1. ACE Cash Express
Sector: Financial Services / Check Cashing and Short-Term Loans
Services: Check cashing, money orders, bill payment services, prepaid debit cards, money transfers.
About: ACE Cash Express is a national financial services company operating locations in the Macon area. ACE provides check cashing services for payroll checks, personal checks, government checks, tax refund checks, and other types of checks. Additional services include money orders for paying bills or sending funds, prepaid debit cards for those without traditional bank accounts, and bill payment services. ACE Cash Express serves customers who need immediate access to funds without waiting for checks to clear through traditional banks.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: Contact for location information
Hours: Contact for hours
2. AMG Finance
Sector: Financial Services / Personal Loans and Tax Preparation
Services: Personal loans, auto loans, tax loans, tax preparation services, credit building loans.
About: AMG Finance operates a branch in Macon at 4126 Hartley Bridge Road, offering personal loans and tax preparation services. The company can approve most borrowers in as little as 20 minutes, with personal loans available in accounts within 24 hours. AMG Finance serves customers needing quick cash for bills, medical expenses, holiday shopping, and other needs. The company offers auto loans for those with less-than-stellar credit and tax loans for customers who cannot wait for their tax refund. AMG Finance also provides state and federal tax filing services. The company works with borrowers to develop payment plans that help pay loans off on time while building or rebuilding credit scores.
Address: 4126 Hartley Bridge Road, Suite 4, Macon, GA 31216
Contact: (478) 781-0330 | https://www.amgloan.com
Hours: Contact for hours
3. Security Finance / Sunbelt Credit
Sector: Financial Services / Personal Loans
Services: Personal loans, installment loans, credit building.
About: Security Finance operates in the Macon area, with accounts recently transferred to the Sunbelt Credit branch at 1412B Rocky Creek Road in Macon following a branch merger in December 2024. Security Finance offers personal installment loans to customers. The company provides multiple payment options including website payments via customer portal, mobile app payments, and phone payments via debit card. Security Finance serves customers seeking personal loans with structured repayment plans. The company has a long history of providing consumer lending services throughout the Southeast.
Address: 1412B Rocky Creek Road, Macon, GA 31206 (Sunbelt Credit branch)
Contact: (478) 746-9638 | https://www.securityfinance.com
Hours: Contact for hours
4. Lendmark Financial Services
Sector: Financial Services / Personal Loans
Services: Personal loans, auto loans, debt consolidation loans, home improvement loans.
About: Lendmark Financial Services provides personal loans and other consumer lending products in the Macon area. The company offers various loan types including personal loans for any purpose, auto loans, debt consolidation loans, and home improvement loans. Lendmark works with customers across the credit spectrum, providing options for those who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. The company offers structured repayment plans and works with customers on payment options that fit their budgets.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: Contact for location information
Hours: Contact for hours
5. Tyler Installment Loans
Sector: Financial Services / Installment Loans
Services: Installment loans, personal loans.
About: Tyler Installment Loans provides installment loan services in the Macon area. Installment loans allow borrowers to repay over time through scheduled payments rather than in a single lump sum. This structure can make larger loan amounts more manageable for borrowers. Tyler Installment Loans serves customers needing personal financing with structured repayment terms.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: Contact for information
Hours: Contact for hours
About Macon, GA
Georgia regulates payday lending with restrictions on small-dollar cash advances. State law (Ga. Code Ann. §§ 16-17-1 et seq.) caps interest rates on loans of $3,000 or less, with APR limited to approximately 16% and maximum 10% interest per $100. Traditional payday loans as offered in some states are restricted in Georgia. Alternative financial services including check cashing, installment loans, and title pawns remain available. Credit unions like MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union and Central Georgia Regional Credit Union offer alternatives with lower rates for members. Those seeking financial services should compare options carefully, as fees and interest rates vary significantly between providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What do I need to cash a check?
A1: Typically you need valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport), the check to be cashed, and sometimes a fingerprint or signature. Some locations require a secondary form of ID or proof of address for first-time customers. Fees vary based on check type and amount. Personal checks may require additional verification or higher fees than payroll or government checks.
Q2: How much does check cashing cost?
A2: Fees vary by provider and check type. Typical fees range from 1-3% for payroll and government checks to 3-6% or more for personal checks. Some providers charge flat fees for checks under certain amounts. A $1,000 payroll check might cost $10-$30 to cash depending on the provider. Compare fees between providers, and consider opening a bank account if you cash checks regularly.
Q3: Are payday loans legal in Georgia?
A3: Traditional payday loans are restricted in Georgia under state usury laws. Georgia caps interest rates on small-dollar loans at approximately 16% APR, making traditional high-interest payday lending unprofitable and effectively unavailable. However, installment loans, title pawns, and other consumer lending products remain available. Online lenders may offer products to Georgia residents, but state law still applies to loans made to Georgia residents.
Q4: What alternatives exist to payday loans and check cashing services?
A4: Consider credit union membership (MidSouth Community FCU, Central Georgia Regional CU) for lower-rate loans and free check cashing for members. Many banks offer small-dollar loans or overdraft protection. Employer paycheck advances, payment plans with creditors, local assistance programs, and nonprofit financial counseling provide additional alternatives. Building an emergency fund, even a small one, can reduce reliance on high-cost financial services.
Q5: How can I build credit with installment loans?
A5: Many installment loan providers report to credit bureaus. Making on-time payments builds positive credit history. To benefit, ensure the lender reports to at least one major credit bureau (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). Make all payments on time, as late payments damage credit. Keep loan balances reasonable relative to your income. Building credit takes time; consistent on-time payments over months and years establish positive history that improves credit scores.