Document:

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                                                                EXHIBIT 10.1 (a)

                        MARKETING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

      This Marketing and Servicing Agreement (this "AGREEMENT"), dated as of the
21st day of October, 2002, is by and between Republic Bank & Trust Company, a
Kentucky state-chartered bank ("BANK") and ACE Cash Express, Inc., a Texas
corporation ("COMPANY").

      WHEREAS, COMPANY is a duly authorized and validly existing Texas
corporation, authorized to do business in the states of Texas, North Carolina
and Pennsylvania;

      WHEREAS, BANK is a Kentucky state-chartered bank insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation and is authorized under applicable Kentucky and
federal law to engage in the TRANSACTIONS (as defined below) referred to herein;

      WHEREAS, BANK agrees that during the term of the AGREEMENT, BANK will deal
with COMPANY with respect to TRANSACTIONS (as defined below) for all CUSTOMERS
(as defined below) located in the MARKET (as such term is defined hereinbelow)
at the time of the TRANSACTION;

      WHEREAS, COMPANY agrees that BANK shall have the first and exclusive right
to all TRANSACTIONS originated in the MARKET by COMPANY stores up to a maximum
of $*, exclusive of TRANSACTIONS rejected by the BANK, at such time when
COMPANY, using commercially reasonable efforts, is able to terminate COMPANY'S
arrangements existing on the date hereof to offer and provide TRANSACTIONS or
any product that is the same as or substantially similar to the TRANSACTIONS
within the MARKET;

      WHEREAS, the BANK acknowledges that franchisees of COMPANY and its
affiliates are not bound by this AGREEMENT, and may continue to offer
TRANSACTIONS and similar products without regard to this AGREEMENT and the
franchisees of the COMPANY located in the MARKET are set forth on Exhibit F as
updated from time to time;

      WHEREAS, in accordance with its established underwriting and other
criteria as may be amended from time to time, BANK desires to engage in the
TRANSACTIONS in compliance with Kentucky Revised Statutes ("KRS") Chapter 368;
and

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* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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      WHEREAS, COMPANY desires to market and service the TRANSACTIONS on the
BANK's behalf.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
promises contained in this AGREEMENT, and other valuable consideration, the
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound,
BANK and COMPANY (together, the "PARTIES") agree as follows:

      1. DEFINITIONS.

            (a) "ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE" shall be defined as an appropriately
completed notice in compliance with Regulation B and applicable law required to
be provided to CUSTOMERS whose TRANSACTIONS are not approved by the BANK in its
sole discretion.

            (b) "APPLICANT" shall be defined as a prospective CUSTOMER seeking
to take advantage or otherwise participate in the PROGRAM.

            (c) "APPLICATIONS" shall be defined as each of the forms filled out
by a CUSTOMER seeking to take advantage of the PROGRAM as such forms may be
amended or modified from time to time.

            (d) "BANK DEPOSIT ACCOUNT" shall be defined as that bank account
held at a bank or banks designated by BANK and made known to COMPANY and into
which BANK shall deposit, via Automated Clearing House Network or other
electronic entries, as permitted by applicable law, the amounts set forth on
each REPAYMENT CHECK and the daily receipts otherwise collected by COMPANY for
the benefit of BANK and applied to the TRANSACTIONS.

            (e) "BANK INDEMNIFIED PARTIES" shall be defined as BANK and its
holding company, and their officers, directors, employees, representatives,
agents and attorneys.

            (f) "BANK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES" shall be defined as the name,
trade name, trademarks, service marks and logos of BANK.

            (g) "BANK POLICIES" shall be defined as the reasonable and lawful
practices, policies and procedures established by BANK and communicated in
writing to COMPANY from time to time with respect to the TRANSACTIONS, a current
copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

            (h) "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" shall be defined as all documents,
materials, information about trade secrets, agreements, products, services,
licenses, costs, sales and pricing information, and any other information that
is generally

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not known in the trade or may not be known generally or publicly, and other
information related to this AGREEMENT which shall have been obtained during the
course of the negotiations leading to, and during the performance of, this
AGREEMENT, excepting those items excluded from this definition by Section 9(c)
of this AGREEMENT.

            (i) "CUSTOMER" shall be defined as any person who participates in
the PROGRAM.

            (j) "CUSTOMER INFORMATION" shall be defined as all information
derived from TRANSACTIONS or APPLICATIONS about any of the CUSTOMERS or the
APPLICANTS, including, without limitation, names, addresses, demographic
information and financial information.

            (k) "DISCLOSURES" shall be defined as all information required to be
provided to an APPLICANT or CUSTOMER under federal, state or local law.

            (l) "COMPANY INDEMNIFIED PARTIES" shall be defined as COMPANY and
its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates, and each of their officers, directors,
employees, representatives, agents and attorneys.

            (m) "EVENT OF DEFAULT" shall be defined as set forth in Section
7(b).

            (n) "FEES" shall be defined as the marketing and servicing fees set
forth on Exhibit A attached hereto.

            (o) "HARMFUL ACTS" shall be defined as any fraud, theft, dishonesty,
defamation, or other willful misconduct of any party to this AGREEMENT, or any
PARTY'S officers, employees, directors or agents.

            (p) "LOSSES" shall be defined as claims, losses, liabilities,
damages, penalties, demands, judgments, settlements, costs and expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees.

            (q) "MARKET" shall mean the states listed on Exhibit C.

            (r) "NET CHARGE OFFS" shall mean for any calendar quarter the actual
charge offs of principal (which shall consist of the Total of Payments less the
Finance Charge, as those terms are used in the Notes) of the TRANSACTIONS plus
all FEES paid to COMPANY on the TRANSACTIONS in question less any prior charge
offs collected during the calendar quarter; except in the case of NSF charge
offs, in which case NET CHARGE OFFS shall consist of the Total of Payments, as
that term is used in the Notes, less any prior charge offs collected during the
calendar quarter.

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* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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            (s) "NOTES" shall be defined as those promissory notes or similar
negotiable instruments which may be made by a CUSTOMER to evidence and secure
the CUSTOMER'S obligations under any TRANSACTION.

            (t) "PROGRAM" shall be defined as the totality of the activities in
connection with the TRANSACTIONS as contemplated under this AGREEMENT.

            (u) "PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS" shall be defined as all such letters,
advertising, direct mail communications and promotional materials incorporating
BANK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES and all related designs, artwork, logos, slogans,
copy and other similar materials.

            (v) "REPAYMENT CHECKS" shall be defined as checks issued by a
CUSTOMER as security for and in repayment of the TRANSACTIONS.

            (w) "RESTRICTED PARTY" shall be defined as any party who is bound by
Section 9 of this AGREEMENT with regard to the CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION,
including, without limitation, all agents, employees, officers, directors and
other third-party agents of any of the PARTIES hereto.

            (x) "TRANSACTIONS" shall be defined as the BANK'S deferred deposit
transactions in which, for consideration, the BANK will accept a check and hold
the check for a period of time prior to deposit or presentment in accordance
with an agreement with the maker of the check.

            (y) "TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS" shall be defined as (i) all original
APPLICATIONS and copies of all ADVERSE ACTION NOTICES and other documents
relating to rejected APPLICATIONS; (ii) Automated Clearing House debit
authorizations and disclosures, as permitted by applicable law, (iii)
authorizations from each CUSTOMER to allow the BANK to grant COMPANY access to
CUSTOMER INFORMATION, and (iv) originals or copies, as applicable, of all
APPLICATIONS, NOTES, DISCLOSURES, REPAYMENT CHECKS and other documents provided
to or received from CUSTOMERS.

            (z) "TRANSACTION LOSS RATE" shall have the meaning set forth in
Exhibit A.

      2. INCORPORATION OF RECITALS.

      The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein by reference.

      3. BANK'S SERVICES.

            (a) BANK in its sole discretion shall determine all of the
conditions, Program criteria that must be satisfied by CUSTOMERS to be eligible
to enter into a

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TRANSACTION, terms and features of the TRANSACTIONS, including, without
limitation, amounts, FEES and charges, limits, standards and all other terms and
conditions of the TRANSACTIONS. Bank shall prepare the form of all TRANSACTION
DOCUMENTS. BANK shall enter into the TRANSACTIONS with all APPLICANTS who seek
to take advantage of deferred deposit services offered by BANK and marketed by
COMPANY and who, in the sole discretion of the BANK, meet such Program criteria,
standards and other qualifications as contemplated in Section 4(c)(ii) of this
AGREEMENT; provided that BANK shall not be required to enter into a TRANSACTION
if it reasonably believes that the TRANSACTION or its solicitation will violate
or has violated any applicable law. Neither COMPANY, nor BANK, nor their
respective employees shall state or suggest to APPLICANTS that TRANSACTIONS are
made with or approved by COMPANY or that COMPANY (or any employee or agent of
COMPANY) can improve or otherwise influence an APPLICANT's prospect of entering
into the TRANSACTION. BANK may reject any TRANSACTION or TRANSACTIONS at any
time, in its sole discretion.

            (b) COMPANY acknowledges that all rights of ownership in the
TRANSACTIONS and the TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS are and remain the sole property of
BANK, and COMPANY shall have no ownership rights to such TRANSACTIONS or
TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS during the term of this AGREEMENT. Furthermore, COMPANY
shall not in any way fund, or purchase any share or "participation interest" in
any TRANSACTION.

            (c) In its sole discretion, BANK may sell, transfer, grant an
interest in, or otherwise assign any TRANSACTION, or any portion of any
TRANSACTION, to a third party or parties. Any sale, transfer or assignment by
BANK of any such TRANSACTION shall comply with applicable law.

            (d) BANK shall forward to COMPANY, via facsimile, with a copy by
first-class mail, within one (1) business day of receipt any written notices it
receives that bankruptcy proceedings have been initiated with respect to any
CUSTOMER.

