If you live in Northeast Ohio and need a short-term loan, it helps to know what your options are and how the rules work. This page is about short term lenders in the NE Ohio area - a directory of locations, alternatives and high level details on consumer protections. Ohio changed its lending laws in recent years, putting a 28% cap on many short-term loan interest rates. Even with these limits, payday lenders, title loan shops, and installment lenders are still easy to find across the Cleveland area, from Old Brooklyn to Euclid. They often offer quick cash for people who don’t have many other borrowing options.

Before taking out a loan, it’s important to understand the differences. Payday loans are usually due in full by your next paycheck, installment loans let you repay over time, and title loans require you to use your car as collateral. While these loans can help in an emergency, they can still be expensive.

There are also local organizations that may offer safer, lower-cost help. Groups like Step Forward and ESOP (Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People) can connect Cleveland residents with financial counseling, payment assistance, or alternatives to high-cost loans.

Financial Warning: If you’re worried about being overcharged or getting scammed, it's good to know that Ohio has laws specifically to keep these lenders in check. For example, they aren't allowed to charge more than 28% interest, and there are strict limits on the extra fees they can tack on. A big red flag is if a lender asks you to pay money upfront just to "qualify" for a loan—legitimate lenders don’t do that. If you think a lender is charging more than they should, or if you think you’ve been scammed, you can report them to the state. Here are the best places to find the rules or file a complaint:

Cuyahoga County Scam Squad: If you'd rather talk to someone local, you can call the county’s consumer affairs team at (216) 443-7035. They are great at spotting scams and helping people in the Cleveland area figure out their next steps.
Ohio Attorney General - File a Complaint: This is the main spot to report a lender if they are breaking the rules or scamming people. See https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Consumers/File-A-Complaint
Ohio Department of Commerce - Consumer Finance: This office handles the actual licenses for these lenders. You can look up the official rules here to see if a lender is following the law. See https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/financial-institutions/consumer-finance

Regional Options with Lower Fees

If you have a low-credit score, the payday and high priced lenders aren't your only option. There are local groups in Cleveland that exist specifically to help people get a lower interest rate loan.

HFLA of Northeast Ohio: They are located at 23300 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122. They give out interest-free loans for things like car repairs or emergencies. You pay back exactly what you borrow. Call - (216) 378-9042.
Faith Community United Credit Union: This is a local credit union at 3550 E 93rd St, Cleveland, OH 44105. They offer small loans that are meant to be an alternative to payday stores, with much lower interest rates. Call - (216) 271-7111.
CHN Housing Partners: If you need money for a utility bill or rent, go here first. They are at 1801 Superior Avenue and can often help you get a grant or a low-cost loan so you don't lose your housing. Call - (216) 574-7100.

Cleveland Central & Downtown Area

ACE Cash Express - 1409 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114. Call - (216) 348-0080
ACE Cash Express - 1499 East 55th Street, Cleveland, OH 44103. Call - (216) 431-0500
ACE Cash Express - 7933 Euclid Avenue #33, Cleveland, OH 44103. Call - (216) 721-5803
ACE Cash Express - 11411 Buckeye Road, Cleveland, OH 44104. Call - (216) 862-8039
LoanMax Title Loans - 6241 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44127. Call - (216) 441-2621
Cash Stop - 655 Prospect Avenue E, Cleveland, OH 44115. Call - (216) 575-0010
Dewitt Diamond & Gold Exchange - 530 Euclid Avenue #24, Cleveland, OH 44115. Call - (216) 621-6244
Dollar Bank - 1301 E 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114. Call - (216) 736-8983
Easy Exchange - 7909 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. Call - (216) 391-2700
Read's Jewelry And Loan - 1466 Saint Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. Call - (216) 621-1349
Uncle Ben's Pawnshop - 2600 Saint Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114. Call - (216) 325-5626

