Customer FAQs

• Who is OpenCheck?
  OpenCheck is an Automobile Finance Lender licensed to finance consumer auto loans in 37 states. We provide auto financing to consumers who have had credit problems in the past but are now on the road to rebuilding their credit.
• In which states is auto financing from OpenCheck available?
  OpenCheck is licensed to provide auto financing in 37 states. Click here for a map of which states.
• I received an OpenCheck in the mail, is it real?
  Yes! The OpenCheck you have received is a legitimate and "live" check. You may use it for the purchase of a new or used vehicle just as you would write a personal check.
• How long do I have to make use of the OpenCheck?
  You have a maximum of 30 days from the date your OpenCheck is issued to buy a new or used car. You can find the expiration date of your OpenCheck printed in the upper right corner of the check.
• If the OpenCheck expires today can I still use it?
  OpenCheck will fund checks as long as the vehicle purchase is made on or prior to the expiration date printed on the check.
• Am I required to put any money down?
  OpenCheck customers do not need to put any money down toward their OpenCheck loan. OpenCheck does not require a down payment.
• Do I have to spend the whole amount?
  No. OpenCheck doesn't require that you use the entire amount of your check-only as much as you need. For example, if you are approved for $25,000 but write your OpenCheck for only $20,000, your loan will be for $20,000. The amount of your loan will be the amount you fill in on the check. Your gives you the flexibility to spend a minimum of $7,500 ($10,000 for Arizona customers) up to your approved amount.
• What if I'm approved for a maximum $25,000 but write the check for $20,000?
  OpenCheck doesn't require that you use the entire amount of your check-only as much as you need. The amount of your loan will be the amount you fill in on the check. For example, if you are approved for $25,000 but write your OpenCheck for only $20,000, your loan will be for $20,000. Your gives you the flexibility to spend a minimum of $7,500 ($10,000 for Arizona customers) up to your approved amount.
• What can I buy with my OpenCheck?
  Your OpenCheck gives you the freedom to purchase any new or used car, truck, sport utility vehicle or minivan from a franchised new car dealership or OpenCheck-approved used car dealer or broker in the United States. Your purchase may include any tax, license, title registration, GAP Insurance, extended warranty (service) contracts, and any other fees normally associated with the purchase of a vehicle.
• Can I buy a car from a private party or friend?
  Your OpenCheck must be used at a franchised or OpenCheck-approved dealership. OpenCheck does not finance a vehicle through a private party.
• What if I decide not to use my OpenCheck?
  If you decide not to use your OpenCheck, simply send us an email (link to "contact form") informing us you will not be using your OpenCheck. We appreciate it if you would include a brief explanation as to why you will not be utilizing our services. Once we receive this information we will void your check and cancel your loan application. At that time the check will no longer be valid, so please destroy it.
• Do both parties on a joint application need to sign the OpenCheck?
  Yes, each party on an approved loan must sign the OpenCheck. Both signatures are required in order for the check to be valid.
• Can I use my OpenCheck as a Personal Loan?
  OpenCheck cannot be used as a personal loan. Your OpenCheck can only be used to purchase an automobile.
• Do I have to activate my OpenCheck online?
  OpenCheck gives you multiple options for activating your check. You can activate your OpenCheck online, or by calling one of our loan specialists at (800) 700-9917 who will walk you through the process.
• Do I have to use my OpenCheck at the dealership printed on the check? Can I go to a different dealership?
  Your OpenCheck is only valid at the auto dealership printed on your check. It is not valid at any other dealership. Through OpenCheck's network of approved dealerships, we have built relationships with the nation's most respected auto dealers. As a result, these relationships make car buying a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for OpenCheck customers. Many of the OpenCheck-approved dealerships offer preferred pricing, customer service and quality assurance.
• How did OpenCheck get my contact information?
  OpenCheck's mission is to make the car buying process hassle-free and easy for buyers. We want to make sure that car buyers know that we're available at the time they need our services, when they're looking for auto financing. Experian provides us with the contact information of car buyers who are actively pursuing funding to purchase an automobile. Then, we send you a letter to let you know of your approved amount for an OpenCheck auto loan.
• Did OpenCheck run my credit?
  OpenCheck will not run your credit unless we have your authorization to do so.
• Is there a credit check required to get an OpenCheck?
  For your security, we are required to run your credit in order to verify your identity and to verify the information on your credit report that was used to prequalify you for this loan. In order to activate your check, OpenCheck will ask you for permission to check your credit.
• Can I get more money than what is pre-approved on my OpenCheck?
  Yes, in most cases you can get an OpenCheck for a greater amount than your pre-approved loan. If you would like to increase your OpenCheck loan, you first need to go to the dealership and choose the vehicle that you want. Once you're ready to buy the car, OpenCheck will work with the dealership, review a final vehicle cost structure and make a decision about your loan amount. Our goal is make car buying a stress-free experience both at the transaction time and throughout your payments. 's approvals are based on our customers' best interests.
• Should I give my social security number to the dealership?
  You should not provide your social security number to any dealership. Because OpenCheck has already reviewed your credit and has approved your loan, if you fill out a credit application at the dealership, you are giving them permission to run your credit. As a result, your credit score could drop and potentially disqualify you from receiving an OpenCheck auto loan.
• I've declared bankruptcy. Do I still qualify for an OpenCheck?
  OpenCheck is able to offer auto loans to many customers who have had credit problems in the past. To qualify for an OpenCheck, your bankruptcy must have been discharged and no subsequent credit problems have been added to your credit report.
• Can I trade in my vehicle?
  You can trade in your vehicle toward the purchase of a new one using your OpenCheck. An OpenCheck-preferred dealer will work with you to trade in your current car and drive away in a new one.
• Is OpenCheck a legitimate auto loan?
  OpenCheck is an authorized check that is funded by OpenCheck for the purpose of buying an automobile. Just like writing a personal check, your auto loan becomes active when you use OpenCheck to purchase the car of your choice and is valid up to your approval amount.
• Does my OpenCheck auto loan have to be for 72 months?
  In most cases OpenCheck is able to work with you to determine the loan term that is the best for you. Please contact an OpenCheck loan representative at (800) 700-9917 to discuss your specific needs.
• Are there penalties for prepayment of my OpenCheck auto loan?
  There are no prepayment penalties with an OpenCheck auto loan. OpenCheck is a simple interest loan that can be paid off at any time with no penalties.
• When is my first payment due to OpenCheck?
  Your first payment is due 30 days after you activate your OpenCheck and sign the paperwork at the dealership.

For more information, please call 1-800-700-9917 or visit our Contact Page.