      4. COMPANY'S SERVICES.

            (a) General Duties of COMPANY; Standards of Performance: COMPANY
shall perform all services reasonably required to market and service the
TRANSACTIONS of BANK in the MARKET, including without limitation the
establishment of retail outlets in number and location determined by COMPANY in
its sole discretion, where APPLICANTS may submit APPLICATIONS and receive
DISCLOSURES required by applicable law (if any) and where CUSTOMERS may execute
and deliver the TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS and deliver REPAYMENT CHECKS or other
payment on the TRANSACTIONS. To facilitate deposit by the BANK of the REPAYMENT
CHECK into the BANK DEPOSIT ACCOUNT via Automated Clearing House Network entries
or other electronic payment, as permitted by applicable law, COMPANY shall
provide the BANK, on or after the date the NOTE evidencing a

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TRANSACTION becomes due, information from each REPAYMENT CHECK including the ABA
routing number, the check account number, the check number and the check amount.
In lieu thereof, COMPANY shall accept any CUSTOMER payments remitted to COMPANY
in cash in prepayment of the TRANSACTION and shall deliver an amount equal to
such CUSTOMER cash payments to BANK via Automated Clearing House Network
entries, as permitted by applicable law, on the next business day after receipt
of such cash payments. In marketing the TRANSACTIONS and performing its services
hereunder, COMPANY shall at all times and in all respects comply with applicable
laws, rules and regulations. Before initiating any marketing efforts for the
TRANSACTIONS in the MARKET, COMPANY shall agree with BANK on a mutually
agreeable protocol for communicating with the appropriate regulatory
authorities, and shall cooperate with BANK in implementing the TRANSACTION
program and protocols contemplated hereby. Further, COMPANY shall use the
documentation prepared by BANK and follow the BANK POLICIES. COMPANY shall train
and supervise its employees to act in conformity with the BANK POLICIES and the
requirements of applicable laws, rules and regulations.

            (b) Marketing of TRANSACTIONS:

                  (i) BANK hereby authorizes COMPANY during the term of this
AGREEMENT to market TRANSACTIONS to prospective CUSTOMERS. BANK hereby grants to
COMPANY a nonexclusive license to use the BANK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES during
the term of this AGREEMENT in connection with this AGREEMENT on letters, print
advertisements, direct mail, the Internet, television and radio communications
and other advertising and PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS; provided, however, COMPANY
shall submit all PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS to BANK for its written approval prior to
any use thereof. If BANK fails to reject any proposed PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
within five (5) business days of receipt of the request for approval, such
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS shall be deemed approved by BANK. All rights not expressly
granted to COMPANY herein are reserved by BANK. Regardless of whether they
incorporate the BANK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, all advertising and PROMOTIONAL
MATERIALS for the TRANSACTIONS (A) shall prominently identify BANK as maker of
the TRANSACTIONS, (B) shall be accurate, (C) shall not be misleading, (D) shall
comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations for use in the time,
place and manner specified and (E) shall be submitted to BANK for prior
approval, which shall not be unreasonably delayed.

                  (ii) In connection with COMPANY's performance of its
obligations under this AGREEMENT, it is expressly agreed that (A) BANK shall not
hold any ownership or leasehold interest in any COMPANY store or any personal
property located therein, except for REPAYMENT CHECKS, NOTES, TRANSACTION
DOCUMENTS, and cash in an amount equal to the funds received by COMPANY in
repayment of TRANSACTIONS that COMPANY has not transmitted to BANK as
contemplated by this AGREEMENT; and (B) no BANK employees shall work in any
COMPANY store except for BANK agents who may examine COMPANY stores from

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time to time for compliance with BANK POLICIES and other aspects of this
AGREEMENT.

            (c) Servicing of TRANSACTION Applications:

                  (i) BANK also hereby authorizes COMPANY to obtain TRANSACTION
applications from APPLICANTS, using the form of APPLICATION prepared by BANK.
COMPANY shall make APPLICATIONS available to prospective APPLICANTS and shall
not discourage any prospective APPLICANT from submitting an APPLICATION and
shall provide reasonable assistance to each prospective APPLICANT in completing
an APPLICATION. COMPANY shall not discriminate against or discourage any
APPLICANT in any aspect of the process on any "prohibited basis," as such term
is defined in the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), Regulation B and KRS
Chapter 344.

                  (ii) Based solely upon the underwriting standards and PROGRAM
criteria adopted by BANK from time to time, a current copy of which is attached
as Exhibit E hereto, and applied to the information provided by APPLICANTS to
BANK in the APPLICATIONS and such other credit-related information as obtained
by COMPANY at the direction of BANK, or by BANK directly, BANK shall determine
whether to enter into a TRANSACTION with an APPLICANT. BANK shall review and
evaluate completed APPLICATIONS and approve CUSTOMERS who satisfy the Program
criteria within a commercially reasonable time after receipt of the APPLICATION
from COMPANY. BANK shall, either itself or through its designated agent,
communicate to COMPANY its decision on any APPLICATION. COMPANY shall provide an
ADVERSE ACTION NOTICE to any APPLICANT whose APPLICATION is rejected by BANK.
For APPLICANTS whose APPLICATION is approved by the BANK, the BANK shall fund
the payment to the CUSTOMER in the amount of the REPAYMENT CHECK, less all
applicable fees and expenses, by a check or other negotiable instrument drawn on
a depository account in Kentucky designated by the BANK. BANK shall honor and
pay any properly payable check or other negotiable instrument drawn on any of
BANK'S depository accounts validly issued in connection with TRANSACTIONS
approved by the BANK.

                  (iii) The CUSTOMERS obligations under the TRANSACTION shall be
evidenced by a NOTE containing the DISCLOSURES and secured by a REPAYMENT CHECK.

                  (iv) COMPANY shall (A) deliver a copy of the NOTE to the
CUSTOMER; (B) obtain from the CUSTOMER the executed NOTE; (C) obtain from
CUSTOMER his or her REPAYMENT CHECK dated the date of the TRANSACTION and made
payable to BANK; and (D) maintain on behalf of BANK, separate and apart from
COMPANY's own assets and records, the REPAYMENT CHECK and NOTE.

            (d) Collection of TRANSACTIONS.

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                  (i) BANK hereby authorizes COMPANY to service the TRANSACTIONS
by, among other things, (1) using commercially reasonable efforts, including the
use of direct debits to a CUSTOMER'S depository account via the Automated
Clearing House Network as permitted by applicable law, to collect payments on
the TRANSACTIONS at and after maturity thereof on behalf of BANK; (2) accurately
recording and reporting the payments of funds from CUSTOMERS and transmitting
such payments to BANK in accordance with this AGREEMENT; and (3) making
remittance to and settlement with BANK in accordance with this AGREEMENT. In
collecting payments owed under the NOTES, COMPANY shall comply in all respects
with applicable law, rules and regulations. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, COMPANY shall not, explicitly or implicitly, make any threats of
criminal prosecution in connection with debt collection, or otherwise engage in
any practices or actions that violate any applicable laws, rules or regulations.

                  (ii) COMPANY shall service the TRANSACTIONS at all times in
accordance with the terms of this AGREEMENT and the DISCLOSURES and the BANK
POLICIES. BANK shall notify COMPANY in writing at least ten (10) business days
prior to any change in the BANK POLICIES, unless such changes are required
sooner by applicable laws, rules or regulations.

                  (iii) On or after the date the NOTE evidencing a TRANSACTION
becomes due, COMPANY shall provide the BANK, information from each REPAYMENT
CHECK including the ABA routing number, the check account number, the check
number and the check amount and BANK shall deposit and transfer the amount of
the REPAYMENT CHECK to the BANK DEPOSIT ACCOUNT via Automated Clearing House
Network entries or other electronic payment as permitted by applicable law. In
lieu thereof, COMPANY shall deliver to BANK via Automated Clearing House Network
entries, as permitted by applicable law, all cash received by COMPANY from
CUSTOMERS representing repayment of TRANSACTIONS on the next business day after
receipt of such repayment.

                  (iv) COMPANY shall be responsible for any deficiency between
the amount of cash reported by COMPANY as collected on TRANSACTIONS and the
amount of cash actually received in repayment of TRANSACTIONS. Any excess
amounts of cash shall be the property of the COMPANY.

            (e) Reports; Access to Stores, Books and Records and Employees:

                  (i) During the term of this AGREEMENT, COMPANY shall promptly
provide to BANK or its agents data submissions and reports reasonably required
by BANK in order to maintain effective internal controls and to monitor results
under this AGREEMENT, including without limitation the performance of the
TRANSACTIONS and COMPANY's obligations hereunder. Such reports shall include a
daily report showing those TRANSACTIONS originated through COMPANY,

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outstanding and repaid each day, as agreed upon by BANK and COMPANY, as well as
COMPANY's monthly compliance review checklists and all periodic internal audit
reports for stores marketing and servicing the TRANSACTIONS.

                  (ii) COMPANY shall, as reasonably required by BANK, but no
more often than quarterly, provide BANK with its most recent unaudited financial
statements and its annual audited financial statements.

                  (iii) COMPANY, on behalf of the BANK and without an ownership
interest by COMPANY, shall maintain and retain possession of the TRANSACTION
DOCUMENTS for the term of the AGREEMENT and any additional period required by
applicable law. Except as otherwise allowed by Section 9 of this AGREEMENT,
COMPANY agrees to use such TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS solely to service the
TRANSACTIONS and to segregate all such TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, and all document
files and records which relate to the services provided by COMPANY hereunder
from COMPANY's other files and records.

                  (iv) The TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS shall be held by COMPANY on
behalf of BANK, pursuant to BANK'S record retention requirements, as more
particularly set forth in the BANK POLICIES attached hereto as Exhibit D and
incorporated herein by reference, and Bank has and shall continue to have
constructive possession and legal title to such documents, files and records. At
such time or times as BANK may reasonably request, and at BANK's cost, COMPANY
shall promptly deliver all copies of TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS to BANK at its
headquarters or such other location or locations as BANK shall direct. All such
documents shall be maintained segregated from other books and records of COMPANY
and otherwise in such a manner as to facilitate their inspection by and delivery
to BANK, if so requested.

                  (v) During the term of this AGREEMENT and at all times
thereafter, BANK and banking agencies with regulatory authority over BANK shall
have reasonable access to COMPANY stores, to the books and records of COMPANY
(to the extent that such books and records pertain to the TRANSACTIONS), to the
officers, employees and accountants of COMPANY, and to copies of TRANSACTION
DOCUMENTS, all for the same purposes of ensuring that COMPANY is carrying out
the BANK POLICIES and is otherwise complying fully with its obligations under
this AGREEMENT. Such access shall include permission to maintain employees on
the premises of COMPANY during regular business hours to audit COMPANY's
services contemplated by this AGREEMENT.

                  (vi) In addition, and not as a limitation of the foregoing,
BANK shall have the right at COMPANY's expense, provided that the aggregate
expense to COMPANY shall not exceed $25,000 per year, from time to time during
the term of this AGREEMENT, to conduct reasonable outside audits in any given
year and other reasonable audits and/or compliance reviews of the services
provided hereunder, and the records generated thereunder; provided, that such
audit and review rights shall be

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conducted during normal business hours in a manner which does not unreasonably
interfere with COMPANY's normal business operations and CUSTOMER and employee
relations.

