Why The "Cash Store" Is Bullshit:

I have known about the "Cash Store" for a while, but I have been avoiding using it because of their outrageous interest rates. I needed a small cash advance to keep my cell phone on so I could receive phone calls from potential employers. My desire to change jobs is stronger than my desire to keep my dignity, at this point.

After reading their website, I took with me, all the information I needed to get a cash advance: Recent bank statement, pay stub, driver's license and a blank check. That's all it said I needed. I get to the "Cash Store" location and am greeted by two bubbly women.

"Welcome to The Cash Store, do you have a free and clear title to your car?" said the plump one on the left.

Free and clear title? Umm, lady, I haven't even told you what KIND of business I need to do with you. Already asking for the title to my car? WTF? That's like walking into a blood bank manned by a vampire.

"No, m'am. I just need a cash advance." I said politely.

"OK! That's just one of the products we offer." She said wiping the drool from her chin.

So, you're salivating over a 2004 Kia Rio5? Even if the title was free and clear, I wouldn't dream of putting my only car on the chopping block for a $100 cash advance.

I gave her all the information I was told I needed and filled out my application. She then made copies of my pay stub, bank statement, blank check and drivers license. Then ...

"I'm sorry, m'am, but your bank branch needs to be within 30 miles of here. Are you military or something?" she said mockingly.

"No, I am not military, my parents were and your website didn't say that."

"Our website doesn't say much of anything. But you need to have a branch within 30 miles in order to proceed with the cash advance. Sorry! I'll just keep this information on file." She said.

Umm, excuse me? Did you just say you would be keeping my personal financial information on record when you won't even give me a small cash advance because your company can't crawl on its slimy belly into the age of online banking to do transactions? Does your company even have a bank branch within 30 miles?

"No. I'm sorry, but you can't keep my personal financial information on file if you refuse to give me a cash advance. What's the point if you are denying me because my closest bank branch is located in Central Texas?" I'm irritated, at this point.

"Sorry, but we have to keep this information on file, just in case you come back." She said with a smile.

"I don't think so. If I'm not going to be able to do business with you, there is no reason you should be able to keep that."

Frustrated, the other lady called her corporate office and said I was refusing to let them keep that information because I they can't do business with me.

DUH!!!

She was even more frustrated after she hung up the phone. Her corporate office told her to give all of it back to me, copies and all.

Will I be going back to the "Cash Store"? Hell no.