a certain limit, you can request money up to that total amount. The credit line, or maximum amount of money that can be withdrawn, varies by state, and the funds you request will be deposited directly into your bank account. After your initial approval, there’s no need to reapply. Simply pay back your fees and the money you borrowed, then request to withdraw more money from your Line of Credit whenever you need it.

Why should I get a Line of Credit?

Having a Line of Credit is like having emergency money whenever you need it. You apply only one time and the line stays open to allow you to draw money anytime—as long as your account is in good standing and there is credit remaining in your account.

How does a Line of Credit work online?

You don’t need to visit a location when using an online Line of Credit. In general, you will submit an online application. Once approved, you can select an amount to be deposited directly into your bank account (usually by the next banking day). Payments, as well as any future request to draw money from your Line of credit, may also be handled online.

Online Loans

What type of Online Loans are offered?

In select states, Advance America gives you access to online loan services, online Payday Loans, online Installment Loans or Line of Credit.

A Cash Advance (or Payday Loan) is a short-term, small-dollar loan that you can use to cover unexpected expenses or bridge a temporary gap between paychecks. A Cash Advance is a financial solution that provides an alternative to bouncing checks or paying late fees. Cash Advances are used to cover short-term financial situations; not a long-term financial solution.

An Installment Loan typically offers larger loan amounts, and allows you to repay the loan over a longer period of time.

A Line of Credit provides convenient, personal access to money when you need it. Apply just once, and receive approval up to a specific credit limit. Then, withdraw money as you need it up to your approved amount. You only pay interest on the money you withdraw, and the rest remains available if needed.

To find out if online loans are available in your state, click here.

How does an online personal loan work?

Online Payday Loans, Installment Loans, online Cash Advance or Line of Credit are processed completely online, so there’s no need to visit a location. Just submit an online application and if approved, the funds from the loan will be deposited directly into your bank account, as soon as the same day*

Your repayment of the loan is electronically deducted from your bank account on your due date(s).

*Online approvals before 10:30 AM ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5 PM ET same-day. Approvals after 10:30 AM ET are typically funded in the morning the next banking day.

How do I apply for an Online Loan and when will I receive the money?

In states where online Payday Loans, Installment Loans, online Cash Advance, and Line of Credit are available, simply click the "Apply Now" button and complete the application. Once you’ve submitted your application, you may be eligible for a loan of $100 or more deposited directly into your checking account the same day.*

*Online approvals before 10:30 AM ET (M-F) are typically funded to your bank account by 5 PM ET same-day. Approvals after 10:30 AM ET are typically funded in the morning the next banking day.

Western Union

What do I need to pick up money at Advance America?

You will need the tracking number (MTCN) provided by your sender. Bring your government-issued ID as well as your phone number. This must match what was submitted by the sender.

How do I make a Western Union bill payment at Advance America?

Ask an Advance America employee for the To Send Money Form (TSMF) for Bill Payments service. 

You will need:

  • Company Name (or Code City)
  • Account Number
  • Amount

You can also start on the Western Union app, fill out the information requested, and finish at an Advance America location.

How do I protect myself from fraud?

To protect yourself from fraud, always think carefully about who you’re sending money to. Generally, you should only send money to friends and family you know and trust. Never send money to someone you’ve not met in person, or for an unconfirmed emergency.

We want to help you protect your money and details. We’d advise you not to proceed with a money transfer:

  • For a purchase you’ve already made online

  • For anti-virus protection software

  • To claim lottery or prize winnings

  • To pay your taxes

  • To donate to charity

  • To resolve an immigration matter

  • To pay for goods or services from someone who recently tried to sell you something over the phone

In-Store Account and Payment Questions

What is the status of my account?

Please call a local Advance America store or the contact center for account information at 1-844-562-6480.

How can I make a payment?

Loan payments are accepted at the store. In some states, payments can also be made through an online account, by phone or through an automatic withdrawal from your checking account. Check with your local store to discuss available payment options.

How/What do I need to change my bank info?

Bring in or fax a copy of your latest bank statement to your local center in order to update/change your banking information.

Can I skip/defer payment?

You cannot skip or defer a payment. However, if eligible, we may be able to enroll you into a repayment plan and/or extend your payment due date.

When I pay off my Line of Credit, do I need to reapply the next time I need money?

You can continue using your original Line of Credit. As long as you continue to make on-time payments on the money you withdraw, you can continue to withdraw funds up to your maximum approved credit until your Line of Credit expires (at which time you can apply to renew it).

What if I cannot repay the amount due on the due date?

If you can’t make the minimum payment for your Line of Credit on the due date, please call the contact center at 1-877-505-0701.

Online Account and Payment Questions

What is the status of my account?

You can see account details by logging into your account online, chatting or by calling customer service at 877-505-0701.

How can I make a payment?

Online loans payments are automatically scheduled to be withdrawn from your checking account on the due date. You can also make a payment by logging in to your online account and select Make a Payment. Or, you can make a payment over the phone by calling 877-505-0701.

How/What do I need to change my bank info?

In order to update your bank account information, you will need to supply a copy/photo of a non-starter voided check, both front and back, or your last full month bank statement. This information should be sent to any of the following:

Email: bankchange@service.advanceamerica.net

Text: 760-237-2274

Fax: 864-336-7055

Once your information is sent, please allow for up to 1 business day for these changes to be updated within your account profile. If you have further questions, please call our customer service team at 877-505-0701.

Can I skip/defer payment?

Please call customer service at 877-505-0701 for more information on payment deferment.

When I pay off my Line of Credit, do I need to reapply the next time I need money?

You can continue using your original Line of Credit. As long as you continue to make on-time payments on the money you withdraw, you can continue to withdraw funds up to your maximum approved credit until your Line of Credit expires (at which time you can apply to renew it).

What if I cannot repay the amount due on the due date?

If you can’t make the minimum payment for your Line of Credit on the due date, please call the contact center at 1-877-505-0701.

Security

Is my Cash Advance / Personal Loan application secure?

Absolutely. With Advance America, you can be certain that all the information you submit for your personal loans and payday loans, title loans and installment loans are sent through a secure server, and kept in a secure database. One way for you to verify our website’s security is to look for the padlock in the URL address.  This signifies that your information on this website is encrypted. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

Information about Personal Loan Scams

Advance America, along with many other lenders, has been targeted by unknown scammer groups. These scammers are attempting to offer consumers payday loans or a cash advance on our company's behalf by going through the internet, email, and making telephone calls. Scammers can be very convincing, especially when they use threats and intimidation, or appear to have access to personal information. They use the reputation of a legitimate, respected business, along with dire threats, to get what they want from victims. We want to inform you that these actions are not being made by Advance America or anyone affiliated with the company. We value our customers and are working directly with authorities to stop these scammers. 

Recognize Fraudulent Personal Loan Offers

You should suspect that a personal loan offer is fraudulent if:

The individual claims that you have been pre-approved for a cash advance, for payday loans, or any type of personal loan and then requires you to purchase a prepaid debit card or wire money as a “processing fee” or “good faith deposit”. Legitimate lenders do not require good faith deposits.

The individual requests that you send money up front via a wire transfer or money card such as Green Dot cards. With legitimate loan offers including payday loans, you should not have to give money in order to get money.

The individual requests to get your personal or financial information. You should always be cautious when volunteering any personal or financial information over the phone or internet. Never provide payment information that you did not initiate. If you are uncomfortable with a phone call that was not initiated by you, hang up or ask for the purpose of the call. Then contact the company using legitimate sources such as contact phone numbers found on the company’s website.

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