            (f) FEES and Costs: In consideration for COMPANY's performance of
its obligations under this AGREEMENT, BANK shall pay COMPANY the FEES, as such
FEES may be changed from time to time by mutual agreement of the parties. Such
FEES shall be paid by BANK to COMPANY on or before the 5th business day
following transmittal of the INVOICE, as defined by, and containing the
information required by, Exhibit A. COMPANY will be responsible for all costs,
expenses and taxes (of whatever nature or authority) associated with its stores
and its services under this AGREEMENT, including, without limitation but by way
of example, rental and occupancy costs; costs of up-fit and leasehold
improvements; equipment costs; processing costs; printing costs; maintenance
costs; staffing costs; taxes assessed to or against COMPANY; signage costs;
insurance and advertising costs.

            (g) Procedures and Protocols. Notwithstanding any provision herein
to the contrary, the parties hereto agree that the Procedures and Protocol in
the form and substance of Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference which shall govern the operations and management of the TRANSACTIONS.
Exhibit B may be reviewed periodically and shall only be amended or modified by
letter agreement which shall not necessitate or effect a modification or
amendment to this AGREEMENT but which said amendment or modification shall be
incorporated herein by reference.

      5. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS.

            (a) BANK hereby represents and warrants to COMPANY as of the date
hereof that:

                  (i)   BANK is a duly organized Kentucky state-chartered bank
                        validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of
                        Kentucky, and is currently authorized to conduct its
                        business as described in this AGREEMENT in the states of
                        Texas and North Carolina and anticipates being
                        authorized to conduct its business as described in this
                        Agreement in the state of Pennsylvania. The deposits of
                        BANK are insured by the FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
                        CORPORATION up to applicable limits. BANK has the
                        corporate power and authority and all requisite
                        licenses, permits and authorizations to execute and
                        deliver this AGREEMENT and perform its obligations
                        contemplated hereunder;

                  (ii)  BANK is authorized under applicable law to enter into
                        the TRANSACTIONS as contemplated by this AGREEMENT.

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                        The Transactions and the documents prepared by BANK in
                        connection with the TRANSACTIONS currently comply with
                        all federal, state and local laws, statutes and
                        regulations and any and all licenses, permits and other
                        authorizations required of BANK in connection with the
                        TRANSACTIONS by federal, state or local laws, statutes,
                        and regulations (the "BANK AUTHORIZATIONS") have been
                        obtained, are in full force and effect and are valid
                        under applicable federal, state and local laws and the
                        continuation, validity and effectiveness of all of the
                        BANK AUTHORIZATIONS shall not be impaired or adversely
                        affected by the terms of this AGREEMENT;

                  (iii) This AGREEMENT has been duly executed and delivered by
                        BANK and upon due authorization and ratification by
                        BANK's Board of Directors, constitutes its legal, valid
                        and binding agreement, enforceable against BANK in
                        accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may
                        be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
                        moratorium, receivership, conservatorship, and the
                        rights and obligations of receivers and conservators
                        under 12 U.S.C. Section 1821 (d) and (e), and any other
                        laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally;

                  (iv)  The execution, delivery and performance of this
                        AGREEMENT by BANK does not violate or conflict with (A)
                        any provision of the articles of incorporation or other
                        governance documents of BANK; or (B) any Kentucky or
                        federal law, or any order, arbitration award, judgment
                        or decree to which BANK is a party or by which BANK or
                        any of its assets may be bound;

                  (v)   Except as may have already been obtained, no consent,
                        approval, authorization or order of any federal or state
                        regulatory agency or other governmental body is required
                        to be obtained by BANK to permit it to perform its
                        obligations under this AGREEMENT;

                  (vi)  There are no claims of any kind or orders, actions,
                        suits, proceedings, arbitrations or investigations
                        asserted by or against BANK which would prevent or
                        challenge the performance of this AGREEMENT or any of
                        the transactions contemplated hereby or declare the same
                        unlawful or cause the rescission thereof;

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                  (vii) BANK is currently not a party to (a) any enforcement
                        action instituted by, or (b) any memorandum of
                        understanding or cease and desist order with, any
                        federal or state regulatory agency, and no such action,
                        memorandum or order has been threatened, and BANK has
                        not received any report of examination from any federal
                        or state regulatory agency which requires BANK to
                        address any problem or take any action relevant to the
                        TRANSACTIONS or other obligations of BANK under this
                        AGREEMENT which has not already been addressed or taken
                        in a manner satisfactory to the regulatory agency;

                 (viii) BANK warrants that it has the right to use and license
                        the BANK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES as set forth in this
                        AGREEMENT;

                  (ix)  BANK has provided COMPANY copies of all documents and
                        correspondence from the Kentucky Department of Financial
                        Institutions regarding the TRANSACTIONS and the legality
                        of the TRANSACTIONS if performed as contemplated in this
                        AGREEMENT, except as prohibited by applicable law; and

                  (x)   BANK is a current member of and in good standing with
                        the Community Financial Services Association of America
                        (the "CFSA").

            (b) COMPANY hereby represents and warrants to BANK, as of the date
hereof that:

                  (i)   COMPANY is duly organized and validly existing under the
                        laws of the State of Texas, and is duly qualified to do
                        business as contemplated under this AGREEMENT and has
                        all requisite licenses, permits and authorizations under
                        Texas and federal law, and anticipates having all
                        requisite licenses, permits and authorizations under
                        North Carolina and Pennsylvania law, to execute and
                        deliver this AGREEMENT and perform its obligations
                        contemplated hereunder. COMPANY has the corporate power
                        and authority and all requisite licenses, permits and
                        authorizations to execute and deliver this AGREEMENT and
                        perform its obligations hereunder;

                  (ii)  COMPANY currently has the corporate power and authority,
                        and all requisite licenses, permits and authorizations,
                        to execute and deliver this AGREEMENT and to perform

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                        hereunder. This AGREEMENT has been duly authorized by
                        COMPANY's Board of Directors, executed and delivered by
                        COMPANY and constitutes its legal, valid and binding
                        agreement, enforceable against COMPANY in accordance
                        with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited
                        by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other laws
                        affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally;

                  (iii) The execution, delivery and performance of this
                        AGREEMENT by COMPANY does not violate or conflict with
                        (A) any provision of the governance documents of
                        COMPANY; or (B) any Texas or federal law, or any order,
                        arbitration award, judgment or decree to which COMPANY
                        is a party or by which COMPANY or any of its assets may
                        be bound;

                  (iv)  Except as may have already been obtained, no consent,
                        approval, authorization or order of any federal or state
                        regulatory agency or other governmental body is required
                        to be obtained by COMPANY to permit it to perform its
                        obligations under this AGREEMENT;

                  (v)   Except as set forth in the COMPANY'S Annual Report on
                        Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, or as
                        otherwise disclosed, there are no claims of any kind or
                        orders, actions, suits, proceedings, arbitrations or
                        investigations asserted by or against COMPANY which
                        would prevent or challenge the performance of this
                        AGREEMENT or any of the transactions contemplated hereby
                        or declare the same unlawful or cause the rescission
                        thereof;

                  (vi)  Except as set forth in the COMPANY'S Annual Report on
                        Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, or as
                        otherwise disclosed, COMPANY is currently not a party to
                        (a) any enforcement action instituted by, or (b) any
                        memorandum of understanding or cease and desist order
                        with, any federal or state regulatory agency, and no
                        such action, memorandum or order has been threatened,
                        and COMPANY has not received any report of examination
                        from any federal or state regulatory agency which
                        requires COMPANY to address any problem or take any
                        action relevant to the TRANSACTIONS or other obligations
                        of COMPANY under this AGREEMENT which has not already
                        been addressed or taken in a manner satisfactory to the
                        regulatory agency; and

                                       13
<PAGE>

                  (vii) COMPANY is a current member of and in good standing with
                        the Financial Service Centers of America ("FiSCA").

            (c) BANK hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

                  (i)   On or prior to November 1, 2002, BANK will provide to
                        COMPANY an opinion of counsel to BANK opining as to the
                        legality of (A) BANK engaging in the transactions
                        contemplated by this AGREEMENT and (B) BANK charging the
                        fees contemplated by this AGREEMENT to CUSTOMERS located
                        in the MARKET; provided, however, an opinion of counsel
                        to BANK opining with respect to Pennsylvania law shall
                        be delivered to COMPANY within a reasonable time after
                        execution of this AGREEMENT but in no event later than
                        November 30, 2002. In the event such Pennsylvania
                        opinion indicates that BANK may not legally engage in
                        the transactions or charge the fees contemplated in this
                        AGREEMENT, BANK shall have no obligation to engage in
                        any TRANSACTION in Pennsylvania.

                  (ii)  BANK shall use its reasonable best efforts to comply in
                        all material respects with the CFSA Best Practices in
                        effect on the date of this Agreement, and any reasonable
                        Best Practices, or modifications to such practices
                        approved and adopted by the CFSA during the term of this
                        Agreement; provided the practices comply in all respects
                        with all applicable law, and the interpretation of such
                        law by authorities with jurisdiction.

            (d) COMPANY hereby covenants and agrees as follows:

                  (i)   On or prior to November 1, 2002, COMPANY will provide to
                        BANK an opinion of counsel to COMPANY opining as to the
                        legality of COMPANY engaging in the marketing and
                        servicing of the TRANSACTIONS for BANK as contemplated
                        in this AGREEMENT; provided, however, an opinion of
                        counsel to COMPANY opining with respect to Pennsylvania
                        and North Carolina law shall be delivered to BANK within
                        a reasonable time after execution of this AGREEMENT but
                        in no event later than November 30, 2002. In the event
                        such Pennsylvania or North Carolina opinion indicates
                        that COMPANY may not legally engage in the marketing and
                        servicing of the TRANSACTIONS as contemplated in this

                                       14
<PAGE>

                        AGREEMENT, COMPANY shall have no obligation to market or
                        service any TRANSACTION in Pennsylvania or North
                        Carolina, as the case may be.

                  (ii)  COMPANY hereby agrees that during the term of this
                        Agreement the Total Shareholder's Equity of the COMPANY,
                        as such term is used in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
                        of its Audited Financial Statements, shall be at least
                        sixty (60) million dollars.

