ACE Cash Express

Key Takeaways

• ACE Cash Express offers payday, cash advance, installment, and title loans through stores and online applications.
• Loan availability, limits, fees, and repayment terms vary significantly by state regulations.
• Applicants generally need to be 18+, show steady income, provide identification, and maintain an active bank account.
• Payday loans suit short-term emergencies but can carry substantial fees and repayment costs.
• Title loans require vehicle collateral, creating a risk of losing your car after missed payments.

ACE Cash Express at a Glance

Founded in 1968, ACE Cash Express operates under parent company Populus Financial Group, based in Irving, Texas. You can access their services through more than 700 store locations across 22 states and Washington, D.C., or use their online platform if you prefer applying digitally in supported areas.

Available Loans and Financial Services

ACE focuses on short-term borrowing options, offering payday loans, cash advances, title loans, and installment loans. Beyond lending, you can use their storefronts for check cashing, money orders, bill payments, wire transfers, and the ACE Elite™ Visa® Prepaid Debit Card. Specific loan products, fees, and max borrowing amounts vary based on the state laws where you live.

Loans and Cash Advances

ACE offers a few different ways to borrow depending on where you live. You'll find three primary options, each built for different financial situations.

Payday Loans and Cash Advances

These short-term options cover quick expenses until your next payday. ACE uses the terms cash advance and payday loan interchangeably. You can borrow between $50 and $2,000 depending on state caps—for instance, limits reach $255 in California and $2,000 in Texas. You repay the full balance plus fees in one go. They fit one-time emergencies best, like fixing your car before rent comes due.

Installment and Title Loans

When you need larger amounts or more time to repay, ACE has options that extend beyond a single paycheck:

• Installment loans: Offer $100 to $3,500 online, letting you split repayment across several scheduled payments.
• Title loans: Provide $100 to $5,000 in select states like Arizona, Oregon, and Texas. These require your vehicle as collateral, meaning you risk losing your car if you miss payments.

State Availability

Where you live determines what borrowing options ACE Cash Express can offer you. Because payday lending rules vary across state lines, ACE adjusts its products, fee structures, and loan limits to comply with local regulations. A loan available in one state might be capped or completely unavailable in yours.

How Location Impacts Your Loan

State laws decide your maximum loan size, fee rates, repayment terms, and whether you can apply online or need to visit a store. Some states cap interest rates, while others ban short-term payday loans entirely.

Maximum payday loan limits vary by state:

• California: Up to $255 online and in-store
• Florida: Up to $500 in-store only
• Louisiana: Up to $740 online and in-store
• Texas: Up to $2,000 online, arranged through a Credit Access Business

Checking Local Options

Select your state on the ACE website before you apply. You'll see the exact APR, repayment terms, and borrowing limits that apply to you rather than generic advertised numbers.

Eligibility and Application Process

To apply for an ACE Cash Express loan, you must be at least 18, provide a valid SSN or ITIN, show steady income, and have an active bank account open for at least 30 days. California borrowers specifically need a personal checking account. Active-duty military members, their dependents, and individuals in active bankruptcy are ineligible.

Applying Online or In Store

The online form takes minutes and usually gives an instant decision once you enter your personal details, income sources, and banking info. ACE may ask for bank statements if they cannot verify your details automatically.

For in-store applications, bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of income, and proof of your bank account, such as a pre-printed check or debit card.

Underwriting Requirements

ACE reviews your application using non-traditional credit reporting agencies rather than traditional FICO scores. They weigh your banking history and income stability during approval. Past defaults can lead to a denial, and approval is never guaranteed.

Rates, Fees, and Total Cost

Payday loans from ACE Cash Express cost more than you might anticipate. Rather than charging typical interest, ACE applies a finance charge you pay back as one lump sum on your next payday. If you borrow $300, you will likely owe $345 to $375 two weeks later.

State Price Differences

Because state regulations set rate limits, your location directly determines your costs. What you see advertised online often reflects specific state rules.

• California: Loans cap at $255. A standard 14-day term includes a 15% fee, creating an APR around 460%.
• Texas: Governed by Credit Access Business rules, a 14-day loan costs $25 per $100 borrowed, pushing the APR to roughly 662%.

APR and Penalty Fees

Short-term loan APRs regularly land in the triple digits. Always read your agreement for potential add-ons. If your payment is over 10 days late, ACE charges a late fee of 5% or $7.50, whichever is greater. Bounced payments trigger a $30 returned item fee.

Approval and Funding Speed

When you apply online, you usually get an instant decision within minutes. If your application needs manual verification, ACE Cash Express may request extra documents, extending funding by up to two days.