Cleveland East Side & Inner Suburbs

ACE Cash Express - 21177 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44117. Call - (216) 481-0458
ACE Cash Express - 14101 Kinsman Road, Cleveland, OH 44120. Call - (216) 295-8135
ACE Cash Express - 15701 Broadway Avenue, Maple Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 581-5892
ACE Cash Express - 10589 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44108. Call - (216) 851-8077
ACE Cash Express - 2167 South Taylor Road, University Heights, OH 44118. Call - (216) 932-6940
Advance America - 4767 Northfield Road, North Randall, OH 44128. Call - (216) 587-9133
Advance America - 21638 Libby Road Unit 432, Maple Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 663-0870
Advance America - 22678 Shore Center Drive, Euclid, OH 44123. Call - (216) 797-1924
Advance America - 4799-A Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. Call - (216) 441-0761
Advance Pay USA - 4802 Turney Road, Cleveland, OH 44125. Call - (216) 429-9801
Advance Pay USA - 22530 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123. Call - (216) 261-7550
Best Pawn Shop - 4852 Northfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44128. Call - (216) 663-9075
Best Pawn Shop - 22072 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44123. Call - (216) 731-0425
Cashland - 12548 Rockside Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. Call - (216) 581-4650
Cashland - 18500 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44119. Call - (216) 481-2168
CheckSmart - 22641 Euclid Avenue, Euclid, OH 44117. Call - (216) 486-3434
CheckSmart - 5062 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. Call - (216) 587-5631
LoanMax Title Loans - 3810 Lee Road, Cleveland, OH 44128. Call - (216) 752-6292
Cash Post - 26325 Euclid Avenue, Euclid, OH 44132. Call - (216) 261-8500
CashMax Ohio - 4613 Northfield Road, North Randall, OH 44128. Call - (216) 518-0848
Cash Stop - 4880 Northfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44128. Call - (216) 475-3434
Check Into Cash - 1921 S Taylor Road Unit 6, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. Call - (216) 321-7845
Check Into Cash - 4831 Robinhood Drive, Willoughby, OH 44094. Call - (440) 946-7313
Check 'n Go - 5229 Warrensville Center Road, Maple Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 663-9700
Check 'n Go - 8043 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. Call - (216) 231-5618
CheckSmart - 4626 Northfield Road, North Randall, OH 44128. Call - (216) 714-4324
CheckSmart - 5399 Warrensville Center Road, Maple Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 663-3240
CheckSmart - 15726 Broadway Avenue, Maple Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 475-1580
CheckSmart - 18235 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44112. Call - (216) 531-1574
CheckSmart - 5062 Turney Road, Garfield Heights, OH 44125. Call - (216) 587-5631
CheckSmart - 6833 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44105. Call - (216) 206-2558
Dollar Bank - 5180 Warrensville Center Road, Maple Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 475-7770
Howard's Jewelry Center - 5250 Northfield Road, Bedford Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 475-0848
Loanmax Title Loans - 21001 Euclid Avenue, Euclid, OH 44117. Call - (216) 706-7560
Loanmax Title Loans - 3810 Lee Road, Cleveland, OH 44128. Call - (216) 706-5575
Loanmax Title Loans - 6241 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44127. Call - (216) 220-3157
Money Stop LLC - 21700 Miles Road, Cleveland, OH 44128. Call - (216) 475-2650
National Cash Advance (Advance America) - 21638 Libby Road Unit 432, Maple Heights, OH 44137. Call - (216) 663-0870
Nicholas Financial Inc. - 320 Broadway Avenue Ste B, Bedford, OH 44146. Call - (440) 786-7953
Ohio Auto Loan Services, Inc. - 5095 Northfield Road, Bedford Heights, OH 44146. Call - (216) 438-2293
South Euclid Pawn - 4177 Mayfield Road, South Euclid, OH 44121. Call - (216) 471-8311