                  (iii) COMPANY shall use its reasonable best efforts to comply
                        in all material respects with the CFSA Best Practices,
                        or its equivalent, specifically FiSCA's Code of Conduct,
                        in effect on the date of this Agreement, and any
                        reasonable Best Practices or Code of Conduct, or
                        modifications thereto approved and adopted by CFSA, or
                        its equivalent, specifically FiSCA, during the term of
                        this Agreement; provided the practices/code of conduct
                        comply in all respects with all applicable law, and the
                        interpretation of such law by authorities with
                        jurisdiction.

      6. INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE.

            (a) Each of the PARTIES' representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements set forth in this AGREEMENT shall survive the execution and delivery
of this AGREEMENT.

            (b) BANK shall indemnify and hold COMPANY harmless from and against,
and shall pay to COMPANY the full amount of, any LOSSES resulting to COMPANY,
either directly or indirectly, from (i) any inaccuracy in any representation or
warranty, or any breach of any covenant or agreement, by BANK contained in this
AGREEMENT, (ii) any fraud, theft, dishonesty, defamation or other willful
misconduct of BANK or its officers, directors, employees or agents, (iii) any
claim against BANK or COMPANY by the Kentucky Department of Financial
Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any regulatory
agency or other governmental body having supervisory authority directly over
BANK or (iv) any claim by any third party of service mark or trademark
infringement based upon COMPANY'S use of the BANK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES.

            (c) COMPANY shall indemnify and hold BANK harmless from and against,
and shall pay to BANK the full amount of, any LOSSES resulting to BANK, either
directly or indirectly, from (i) any inaccuracy in any representation or
warranty, or any breach of any covenant or agreement, by COMPANY contained in
this AGREEMENT, (ii) any fraud, theft, dishonesty, defamation or other willful
misconduct of COMPANY or its officers, directors, employees or agents, or (iii)
any claim that the

                                       15
<PAGE>

TRANSACTIONS or the conduct of COMPANY in connection with the TRANSACTIONS are
illegal, provided that, (A) at the time of such claim, BANK is not in breach of
any covenant or agreement contained in this AGREEMENT that contributed to or
caused the loss for which indemnification is sought and (B) the claim is not by
the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, or any regulatory agency or other governmental body having
supervisory authority directly over BANK.

            (d) The fact that indemnification is provided in this Agreement for
some actions of either COMPANY or BANK does not mean that statutory or common
law indemnification or contribution is not available to either party for other
acts not enumerated herein.

            (e) The Parties agree that, if both BANK and COMPANY are named as
defendants in the same lawsuit, arbitration or other proceeding, then Bank and
COMPANY may enter into a Joint Defense Agreement reasonably acceptable to Bank
and COMPANY, provided that any such Joint Defense Agreement shall not preclude
any party from asserting any counterclaim, cross-actions or third-party claims
to which it may be entitled.

            (f) Such Joint Defense Agreement shall include an agreement that
COMPANY shall have the right to choose acceptable counsel and otherwise direct
the litigation but any settlement of such claims must be agreed to by BANK. *.
The PARTIES agree to meet as soon as practicable but no less than ten (10)
business days following the date of the filing of any claim, complaint or action
to determine and agree upon the Joint Defense Agreement. Any failure to agree
upon the Joint Defense Agreement or any provision of this Section 6 shall in no
way affect or negatively impact any Indemnified Parties' right to indemnity.

            (g) Whenever any claim shall arise for indemnification under this
Paragraph 6, the party seeking indemnification (the "INDEMNITEE") shall promptly
notify the other party (the "INDEMNITOR") of the claim and, when known, the
facts constituting the basis for such claim. Such notice shall specify, if
known, the amount or a good faith estimate of the amount of the liability
arising therefrom.

            (h) In connection with any claim or legal proceeding by a third
party which may give rise to indemnity hereunder (a "THIRD PARTY CLAIM"), the
INDEMNITOR, at the sole cost and expense of the INDEMNITOR, may assume the
defense of any such THIRD PARTY CLAIM by giving written notice to the
INDEMNITEE. The INDEMNITOR's notice must be received by the INDEMNITEE within
twenty (20) days following INDEMNITOR's receipt of notice of such THIRD

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       16
<PAGE>

PARTY CLAIM and must acknowledge the INDEMNITOR's obligation to indemnify the
INDEMNITEE with respect to such THIRD PARTY CLAIM.

            (i) If the INDEMNITOR assumes the defense of any THIRD PARTY CLAIM,
the INDEMNITOR shall select counsel to conduct the defense of such claim, and
the INDEMNITOR shall take all reasonable steps necessary in the defense or
settlement thereof. If the INDEMNITOR assumes the defense of any THIRD PARTY
CLAIM, the INDEMNITOR shall not be obligated to pay any attorneys fees or
investigation costs incurred by the INDEMNITEE in connection with its
participation in such defense, unless the INDEMNITOR assumes the defense of such
THIRD PARTY CLAIM at any time after the expiration of the INDEMNITOR's twenty
(20) day notice period. The INDEMNITEE shall cooperate with all reasonable
requests of the INDEMNITOR in connection with the INDEMNITOR's defense of any
THIRD PARTY CLAIM. The INDEMNITOR shall not consent to a settlement of, or the
entry of any judgment arising from, any THIRD PARTY CLAIM, without the prior
written consent of the INDEMNITEE, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed. The INDEMNITEE shall be entitled to participate in (but not
control) the defense of any such action, with its own counsel and at its own
expense.

            (j) If the INDEMNITOR does not assume the defense of any such THIRD
PARTY CLAIM, the INDEMNITEE may defend against such THIRD PARTY CLAIM in such
manner as the INDEMNITEE may deem appropriate, including, but not limited to,
settling such claim on such terms as the INDEMNITEE may deem appropriate, at the
cost of INDEMNITOR. If the INDEMNITOR seeks to question the manner in which the
INDEMNITEE defended such THIRD PARTY CLAIM or the amount of or nature of any
such settlement, the INDEMNITOR shall have the burden to prove by a
preponderance of the evidence that the INDEMNITEE did not defend such claim in a
reasonably prudent manner.

            (k) With respect to any claim, dispute or controversy between BANK
and COMPANY arising out of or relating to the performance of this AGREEMENT, the
parties agree that prior to considering any remedies at law or in equity, that
BANK and COMPANY shall each appoint one or more executives who will meet with
each other for the purpose of resolving any claim, dispute or controversy
between BANK and COMPANY arising out of or relating to the performance of this
AGREEMENT or any of the TRANSACTIONS. The parties agree to operate in good faith
in such agreements.

            (l) COMPANY agrees to purchase and maintain general business and
liability insurance from a nationally-recognized insurance provider which shall
have limits for such policy in a total amount not less than $5,000,000.

            (m) BANK shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect errors
and omissions insurance in an amount no less than $5,000,000 with such insurance
companies as are reasonably satisfactory to BANK and COMPANY.

                                       17
<PAGE>

      7. TERM AND TERMINATION.

            (a) The term of this AGREEMENT shall commence as of the date of this
AGREEMENT, and shall continue until January 1, 2006, unless earlier terminated
pursuant to terms of this AGREEMENT.

            (b) This AGREEMENT may be terminated upon the occurrence of one or
more of the following events, within the time periods set forth below (each, an
"EVENT OF DEFAULT"):

                  (i) By either PARTY, if the other PARTY hereto shall be in
material breach of any covenant or

                  agreement hereunder or in the event of an inaccuracy in any
representation or warranty hereunder, provided that such breach or inaccuracy
has not been cured within 10 days following written notice of such breach to the
PARTY committing such breach; or

                  (ii) by COMPANY, if BANK shall file for protection under any
state or federal liquidation provision, or if either PARTY is placed into
conservatorship or receivership with the FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
or any regulatory body having jurisdiction over said PARTY or any other duly
appointed person or entity; or

                  (iii) by BANK, if COMPANY shall file for protection under any
chapter of the federal Bankruptcy Code, an involuntary petition is filed against
COMPANY under any such chapter and is not dismissed within thirty (30) days of
such filing, or a receiver or any regulatory authority takes control of COMPANY.

            (c) Provided that COMPANY is not in material breach of this
AGREEMENT, COMPANY may terminate this AGREEMENT by giving written notice at
least ten (10) business days in advance of termination if: (i) BANK ceases
generally to fund TRANSACTIONS marketed by COMPANY; or (ii) any amendment to or
change in the terms of Kentucky Revised Statute Chapter 368, or other applicable
law, has an adverse effect upon COMPANY or may reasonably be expected to have an
adverse effect upon COMPANY, including placing COMPANY at a competitive
disadvantage with respect to other persons or entities engaged in deferred
deposit transactions or any product that is the same as or substantially similar
to the TRANSACTIONS.

            (d) Provided that COMPANY is not in material breach of this
AGREEMENT, COMPANY may, in addition to all other available remedies, terminate
this AGREEMENT immediately if BANK breaches its obligation under paragraph
4(c)(ii) of this AGREEMENT to honor and pay any check or other negotiable
instrument drawn on any of BANK'S depository accounts validly issued in
connection with TRANSACTIONS approved by the BANK.

                                       18
<PAGE>

            (e) BANK may terminate this Agreement prior to November 30, 2002, if
BANK is not reasonably satisfied with the results of BANK'S due diligence review
of the documents and other materials provided to BANK by COMPANY and set forth
on Exhibit G hereto.

            (f) BANK may terminate this Agreement on ten (10) business days'
written notice to COMPANY if by March 31, 2003, COMPANY has not terminated
COMPANY'S arrangements with parties other than BANK to offer and provide
TRANSACTIONS or any product that is the same as or substantially similar to the
TRANSACTIONS within the MARKET.

            (g) Either PARTY may terminate this AGREEMENT on ten (10) business
days' written notice to the other PARTY if the aggregate NET CHARGE OFFS exceed
* of the aggregate amount of FEES originated through COMPANY in such quarter;
provided such notice is given not later than thirty (30) days following the end
of such calendar quarter.

            (h) If a PARTY'S performance hereunder is rendered illegal or
materially adversely affected by reason of changes in law or regulations (either
federal or state) applicable to the TRANSACTIONS or to either PARTY hereto, then
either PARTY may terminate this AGREEMENT.

