Can ACE Cash Express access my phone contacts and photos?

Technically, Yes—if you grant permissions. But there are crucial differences between this physical lender and illegal apps.

How access works:

• The App (ACE Mobile): To send money via the ACE Elite app, it may ask for "Contacts" permission to let you send funds to friends . If you click "Allow," they can technically read your contact list.
• The Website/Loan Application: When applying online via browser, they cannot access your contacts. However, during the application form, they ask you to provide 3-5 personal references (names and numbers) .

The "Prior to 2024" Rule:

You are correct. If you used a loan app prior to 2024, they likely used "Storage" or "Phone" permissions to scrape contacts illegally because Google Play Store policies were looser. For ACE specifically:

• Check now: Go to your phone Settings > Apps > ACE Cash Express > Permissions.
• Look for: "Contacts" or "Photos/Media." Revoke them immediately if you see them on.

Conclusion: Any app that asks for contacts (even legit ACE) is a risk. Revoke permissions. If ACE already has your reference list, they will call them if you default .