In a Nutshell
Advance America is a large lender that offers payday loans, installment loans and title loans for people who don’t have great credit. While loans from Advance America can be funded quickly, sky-high interest rates and fees make these loans a last resort that you should avoid if possible.Pros
- People with bad credit may be approvednPotentially fast fundingnSmall loan amounts available
Cons
- High interest ratesnPayday loans don’t help you build creditnNot available in all states
What you need to know about Advance America loans
Advance America is a large lender that offers online loans and in-person lending at more than 1,400 physical locations. It offers payday loans, installment loans, title loans and personal lines of credit to people with less-than-perfect credit.
Payday loan amounts can start at as little as $100, but both the minimum and maximum loan amounts can vary by state.
High interest rates
Interest rates at Advance America can be very high. Rates vary by loan type and state, but still often exceed triple digits. For example, payday loans in California come with fees that equate to an annual percentage rate, or APR, of around 460%.
Interest rates for installment loans can be a bit lower, but some still have APRs higher than 200%.
Short loan terms
Advance America’s payday loans are short-term loans due on your next payday, typically within two to four weeks. Extending these loans for a longer period can be very expensive.
Installment loans from Advance America have longer terms available, which vary depending on where you live and how much you’re borrowing.
Good credit may not be needed
You may qualify for an Advance America loan even if you don’t have good credit. The company’s payday loans, also called cash advances, require a government ID, Social Security number, proof of income and an active checking account to apply, and may require a credit check. Installment loans do require a credit check, though.
A closer look at Advance America loans
Advance America says it has issued 134 million loans over 22 years. Here’s a closer look at some other important features of Advance America.
- Many physical locations: Advance America has 1,400 locations across the U.S.
- Not available in all states: Payday loans are illegal in some states. Depending on your local laws, Advance America may not operate where you live.
- Potentially fast access to cash: If you take out a payday loan at a physical location, you may be able to leave with cash in your hand. Online applications made by 10:30 a.m. EST on weekdays may be funded to your bank account the same day. Advance America says approval decisions are made in minutes.
- Rollovers may be available: Depending on your state, you may be able to renew your payday loan and extend it for a number of months. While this may seem like a benefit, the fees and interest can be incredibly costly.
Who an Advance America loan is good for
If you can avoid a loan that charges an APR in the triple digits, you should. Payday loans are expensive and should be used only as a last resort when you need cash and don’t have other options.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns that payday loans can often become debt traps, with people taking on new debt to pay off the old debt.
But it’s not always realistic to forgo payday loans. If you decide to apply for a high-interest loan from Advance America, it’s important to be aware of the potential costs over time and create a budget to ensure that you can repay the loan.
Understanding payday loans and your optionsHow to apply with Advance America
Applying for a loan from Advance America is fast and easy. The in-store and online application processes are very similar.
Here’s what you’ll need to provide to apply for a payday loan or installment loan from Advance America. If you’re applying for an installment loan, you may need to provide more information.
- Government ID
- Proof of income
- Checking account
- Social Security number
- Personal check (for in-store applications)
- Valid email address (for online applications)
To apply in person, bring the required information to an Advance America location near you. For an online application, you can enter the info on the Advance America website.
Not sure if Advance America is right for you? Consider these alternatives.
Payday loans aren’t for everyone. If you’re struggling financially and looking to borrow, here are some other options you might want to consider.
- Earnin: Earnin is an alternative option for emergency cash. It’s an app that allows you to borrow against your paycheck without fees or interest.
- Upstart: Upstart might be ideal if you want a lender with a prequalification option that considers more than just your credit scores.
- Payday alternative loans: Federal credit union members can consider these emergency cash options, which have limits on fees.
*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the personal loan, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.