            (i) If a PARTY is advised in writing by any regulatory agency having
or asserting jurisdiction over such PARTY or the TRANSACTIONS that the
performance of its obligations under this AGREEMENT is or may be unlawful or
constitutes or may constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice or that such
activity may jeopardize such PARTY's standing with or applicable rating from
such regulatory agency, then the PARTY unable to perform, or whose performance
has been rendered illegal or who has been so advised by a regulatory agency, may
terminate this AGREEMENT by giving written notice at least six (6) months in
advance of termination to the other PARTY, unless such changes in the laws or
regulations or communication from such regulatory agency require earlier
termination, in which case termination shall be effective upon such earlier
required date.

            (j) Except as may be prohibited by federal, state or local law,
statutes, or regulations or regulatory authorities, upon the expiration or
termination of this AGREEMENT, each PARTY will remit to the other PARTY all
amounts owing to such other party for transactions commencing on or before the
expiration or termination date, and each PARTY shall fulfill all of its
obligations under this AGREEMENT that arose or accrued before the expiration or
termination date. In order to preserve the goodwill of each PARTY with its
CUSTOMERS, both PARTIES shall act in good faith cooperation in order to ensure a
smooth and orderly termination of their relationship and the

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       19
<PAGE>

termination of the TRANSACTION origination and marketing program contemplated
hereunder. Upon the termination or expiration of this AGREEMENT, all rights
herein granted to COMPANY (except those set forth in Section 9(a)) shall revert
to BANK, and COMPANY shall immediately cease using the BANK property.

            (k) Either party shall be entitled to pursue, either before or after
termination, such rights and remedies as may be available at law and in equity,
in addition to those rights and remedies specifically provided for under the
terms of this AGREEMENT.

      8. NOTICES. Any notice hereunder by a PARTY shall be given to the other
PARTY at its address set forth below or at such other address designated by
notice in the manner provided in this Section 8, by personal delivery, certified
mail or private courier service, or by facsimile with a confirmation copy by
first class mail, postage prepaid. Any written notice or demand to be given
under this AGREEMENT shall be duly and properly given if delivered as described
in this Section 8. Such notice shall be deemed to have been given (a) when
received if by personal delivery or private courier service, (b) when faxed if
by facsimile, and (c) three business days after mailing, if sent by certified
mail; provided, however, that any notice given by a party changing its address
for notice shall be deemed given only upon actual receipt by the other party.
Unless otherwise agreed, notice shall be sent to the contact persons at the
addresses or facsimile numbers, as the case may be, set forth below:

            If to COMPANY:

                     Michael J. Briskey
                     ACE Cash Express, Inc.
                     1231 Greenway Drive, Suite 600
                     Irving, Texas 75038-9904
                     Telephone:       972-753-2342
                     Facsimile:       972-582-1447

            with a copy to:

                     R. James Straus
                     Frost Brown Todd LLC
                     400 W. Market Street
                     32nd Floor
                     Louisville, Kentucky 40202
                     Telephone:       502-568-0221
                     Facsimile:       502-581-1087

            If to BANK:

                                       20
<PAGE>

                     Michael A. Ringswald
                     Republic Bank & Trust Company
                     One Republic Corporate Center
                     Louisville, Kentucky 40202
                     Telephone: 502-561-7112
                     Facsimile: 502-561-7188

            with a copy to:

                     Donald L. Cox
                     Lynch, Cox, Gilman & Mahan, P.S.C.
                     400 West Market Street, Suite 2200
                     Louisville, Kentucky 40202
                     Telephone: 502-589-4215
                     Facsimile:   502-589-4994

      9. CONFIDENTIALITY AND USE OF CUSTOMER INFORMATION.

            (a) All CUSTOMER INFORMATION shall be the sole property of BANK.
Subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 and any rules or regulations
promulgated thereunder, BANK hereby grants to COMPANY a worldwide, exclusive
license in perpetuity (and specifically surviving any termination of this
AGREEMENT) to use the CUSTOMER INFORMATION for advertising and solicitations for
any deferred deposit product; provided that COMPANY shall not use the CUSTOMER
INFORMATION (i) if the CUSTOMER at issue advises BANK or COMPANY that it does
not wish such information to be so used, or (ii) if its use would violate any
federal or state statutes, laws and/or regulations. COMPANY may use its computer
system to capture, maintain and process CUSTOMER INFORMATION for the purposes
allowed in this AGREEMENT.

            (b) BANK agrees not to target the CUSTOMERS for any solicitation of
any deferred deposit product (other than general solicitations for products or
services directed to the public at large), and not to provide any CUSTOMER
INFORMATION to any person or entity not a party to this AGREEMENT, whether for
purposes of soliciting any CUSTOMER for any product or otherwise, except to the
extent required to do so under applicable law or judicial, administrative or
regulatory process, without the prior written consent of COMPANY. BANK shall use
reasonable care to ensure that its agents do not violate this provision.

            (c) BANK and COMPANY agree to treat in confidence the provisions of
this AGREEMENT and the CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, including without limitation
the reports referenced in Section 4(e), and not to make use of or communicate
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION to any third parties except as required by this
AGREEMENT and except that CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION may be provided to a
regulatory agency having or asserting jurisdiction over a PARTY or the

                                       21
<PAGE>

TRANSACTIONS, a PARTY's affiliates, as such term is defined in the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, to counsel, accountants, financial or tax advisors or
persons conducting due diligence reviews for third party without the consent of
the other PARTY; provided that such PARTIES agree to hold such CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION in confidence. As used herein, the term "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION"
does not include information which (i) becomes generally available to the public
other than as a result of a disclosure by a RESTRICTED PARTY, (ii) is
independently developed by a RESTRICTED PARTY without violating this AGREEMENT,
(iii) was available to the RESTRICTED PARTY on a non-confidential basis prior to
its disclosure to the RESTRICTED PARTY or (iv) becomes available to the
RESTRICTED PARTY on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the other
PARTY; provided that such source is not bound by a confidentiality agreement
with the other PARTY or otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information
to the RESTRICTED PARTY by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation.

            (d) In the event that a RESTRICTED PARTY is requested or required
(by oral questions, interrogatories, requests for information or documents,
subpoena, Civil Investigative Demand or similar process) to disclose any
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, the RESTRICTED PARTY will provide the other PARTY with
prompt notice of such request(s) so that the other PARTY may seek an appropriate
protective order or other appropriate remedy and/or waive the RESTRICTED PARTY's
compliance with the provisions of this AGREEMENT. In the event that the other
PARTY does not seek such a protective order or other remedy, or such protective
order or other remedy is not obtained, or the other PARTY grants a waiver
hereunder, the RESTRICTED PARTY may furnish that portion (and only that portion)
of the CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION which the RESTRICTED PARTY is legally compelled
to disclose and will exercise such efforts to obtain reasonable assurance that
confidential treatment will be accorded any CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION so
furnished as a RESTRICTED PARTY would reasonably exercise in assuring the
confidentiality of any of its own CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

      10. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF BREACH. The PARTIES agree that
monetary damages would not be adequate compensation in the event of a breach
under Section 9 by a RESTRICTED PARTY of its obligations under Section 9 of this
AGREEMENT and, therefore, the PARTIES agree that in the event of any such breach
the RESTRICTED PARTY, in addition to its other remedies at law or in equity,
shall be entitled to an order requiring the RESTRICTED PARTY to specifically
perform its obligations under Section 9 of this AGREEMENT or enjoining the
RESTRICTED PARTY from breaching Section 9 of this AGREEMENT, and the RESTRICTED
PARTY shall not plead in defense thereto that there would be an adequate remedy
at law.

                                       22
<PAGE>

      11. MISCELLANEOUS.

            (a) Neither the existence of this AGREEMENT or any related
agreements, nor their execution, is intended to be, nor shall it be construed to
be, the formation of a partnership or joint venture between BANK and COMPANY. No
employee of COMPANY shall be deemed to be an employee of BANK, nor shall any
employee of BANK be deemed an employee of COMPANY. Each party to this AGREEMENT
shall be deemed to be an independent contractor.

            (b) This AGREEMENT and the Exhibits attached hereto supersede any
negotiations, discussions or communications between BANK and COMPANY and
constitute the entire agreement of BANK and COMPANY with respect to the subject
matter hereof.

            (c) Failure of any PARTY to insist, in one or more instances, on
performance by any other PARTY in accordance with the terms and conditions of
this AGREEMENT shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of any right
granted hereunder or of the future performance of any such term or condition or
of any other term or condition of this AGREEMENT unless and to the extent that
such waiver is in a writing signed by or on behalf of the PARTY alleged to have
granted such waiver.

            (d) This AGREEMENT and the rights and duties described herein shall
be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the United
States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, without reference to Kentucky choice of
law rules. An action for breach of or to enforce this Agreement shall be brought
in the Jefferson County Circuit Court in Louisville, Kentucky.

            (e) Neither PARTY shall assign any of its rights or delegate any of
its obligations hereunder without the other PARTY's prior written consent, which
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, except that either PARTY may
assign all or any part of its rights hereunder to any affiliate of that PARTY
without the other PARTY's consent, provided further, however, that any such
assignment shall not relieve the assignor of any liability or obligation for
TRANSACTIONS entered into prior to the date of such assignment.

            (f) This AGREEMENT is for the sole and exclusive benefit of the
PARTIES and shall not be deemed to be for the benefit of any third party,
including any party to a TRANSACTION hereunder.

            (g) The headings of the several sections and subsections of this
AGREEMENT are inserted for convenience only and shall not in any way affect the
meaning or construction of any provision of this AGREEMENT.

            (h) This AGREEMENT may be executed by the PARTIES in separate
counterparts, each of which is an original but all of which together shall
constitute one

                                       23
<PAGE>

and the same document. Facsimile signatures and photocopies shall be deemed as
valid as though they were originals.

            (i) Neither party shall be in breach or default of its obligations
under this AGREEMENT to the extent that delay or failure in its performance is
caused by an act of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood, severe weather conditions,
utilities or telecommunications failures, materials shortage, or unavailability
of transportation.

            (j) Except as otherwise provided in this AGREEMENT, each party shall
assume and pay its own legal, accounting and other expenses incurred in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this AGREEMENT.

            (k) EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT
TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE
DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE
TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER
ARISING, AND WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY
HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF
ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO
THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION WITH
ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER
OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BANK and COMPANY, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by their duly authorized
officers as of the day and year first set forth above.