Receiving Your Cash

Once approved, you choose how to receive your funds:

• Instant Debit Card Transfer: Money arrives in 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your bank.
• Standard ACH Deposit: This free deposit arrives the next business day if you complete your application before 6:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or 2:00 p.m. CT on Sunday.

In-Store Pickup

You can bypass bank waiting periods by choosing store pickup. Apply online and pick up cash at a local branch the same day, or apply in person to leave with cash right after signing. You must bring a valid, non-temporary government ID and collect the money in the state where your loan originated.

Repayment and Account Management

Your loan due date typically aligns with your next payday. Single-payment payday loans require full repayment plus finance charges on that date, while installment and title loans use a set schedule. If you change your mind, ACE provides a 72-hour satisfaction guarantee where you can cancel the loan and return the principal without penalties within 72 hours, or by the third business day in Florida and Ohio.

Payment Options

You can pay off your balance early without prepayment penalties using these methods:

• Automatic debit: ACH draft from the bank account on your application
• Online: Log into your account at www.myacepayments.com
• Phone: Call the 24/7 automated line at (866) 728-1808 (convenience fees apply)
• In-store: Pay with cash or a debit card

Missed Payments and Fees

Missing a due date triggers returned-item fees, such as $15 in California or $25 in Louisiana, alongside possible bank NSF fees. If money is tight, reach out to ACE before your due date. Some states mandate free Extended Payment Plans (EPPs) so you can pay in installments instead of a costly rollover. Repeated missed payments lead to collection activity.

Check Cashing and Store Services

You don't need to take out a loan to use ACE Cash Express. If you lack a bank account or want to bypass deposit holds, counter services give you immediate access to your money.

Check Cashing

Bring a valid photo ID and your check to walk out with cash. ACE cashes payroll, government, tax refund, insurance, and personal checks, along with money orders. Fees depend on the check type, state, and amount. Lower-risk payroll and government checks usually carry a 1% to 3% fee, while personal checks cost up to 10%.

Bill Payments and Money Orders

You can purchase MoneyGram money orders or process same-day bill payments for more than 18,000 cable, phone, and utility providers. MoneyGram services also let you send or receive funds across locations.

Cards and Additional Services

Many stores feature ATMs, and select locations offer tax preparation. You can also pick up and reload prepaid cards at the counter, including the Flare Account and ACE Elite Visa. Available services vary by store, so call ahead to double-check.

Finding an ACE Location

Use the store locator on the ACE website or mobile app to search by ZIP code or city. ACE operates over 700 branches across 21 states and Washington, D.C., showing nearby addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours.

What to Know Before You Visit

Services vary by branch. Title loans depend on state rules, tax prep is seasonal, and cash availability for wire transfers or large checks differs. Call ahead to double-check.

Bring these items with you:

• Valid, non-temporary government-issued photo ID
• Recent pay stub or proof of income
• Active bank statement
• Blank check from your account

Hours and Local Fees

Operating hours vary by store. Many branches offer longer evening and weekend hours than standard banks, though some close early or shift holiday schedules. State regulations set borrowing fees, so ask the associate for the specific fee schedule before committing.

Customer Support and Scam Awareness

You can reach ACE Cash Express through their website, by visiting a store, or over the phone. Store staff answer account questions in person, while online borrowers can call 1-866-355-6815 to check balances, confirm due dates, or discuss payment options.

Help With Payments

If you cannot cover an upcoming bill, contact ACE at least two business days before your due date. You may qualify for options like an Extended Payment Plan (EPP), though availability depends on your state.

Spotting Fake ACE Contacts

ACE never demands upfront fees to clear a loan. Watch out for suspicious callers claiming you owe money, especially if they:

• Demand payment through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers
• Threaten arrest, immediate police involvement, or wage garnishment
• Refuse to send written verification of your original debt

If anything seems wrong, hang up immediately and call the official ACE general inquiries line at 1-866-223-2274.

ACE Cash Express Review: Pros, Cons, and Red Flags

The Advantages

You can get same-day cash and access various loan products under one roof at storefronts across more than 20 states. If you have thin credit or a damaged credit score, ACE usually won't block you from short-term approval.

High Costs and Legal Trouble

Borrowing here comes at a steep price. Depending on your state, payday loan APRs frequently reach 460% or higher. Regulatory history is another issue. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered ACE to pay $10 million in 2014 for illegal debt collection tactics. In 2022, the CFPB hit ACE with another $10 million penalty for concealing free repayment plans and trapping borrowers in debt.

Red Flags to Watch

Avoid refinancing or rolling one loan into another. A basic two-week loan easily stretches into months of added finance charges if money is already tight. At typical 300% to 500% APRs, prolonged borrowing creates an unmanageable debt cycle.

Fact-checked The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy as of October 2026.

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