Cleveland West Side & Suburbs

ACE Cash Express - 11648 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111. Call - (216) 251-3169
ACE Cash Express - 2079 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113. Call - (216) 781-9995
ACE Cash Express - 5311 Memphis Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44144. Call - (216) 661-1036
ACE Cash Express - 14002 Triskett Road, Cleveland, OH 44111. Call - (216) 252-5351
ACE Cash Express - 14873 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107. Call - (216) 521-3685
Advance America - 13708 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111. Call - (216) 941-5361
Advance America - 6750 Biddulph Road Unit 102, Brooklyn, OH 44144. Call - (216) 739-9442
Advance Pay USA - 4308 Ridge Road, Brooklyn, OH 44144. Call - (216) 661-9801
Browns Money Mart - 5802 Storer Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102. Call - (216) 631-4923
CheckSmart - 2196 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44134. Call - (216) 351-3366
LoanMax Title Loans - 3279 West 117th Street, Cleveland, OH 44111. Call - (216) 671-1200
CashMax Ohio - 10800 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44130. Call - (216) 362-2905
Check Into Cash - 18404 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107. Call - (216) 227-8017
Check 'n Go - 24755 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070. Call - (440) 979-1670
CheckSmart - 1508 W 117th Street, Lakewood, OH 44107. Call - (216) 226-4066
CheckSmart - 14930 Puritas Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44135. Call - (216) 941-6329
CheckSmart - 2196 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44134. Call - (216) 351-3366
Dollar Bank - 20680 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, OH 44116. Call - (440) 331-9494
Loanmax Title Loans - 3279 West 117th Street, Cleveland, OH 44111. Call - (216) 535-2010
Odyssey Jewelers Inc. - 10017 Madison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102. Call - (216) 651-5557
Ohio Auto Loan Services, Inc. - 15200 Hummel Road, Brook Park, OH 44142. Call - (216) 301-2645
Quik Cash - 4423 West 150th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135. Call - (216) 251-3837

Parma & Southern Suburbs

Advance America - 6440 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 885-8724
Cashland - 5750 Chevrolet Blvd, Parma, OH 44130. Call - (440) 842-0449
CheckSmart - 6895 West 130th Street, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 842-0426
LoanMax Title Loans - 6219 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 843-6515
Cash Stop - 815 N Rocky River Drive, Berea, OH 44017. Call - (440) 243-2274
Check Into Cash - 6869-C Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 845-4402
Check 'n Go - 4660 Ridge Road, Cleveland, OH 44144. Call - (216) 661-8484
CheckSmart - 4263 Fulton Road, Cleveland, OH 44144. Call - (216) 739-0837
CheckSmart - 13375 Snow Road, Brook Park, OH 44142. Call - (216) 362-1006
CheckSmart - 6895 W 130th Street, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 842-0426
Dollar Bank - 4140 Fulton Road, Cleveland, OH 44144. Call - (216) 749-6900
Dollar Bank - 6868 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 842-1300
Eagle Loan - 6817 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 663-0070
Checksmart (Express Brand) - 6895 West 130th Street, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 842-0426
Howard's Jewelry Center - 6333 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 843-6800
Loanmax Title Loans - 3445 Brookpark Road, Parma, OH 44134. Call - (216) 678-9018
Loanmax Title Loans (Added Center) - 6219 Pearl Road, Parma Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 843-6515
National Cash Advance (Advance America) - 5194 Pearl Road, Cleveland, OH 44129. Call - (216) 739-9419
OneMain Financial - 5265 Broadview Road, Parma, OH 44134. Call - (216) 741-1490
OneMain Financial (Added Center) - 7560 Pearl Road Ste 9, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. Call - (440) 234-0200
Howard's Jewelry Center (Added Center) - 7850 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060. Call - (440) 951-5400

Greater Cleveland (Lorain County)

Advance America - 401 Cleveland Street, Elyria, OH 44035. Call - (440) 366-0949

Important Financial Warning: Short-term loans, including payday and car title loans, often carry high annual percentage rates (APRs) and fees. Under the Ohio Fairness in Lending Act (HB 123), the maximum interest rate is capped at 28%, but additional monthly fees can increase the total cost. Always verify the full terms, including the APR and total repayment amount, before signing. If you are in a financial crisis, consider contacting the Cleveland Food Bank for basic needs or CHN Housing Partners for emergency utility and rent assistance.

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