ACE CASH EXPRESS, INC.                   REPUBLIC BANK & TRUST COMPANY
("COMPANY")                              ("BANK")

BY:   MICHAEL J. BRISKEY                 BY:   /S/ BILL PETTER
      ----------------------------             ---------------------------------
ITS:  VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE          ITS:  EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                               CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2002                   DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2002

                                       24
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT A

                          COMPUTATION OF SERVICING FEES

*

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B

                            PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS

      (1) Each of BANK and COMPANY shall each keep and use in its business any
books, accounts, and records the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions
(the "DEPARTMENT") may require to carry into effect the provisions of KRS
368.010 to 368.120 and the administrative regulations issued under those
sections. BANK and COMPANY shall preserve the books, accounts, and records for
at least two (2) years.

      (2) Any fee charged by BANK in connection with the TRANSACTIONS shall be
disclosed in writing to the bearer of the check prior to cashing the check, and
the fee shall be deemed a service fee and not interest. BANK shall not charge a
service fee in excess of fifteen dollars ($15) per one hundred dollars ($100) on
the face amount of the deferred deposit check. BANK shall prorate any fee, based
upon the maximum fee of fifteen dollars ($15). This service fee shall be for a
period of fourteen (14) days.

      (3) Before BANK shall deposit with any bank or other depository
institution a check cashed by BANK, the check shall be endorsed with the actual
name under which BANK is doing business and shall be dated the date of the
TRANSACTION.

      (4) Any personal check accepted from a CUSTOMER must be payable to BANK.
BANK shall not cash a check payable to a payee other than a natural person
unless BANK has previously obtained appropriate documentation from the board of
directors or similar governing body of the payee clearly indicating the
authority of the natural person or persons cashing the check, draft, or money
order on behalf of the payee.

      (5) Neither BANK nor COMPANY shall indicate through advertising, signs,
billhead, or otherwise that checks may be cashed without identification of the
bearer of the check; and any person seeking to cash a check shall be required to
submit reasonable identification as prescribed by the DEPARTMENT.

      (6) Within five (5) business days after being advised by the payor
financial institution that a check, draft, or money order has been altered,
forged, stolen, obtained through fraudulent or illegal means, negotiated without
proper legal authority, or represents the proceeds of illegal activity, BANK
shall notify the DEPARTMENT and other proper authorities. If a check, draft, or
money order is returned to BANK by the payor financial institution for any of
these reasons, BANK shall not release the check, draft, or money order without
the consent of the investigating or other proper law enforcement authority.

      (7) Neither BANK nor COMPANY shall alter or delete the date on any check
received from a CUSTOMER in a TRANSACTION.

                                       26
<PAGE>

      (8) Neither BANK nor COMPANY shall engage in unfair or deceptive acts,
practices, or advertising in the conduct of its business. BANK must make a good
faith effort to assess the CUSTOMER's ability to repay the TRANSACTION.

      (9) BANK shall not require a CUSTOMER to provide security for a
TRANSACTION or require the CUSTOMER to provide a guaranty from another person.

      (10) BANK shall not have more than one TRANSACTION from any one CUSTOMER
at any one time, with a face value greater than five hundred dollars ($500).

      (11) BANK (through COMPANY) shall inquire of any person seeking to engage
in a TRANSACTION, whether the person has any outstanding deferred deposit
transaction with any person. If the CUSTOMER represents in writing that the
CUSTOMER has no more than one deferred deposit transaction outstanding and that
the face value of the outstanding deferred deposit transaction issued by the
CUSTOMER does not equal or exceed five hundred dollars ($500), BANK may accept a
deferred deposit transaction in an amount that, when combined with the
CUSTOMER's other outstanding deferred deposit transaction, does not exceed five
hundred dollars ($500). If the CUSTOMER represents in writing that the CUSTOMER
has more than one deferred deposit transaction outstanding or if the face value
of the deferred deposit transaction issued by the CUSTOMER equals or exceeds
five hundred dollars ($500), BANK shall not accept another deferred deposit
transaction from that CUSTOMER until the CUSTOMER represents to BANK in writing
that the CUSTOMER qualifies to issue a new deferred deposit transaction under
the requirements set forth in this paragraph.

      (12) Neither BANK nor COMPANY shall use any device or agreement, including
agreements with affiliated parties, with the intent to obtain greater charges
than are authorized in Chapter 368 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

      (13) BANK shall not agree to hold a TRANSACTION for less than fourteen
(14) days or more than thirty one (31) days.

      (14) Each TRANSACTION shall be made according to a written agreement that
shall be dated and signed by the CUSTOMER and BANK or an authorized agent of
BANK, and made available to the DEPARTMENT upon request. The CUSTOMER shall
receive a copy of this agreement. The agreement must contain BANK's name, the
date of the TRANSACTION, the amount of the deferred deposit check, a statement
of the total amount of fees charged, expressed both as a dollar amount and as an
annual percentage rate (APR), and the earliest date on which the deferred
deposit check may be deposited. The agreement must also contain a notice of the
name and address of the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner and the telephone
number of the CUSTOMER helpline. Additionally, BANK shall provide a notice to
the CUSTOMER that reads as follows: "This cash advance is not intended to meet
long-term financial needs. This loan should only be used to meet immediate
short-term cash needs."

                                       27
<PAGE>

      (15) BANK shall not for a fee renew, roll over, or otherwise consolidate a
TRANSACTION for a CUSTOMER. Each CUSTOMER shall have the right to prepay the
TRANSACTION and redeem the deferred deposit check at any time prior to the due
date.

      (16) No individual who enters into a TRANSACTION with BANK shall be
convicted under the provisions of KRS 514.040 regarding theft by deception.

      (17) Neither BANK nor COMPANY shall prosecute or threaten to prosecute an
individual under the provisions of KRS 514.040 in connection with a TRANSACTION.

      (18) BANK and COMPANY shall conspicuously display in every COMPANY retail
location in the MARKET a sign that gives the following notice: "No person who
enters into a post-dated check or deferred deposit check transaction with this
business establishment will be prosecuted or convicted of writing cold checks or
of theft by deception under the provisions of KRS 514.040."

      (19) BANK shall give the CUSTOMER the disclosures required by the Consumer
Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. sec. 1601). Proof of this disclosure shall be
made available to the DEPARTMENT upon request.

      (20) BANK and COMPANY shall conspicuously display a schedule of all fees,
and charges for all services provided by BANK that are authorized by KRS 368.010
to 368.120. The notice shall be posted at every COMPANY retail location in the
MARKET.

      (21) BANK may charge, collect, and receive check collection charges made
by a financial institution for each check returned or dishonored for any reason,
provided that the terms and conditions upon which check collection charges will
be charged to the CUSTOMER are set forth in the written disclosure. Collection
practices must be in accordance with 7 T.A.C. Section 1.605 and with the Texas
Debt Collection Practices Act, Texas Finance Code, Section 392.001 et seq.

      (22) BANK shall provide customer service for CUSTOMERS who have questions
about their TRANSACTION, APPLICATION, or APPLICATION denials.

      (23) BANK will address the safety and soundness, compliance, consumer
protection, and other risks including credit, transaction, and reputation risks
discussed in agency guidelines and advisory materials issued from time to time
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and any other applicable regulatory
agencies. BANK will comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
statutes and regulations including, without limitation, the Equal Credit
Opportunity Act, the Truth In Lending Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and all other applicable consumer protection
and lending laws.

                                       28
<PAGE>

      (24) BANK shall maintain a safety and soundness CAMEL rating of * on
examinations conducted by each of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and
the DEPARTMENT. BANK shall advise COMPANY immediately upon (i) BANK'S receipt of
information that the CAMEL rating has been or may be downgraded or (ii)
commencement of proceedings, examinations, or other investigations by a
regulatory agency or other governmental body that may materially affect the
obligations of either BANK or COMPANY under this AGREEMENT.

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       29
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT C

                                     MARKET

*

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       30
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT D

                                  BANK POLICIES

*

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       31
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT E

                                PROGRAM CRITERIA

*

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       32
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT F

                               COMPANY FRANCHISEES

*

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       33
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT G

                                  DUE DILIGENCE

*

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       34
<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 10.1 (b)

                               FIRST AMENDMENT TO
                        MARKETING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT

      This First Amendment to Marketing and Servicing Agreement dated as of
January __, 2003 (this "Amendment"), is by and between Republic Bank & Trust
Company, a Kentucky state-chartered bank ("Bank"), and ACE Cash Express, Inc., a
Texas corporation ("Company").

      WHEREAS, Bank and Company have previously entered into that certain
Marketing and Servicing Agreement dated as of October 21, 2002 (the "Marketing
Agreement"); and

      WHEREAS, Bank and Company desire to amend the Marketing Agreement to (i)
adjust the amount of customer fees charged, (ii) revise the market area serviced
by Company to delete North Carolina and add Arkansas, and (iii) revise Company
disclosure and reporting requirements.

      NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

      1. Fees. Exhibit A to the Marketing Agreement is hereby amended to read in
its entirety as attached hereto.

      2. Market Area. Exhibit C to the Marketing Agreement is hereby amended to
read in its entirety as follows:

            "Market: Texas, Arkansas, Pennsylvania"

      3. Disclosure. Section 4(e)(ii) of the Marketing Agreement is hereby
amended to read in its entirety as follows:

            "COMPANY shall, as reasonably required by BANK, but no more often
            than quarterly, provide BANK with (a) its most recent unaudited
            financial statements, (b) its annual audited financial statements,
            (c) copies of all periodic reports and current reports filed with
            the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "COMMISSION") on Forms
            10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, or such other similar forms as may be designated
            by the COMMISSION, and such other periodic reports, documents and
            information that COMPANY furnishes to the COMMISSION or to its
            stockholders or other security holders generally, and (d) COMPANY's
            disaster contingency/recovery plan, if any. COMPANY shall, as
            reasonably required by BANK, but no more often than annually,
            undergo a SAS 70 examination and provide a copy of the SAS 70 report
            to BANK."

      4. Effect of Amendment. Except as expressly modified by this Amendment,
the terms and provisions of the Marketing Agreement are ratified and confirmed
and shall continue in full force and effect. Bank and Company hereby confirm
that the Marketing Agreement, as amended hereby, is a legally binding contract
which governs the relationship of the Bank and Company.

<PAGE>

                           [SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]

<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BANK and COMPANY, intending to be legally bound
hereby, have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized
officers as of the day and year first set forth above.

                                      ACE Cash Express, Inc.

