Check City Loan Requirements
A clear list of the documents, criteria, and state restrictions that determine whether you qualify for a Check City loan — and what to have ready before you apply.
Check City Loan Eligibility Requirements
Identity
- Age 18+ (19 in some states)
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number for ID verification
Income & Banking
- Verifiable regular income
- Active checking account in your name
- Recent pay stub or bank statement
- Minimum income threshold (varies by state)
Verification
- Working phone number
- Valid email address
- Residential street address (not a P.O. box)
- Employer contact info (where applicable)
Vehicle
- Clear, lien-free title in your name
- Vehicle registration current
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Vehicle present for appraisal (in-store)
States Where Check City Operates
Check City is a licensed direct lender in 13 states and operates as a CSO/CAB in Texas. Availability of specific products varies by state.
Don't see your state? Loan products are not available in every state, and federal/state law caps where Check City may lend. We do not lend in states where we are not licensed.
Factors in the Underwriting Decision
Meeting the basic requirements above doesn't automatically guarantee approval. Check City's underwriting considers your overall ability to repay, including recent banking activity, income consistency, and any prior loan history with the company. Bad credit alone is not a disqualifier — Check City makes loans to people with limited or damaged credit every day — but signs of severe financial distress (active bankruptcy proceedings, multiple recent NSF charges, fraudulent application data) typically result in denial.
Authoritative Sources for Verification
Always verify lender claims with primary regulatory sources before borrowing. Below are the official agencies that govern short-term lending in the U.S.
State-Specific Variations in Check City Loan Requirements
Loan amounts, minimum income, and product availability vary by state. The application detects your state and shows only the products available where you live. Below are the most-asked state differences.
Utah (headquarters state)
All four products available (payday, installment, title, line of credit). Minimum income approximately $1,000/month. Maximum loan amount $5,000. Largest store footprint here.
California (online only)
Installment and title only — no payday product. California Financing Law license required. Minimum income approximately $1,200/month. Application is online-only; no walk-in branches.
Texas (CSO/CAB structure)
Check City operates as a Credit Services Organization (CSO) in Texas, not as a direct lender. The actual lender is a third-party bank. APR may appear higher because of CSO fees added to the underlying loan rate.
Ohio (Short-Term Loan Act limits)
Ohio caps short-term loans at $1,000 under the Short-Term Loan Act, with an APR cap and required disclosure schedule. Title loans are not available in Ohio.
How Income Verification Works for Check City Loans
Underwriting verifies that you can afford the loan payments. Acceptable income types and documentation depend on whether you’re employed, self-employed, or on benefits.
W-2 Employees
Two most recent pay stubs or bank statements showing direct deposit. Employer phone number for verification call (rarely placed).
Self-Employed / 1099
Last 60-90 days of bank statements showing consistent business deposits. May also accept recent tax return (Schedule C) for higher amounts.
Social Security / SSDI
Most recent Social Security award letter plus bank statements showing the monthly deposit. SSI is also accepted in most states.
Retirement / Pension
Pension award letter plus bank statements showing monthly deposits. Both pre-tax and post-tax pensions accepted.
If You Don’t Qualify
If income or banking history disqualifies you, consider: (1) Credit union Payday Alternative Loan (PAL) capped at 28% APR — visit ncua.gov to find your local credit union, (2) Earned wage access apps like DailyPay or Earnin that advance wages already earned, (3) Nonprofit emergency assistance via 211, or (4) Negotiating a payment plan directly with the creditor causing the cash-flow gap.