Chicago-based currency exchange offering check cashing, money transfers, bill pay, and government services like vehicle registration and vital records.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FFS – New Fairfield Currency Exchange is a full-service currency exchange and check-cashing operation located at 2560 W Cermak Road in Chicago, Illinois. The business operates extended hours (7 AM–9 PM weekdays, 8 AM–8 PM Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM Sunday) and explicitly positions itself as an alternative to traditional banks and corporate financial institutions. The company serves a multilingual customer base with English and Spanish language support.
The company's core services span check cashing (personal and business), money transfers, money orders, and electronic bill payment. Beyond traditional check-cashing functions, FFS offers an extensive array of government-related services including Illinois vehicle registration, license plate renewals, title transfers, and Cook County vital records retrieval. They also provide currency exchange, ATM access, prepaid card services (Ventra cards, prepaid Visa), notary services, and miscellaneous conveniences like coin counting, fax services, and postage sales.
What distinguishes FFS is the explicit bundling of financial services with state/local government transaction processing under one roof. Rather than directing customers to multiple locations (banks, Secretary of State facilities, vital records offices), they consolidate these functions. Their extended operating hours and bilingual staffing also cater to working-class and immigrant communities in the Chicago area. The company's marketing messaging emphasizes personal service and "getting stuff done" efficiently.
This is fundamentally a check-cashing and financial services hub, not a lender or credit provider. Customers should understand that using these services typically involves fees (not disclosed on the website) and that the company derives revenue from transaction charges rather than lending. The breadth of services is convenient but does not constitute banking—no deposit accounts, loans, or credit products are offered.
Yes. FFS - New Fairfield Currency Exchange is a registered company headquartered in 2560 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FFS – New Fairfield Currency Exchange is best for unbanked and underbanked Chicago residents who need check cashing, money transfers, and one-stop access to government services without visiting multiple locations. The main caveat is that this is a transaction-fee-based service provider, not a bank—there are no deposit accounts, loans, credit products, or fee transparency, and customers should expect to pay per transaction.
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