                                      By: /s/ Michael J. Briskey
                                          ------------------------------
                                      Title: Vice President of Finance

                                      Date: January 28, 2003

                                      Republic Bank & Trust Company

                                      By: /s/ Bill Petter
                                          ---------------

                                      Title: Executive Vice President and
                                             Chief Operating Officer

                                      Date: January 28, 2003

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                          COMPUTATION OF SERVICING FEES

      1. This is EXHIBIT A to that certain Marketing and Servicing AGREEMENT
dated as of October 21, 2002, as amended, (the "AGREEMENT") between REPUBLIC
BANK & TRUST COMPANY ("BANK"), and ACE CASH EXPRESS, INC. ("COMPANY"). All
capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are defined in the
AGREEMENT.

      2. As COMPANY's sole compensation under the AGREEMENT, BANK shall pay
COMPANY the marketing and servicing fees ("FEES") set forth below. BANK shall
only be obligated to pay the FEES on TRANSACTIONS, or portions thereof,
originated during the period.

      3. The marketing and servicing FEES owing to COMPANY and the fees owing to
the BANK under the AGREEMENT shall be calculated in accordance with the sample
calculation of transaction / fees attached as Exhibit A-1.

      4. Commencing on the first business day following a TRANSACTION
origination and continuing on each business day thereafter, COMPANY shall
deliver to BANK a daily report of business outlining the total amount advanced
to each customer, the fees expected to be earned by Bank assuming repayment of
the TRANSACTION, the FEES earned by COMPANY, the total TRANSACTIONS held as
receivable, and the total charge offs for the TRANSACTIONS. Additionally, the
report will detail the TRANSACTIONS collected from each customer together with
the applicable fees that pertain to BANK and applicable FEES owed by BANK to
COMPANY, as well as such other information as is reasonably required by the BANK
to manage the PROGRAM.

      5. Each week, COMPANY shall deliver to BANK an invoice, detailing by the
day, the total TRANSACTIONS collected, the total fees earned by BANK and the
total amount of FEES due to COMPANY for the 7-day period included in such
invoice (an "INVOICE"). Based on those INVOICES, BANK will pay to COMPANY by
Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer (or by other means agreeable to COMPANY
and BANK) the fifth business day following the delivery of each INVOICE, the
FEES to be paid by BANK thereunder related to COMPANY's activities for the
INVOICE period. Each INVOICE shall show (a) the total of payments on
TRANSACTIONS actually received by BANK during the INVOICE period, and (b) the
FEES owed by BANK to COMPANY. COMPANY and BANK agree that the calculation of the
FEES owed by BANK shall be submitted with each of the foregoing INVOICES and
performed strictly in accordance with the sample calculation attached. COMPANY
and BANK also agree that, for purposes of performing such calculation, the
following assumptions apply:

            (a) The term "TRANSACTION LOSS RATE" shall mean the rate equal to *.

            (b) In connection with the TRANSACTIONS, BANK shall receive a fee
from CUSTOMERS equal to fifteen dollars ($15) per one hundred dollars ($100) on
the face amount of the deferred deposit check accepted by BANK from the CUSTOMER
in the TRANSACTION. For example, if a CUSTOMER provides a deferred deposit check

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

<PAGE>

in the face amount of $* then the CUSTOMER will receive $* and the fee will be
$*. The fee set forth in this paragraph may only be adjusted by the written
agreement of BANK and COMPANY.

            (c) For every $* in fees collected from CUSTOMERS for the
TRANSACTIONS, (i) as consideration for the services rendered by COMPANY to BANK
under this AGREEMENT, BANK shall pay COMPANY FEES equal to $*, (ii) BANK shall
maintain reserves (the "RESERVES") equal to $* which shall be released to make
the adjustments set forth in paragraph 5(d) of this Exhibit A, and (iii) BANK
shall retain $*.

            (d) In each calendar quarter, the PARTIES shall make the following
adjustments based upon the TRANSACTION LOSS RATE:

                  (i) *.

                  (ii) *.

            (e) The amounts due hereunder, if any, shall be paid within 10 days
of the end of each calendar quarter.

            (f) BANK and COMPANY shall perform an annual review of, and may make
mutually agreed upon amendments to, the RESERVES and the adjustments to the FEES
set forth herein to reflect a change in said RESERVES if the TRANSACTION LOSS
RATE is substantially different from *.

----------
* Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions of this
document pursuant to an application for confidential treatment sent to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such portions are omitted from this filing
and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.2

                           RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

      This Restricted Stock Agreement ("Agreement") dated January 28, 2003 (the
"Effective Date"), is by and between Ace Cash Express, Inc., a Texas corporation
(the "Company"), and Barry M. Barron ("Grantee").

      WHEREAS, the Company desires to provide an incentive to Grantee, in the
form of shares of the Company's capital stock, to encourage Grantee's long-term
performance for the Company and its shareholders and more closely align
Grantee's interest in the Company with that of the Company's shareholders;

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
set forth in this Agreement, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Grantee
and the Company (collectively, the "Parties") hereby agree as follows:

      1. Issuance of Stock. The Company hereby agrees to issue to Grantee, and
Grantee hereby agrees to purchase, 2,500 shares (the "Restricted Shares") of the
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company ("Common Stock"), at a
purchase price of $0.01 per share (the "Purchase Price Per Share"), in
accordance with this Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions of the
Ace Cash Express, Inc. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), which are
incorporated herein, as an incentive for Grantee's continued efforts on behalf
of the Company as one of its executive officers. The total purchase price for
the Restricted Shares shall be paid by Grantee's delivery to the Company at the
time of execution of this Agreement of cash or a check or any combination
thereof.

      2. Forfeiture and Repurchase. Upon any cessation of Grantee's employment
by, as an executive officer of, the Company (regardless of the circumstances in
which such employment ceases) before the Restricted Shares are released from the
Forfeiture Restrictions described in Section 3, the Company shall have, on the
date of such cessation of employment (the "Termination Date"), an irrevocable,
exclusive option (the "Forfeiture Repurchase Option"), for a period of ninety
(90) days from the Termination Date (the "Forfeiture Repurchase Period"), to
repurchase up to all of the Restricted Shares on the Termination Date at the
original Purchase Price Per Share (the "Repurchase Price"). The Forfeiture
Repurchase Option shall be exercisable by written notice delivered to Grantee
before the expiration of the Forfeiture Repurchase Period. The notice shall
indicate the number of the Restricted Shares to be repurchased and the date on
which the repurchase is to be effected, such date to be not later than fifteen
(15) days after the expiration of the Forfeiture Repurchase Period. On the date
of the repurchase, the Company and/or its assignee(s) shall pay to Grantee, at
the Company's and/or each assignee's option, in cash, by check of the Company
and/or such assignee, by cancellation of all or a portion of any indebtedness of
Grantee to the Company or such assignee, or a combination of the foregoing, an
amount equal to the Repurchase Price for each of the Restricted Shares that is
to be repurchased from Grantee. Upon such payment to Grantee or deposit of such
amount into escrow for the benefit of Grantee, the Company and/or its
assignee(s) shall become the legal and beneficial

<PAGE>

owner of the Restricted Shares being repurchased and all rights and interests
therein or related thereto, and the Company shall have the right to transfer to
its own name or to the names of its assignee(s) the Restricted Shares being
forfeited and repurchased without any further action of Grantee. The Company may
designate and assign one or more other persons or entities (including any
affiliates of the Company) to exercise all or any part of the Forfeiture
Repurchase Option. The Parties expressly agree that these provisions governing
the forfeiture and repurchase of the Restricted Shares shall be specifically
enforceable by the Company in a court of equity or law.

      3. Forfeiture Restrictions. The Grantee may not sell, transfer, pledge,
exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of any of the Restricted Shares
(collectively, the "Forfeiture Restrictions"), before the termination or lapse
of the Forfeiture Restrictions as described below, except in connection with the
escrow described in Section 7. Upon the termination of Forfeiture Restrictions
regarding the Restricted Shares, one or more stock certificates representing the
Restricted Shares, free of Forfeiture Restrictions, shall be delivered to
Grantee at Grantee's request in accordance with this Agreement. The Forfeiture
Restrictions shall terminate upon the occurrence of:

      (a) July 1, 2007, if Grantee is then employed by, as an executive officer,
of the Company and has been continuously so employed since the Effective Date;

      (b) a Change of Control, as defined in Exhibit A attached hereto, on or
after the first anniversary of the Effective Date and before July 1, 2007; or

      (c) a decision by the Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the
Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), in its sole discretion and as of a
date determined by the Committee, fully vesting any or all of the Restricted
Shares (with the result that only the Forfeiture Restrictions affecting those
Restricted Shares which the Committee chooses to vest in Grantee shall
terminate).

      As permitted by clause (ii) of the second paragraph of Section 14 of the
Plan, subsection (b) of this Section 3 is a partial exception to the general
rule stated in that clause (ii). Subsection (b) of this Section 3 refers to the
only events, of the various events described at the beginning of the second
paragraph of Section 14 of the Plan, in which the Forfeiture Restrictions shall
terminate or lapse, unless the Committee otherwise decides in accordance with
subsection (c) of this Section 3.

      4. Representations of Grantee. Grantee represents and warrants to the
Company as follows:

      (a) Grantee has received, read, and understood the Plan and this Agreement
and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

      (b) Grantee is acquiring the Restricted Shares for his own account for
investment purposes only and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with,
any unregistered distribution or sale of the Restricted Shares in violation of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any applicable
state securities laws.

                                       2
<PAGE>

      (c) Grantee has no present intention of selling or otherwise disposing of
all or any number of the Restricted Shares.

      (d) Grantee is fully aware of the financial risks involved in an
acquisition of the Restricted Shares and the lack of liquidity of the Restricted
Shares (because of the restrictions on transferability of the Restricted Shares
-- e.g., that Grantee may not be able to sell or dispose of the Restricted
Shares or use them as collateral for loans).

      (e) Grantee is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this
acquisition of the Restricted Shares, has the ability to protect his own
interests in this transaction, and is financially capable of bearing a loss of
the value of the Restricted Shares.

      (f) Grantee represents that he is a resident of the State of Texas.

      5. Compliance with Securities Law. Grantee understands and acknowledges
that the Restricted Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or
any state securities laws and that, notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, his acquisition of the Restricted Shares is expressly
conditioned upon compliance with the Securities Act and all applicable state
securities laws. Grantee agrees to cooperate with the Company to ensure
compliance with such laws. The Restricted Shares are being issued under the
Securities Act pursuant to the exemption provided by Rule 506 under the
Securities Act.

      6. Certain Restrictions on Transfer. Grantee understands that the
Restricted Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are registered under the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or unless exemptions from
such registration are available and that the certificate(s) representing the
Restricted Shares shall bear a legend to that effect. Grantee understands that
the Company is under no obligation to register any resale of any of the
Restricted Shares that may become transferable upon the termination or lapse of
Forfeiture Restrictions and that an exemption may not be available or may not
permit Grantee to resell or transfer any of such Restricted Shares in the
amounts or at the times proposed by Grantee. Grantee has been advised that Rule
144 promulgated under the Securities Act, which permits certain resales of
unregistered securities, is not now available with respect to the Restricted
Shares and, in any event, currently requires that the Restricted Shares be paid
for and held for a minimum of one year before they may be resold under Rule 144.

                                       3
<PAGE>

      7. Escrow of Restricted Shares.

      (a) To ensure the availability for delivery of the Restricted Shares upon
forfeiture and repurchase in accordance with Section 2, Grantee shall, upon
execution of this Agreement, deliver and deposit with an escrow holder
designated by the Company (the "Escrow Holder") the share certificate(s)
representing the Restricted Shares, together with the stock assignment attached
hereto as Exhibit B duly endorsed in blank. The Restricted Shares and stock
assignment shall be held by the Escrow Holder, pursuant to the Joint Escrow
Instructions of the Company and Grantee attached hereto as Exhibit C, until such
time as the Forfeiture Restrictions terminate or lapse or the Restricted Shares
are forfeited and repurchased in accordance with Section 2.

      (b) The Escrow Holder shall not be liable for any act he or she may do or
omit to do with respect to holding the Restricted Shares and/or any other
property in escrow while acting in good faith and in the exercise of his or her
judgment.

      (c) Upon the forfeiture and repurchase of all or any number of the
Restricted Shares by the Company in accordance with Section 2, the Escrow
Holder, upon receipt of written notice from the Company, shall take all steps
necessary to accomplish the transfer of the Restricted Shares to the Company
and/or its assignee(s).

      (d) Upon the termination or lapse of the Forfeiture Restrictions regarding
all or any number of the Restricted Shares and the request of Grantee, the
Escrow Holder shall promptly deliver the certificate(s) to Grantee representing
those Restricted Shares.

      (e) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Grantee shall have all the
rights of a shareholder with respect to the Restricted Shares while they are
held in escrow, including the right to vote the Restricted Shares and to receive
any dividends thereon.

      8. Capital Adjustments and Distributions.

      (a) The number of the Restricted Shares and the Repurchase Price of each
of the Restricted Shares shall be adjusted in accordance with the provisions of
the first paragraph of Section 14 of the Plan.

      (b) Any new, substituted or additional securities or other property
(including any money paid other than as a regular cash dividend) that is, by
reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, or other change in
the outstanding Common Stock, distributed on or with respect to the Restricted
Shares shall be immediately subject to the Forfeiture Restrictions described in
Section 3 and to the forfeiture and repurchase provisions of Section 2.
Appropriate adjustments, as determined by the Committee, to reflect the
distribution of such securities or other property shall be made to the number of
the Restricted Shares and to the Repurchase Price of each of the Restricted
Shares in order to reflect any such event; except that the aggregate Repurchase
Price for all of the Restricted Shares shall remain unchanged.

      9. Administration. The Committee shall interpret this Agreement and shall
prescribe such rules and regulations in connection with the operation of the
Agreement as the Committee determines (in good faith) to be advisable. The
Committee may rescind and amend its rules and

                                       4
<PAGE>

regulations from time to time. The good-faith interpretation by the Committee of
any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be final and binding upon the
Company and Grantee.

      10. Effect of Agreement. Neither the execution of this Agreement nor any
action of the Board or the Committee in connection with or relating to this
Agreement shall be deemed to give Grantee any rights except as may be expressed
in this Agreement. The existence of the Plan and this Agreement shall not affect
in any way the right of the Board, the Committee, or the shareholders of the
Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization,
or other change in the Company's capital structure or its business, any merger
or consolidation or other transaction involving the Company, any issuance of
other shares of Common Stock or any other securities of the Company (including
bonds, debentures, or shares of preferred stock ahead of or affecting the Common
Stock or the rights thereof), the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or
any sale or transfer of all or any part of the Company's assets or business, or
any other corporate act or proceeding by or for the Company. Nothing in the Plan
or in this Agreement shall confer upon Grantee any right with respect to the
Grantee's employment with the Company or affect or interfere in any way with the
right of either the Company or Grantee to terminate Grantee's employment (with
or without cause).

      11. Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required to (i) transfer
on its books, or authorize the Company's transfer agent to transfer on its
books, any Restricted Shares purported to have been sold or otherwise
transferred in violation of any of the provisions of the Plan or this Agreement,
or (ii) treat as owner of such Restricted Shares, or accord the right to vote or
to any dividends or other distributions to, any purchaser or other transferee to
whom or which such Restricted Shares have been purported to be so transferred.

      12. Legend. The share certificate(s) representing the Restricted Shares
shall be endorsed with the following legend, in addition to any legend, required
under applicable securities laws:

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE AND
REPURCHASE AND TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE AND TRANSFER. NONE OF THE
SHARES MAY BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THAT CERTAIN RESTRICTED STOCK
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF
WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE COMPANY.

      13. Tax Consequences. Grantee has reviewed with his own tax advisor(s) the
federal, state, and local tax consequences of this acquisition of the Restricted
Shares and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Grantee is
relying solely on such advisor(s) and not on any statements or representations
of the Company or any of its agents. Grantee understands and agrees that he, and
not the Company, shall be responsible for his own tax liability that may arise
as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Grantee
understands that Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(which, including any amendments and successor provisions to any section
referenced herein and any Treasury regulations promulgated under such section,
is hereinafter referred to as the "Code"), taxes as ordinary income the
difference between the purchase price for the Restricted Shares and the fair
market value of the Restricted Shares as of the date any restrictions on the
Restricted Shares

                                       5
<PAGE>

terminate or lapse. In this context, "restriction" includes the Forfeiture
Restrictions and the right of the Company to repurchase the Restricted Shares
pursuant to Section 2. Grantee understands that he may elect to be taxed at the
time the Restricted Shares are granted, rather than when and as the restrictions
terminate or lapse (if ever), by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the
Code with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days from the
Effective Date. GRANTEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS HIS SOLE RESPONSIBILITY (AND NOT
THE COMPANY'S) TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b), EVEN IF GRANTEE
REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE THAT FILING ON HIS BEHALF.

      14. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. This Agreement and the Plan
constitute the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersede all prior undertakings and agreements of the Parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof. Nothing in the Plan or in this
Agreement (except as expressly provided herein) is intended to confer any rights
or remedies on any person other than the Parties. This Agreement is to be
construed in accordance with, enforced under, and governed by the laws of the
State of Texas.

      15. Amendment. The Committee may at any time or from time to time amend
this Agreement in any respect, except that no amendment that adversely affects
Grantee may be effected without a writing signed by the Parties.

      16. Effectiveness and Term. This Agreement is effective upon the Effective
Date, and it shall continue in effect until the termination or lapse of the
Forfeiture Restrictions or until all of the Restricted Shares are transferred to
the Company and/or its assignee(s), unless sooner terminated by the Parties.

      17. Interpretive Matters. Whenever required by the context, pronouns and
any variation thereof used in this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the
masculine, feminine, or neuter, and the singular shall include the plural, and
vice versa. The term "include" or "including" does not denote or imply any
limitation. The term "business day" means any Monday through Friday other than
such a day on which banks are authorized to be closed in the State of Texas.
Each reference in this Agreement to a "Section" shall be deemed to be to a
section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated. The captions and headings
used in this Agreement are inserted for convenience and shall not be deemed a
part of this Agreement for construction or interpretation.

      18. Venue. Any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to
this Agreement shall be brought in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Texas or in a Texas state court in Dallas County, Texas,
and the Parties shall submit to the jurisdiction of such court. Each of the
Parties irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
objection it or he may have to the laying of venue for any such suit, action, or
proceeding brought in such court. EACH OF THE PARTIES ALSO EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY
RIGHT IT OR HE HAS OR MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION, OR
PROCEEDING.

      19. Severability and Reformation. If any provision of this Agreement is
held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under present or future law, such
provision shall be fully

                                       6
<PAGE>

severable and severed, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if
such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision were never a part hereof, and
the remaining provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect
and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or
its severance.

      20. Notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted
hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed given, effective, and
received upon prepaid delivery in person or by courier, or upon the earlier of
delivery or the third business day after deposit in the United States mail if
sent by certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid, in any case addressed to
the other Party at its or his address as shown beneath its or his signature to
this Agreement, or to such other address as such Party may designate in writing
from time to time by notice to the other Party in accordance with this Section
20.

                                      ACE CASH EXPRESS, INC.

                                      By: /s/ JAY B. SHIPOWITZ
                                          --------------------
                                          Jay B. Shipowitz, President & COO

                                          Address: 1231 Greenway Drive
                                                   Suite 600
                                                   Irving, Texas 75038

GRANTEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE FORFEITURE RESTRICTIONS ON THE
RESTRICTED SHARES SHALL LAPSE, IF AT ALL, ONLY AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS
AGREEMENT (NOT THROUGH BEING ISSUED THE RESTRICTED SHARES).

DATED: January 28, 2003                   SIGNED: /s/ BARRY M. BARRON
                                                  -------------------
                                                  Barry M. Barron

                                                  Address: 1231 Greenway Drive
                                                           Suite 600
                                                           Irving, Texas 75038

                                       7
<PAGE>

                     Exhibit A to Restricted Stock Agreement

                               "CHANGE OF CONTROL"

The following are definitions of "Change of Control" and of various terms used
in the definition of "Change of Control".

"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any one or more of the following:

(i)   Any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, except as the result of (A) any
      acquisition of Voting Securities of the Company by the Company or (B) any
      acquisition of Voting Securities of the Company directly from the Company
      (as authorized by the Board).

(ii)  Individuals who constitute the Incumbent Board cease for any reason to
      constitute at least a majority of the Board; and for this purpose, any
      individual who becomes a member of the Board after the date of this
      Agreement whose election, or nomination for election by holders of the
      Company's Voting Securities, was approved by the vote of at least a
      majority of the individuals then constituting the Incumbent Board shall be
      considered a member of the Incumbent Board (except that any such
      individual whose initial election as director occurs as the result of an
      actual or threatened election contest, within the meaning of Rule 14a-11
      under the Exchange Act, or other actual or threatened solicitation of
      proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board shall
      not be so considered).

(iii) The consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange,
      consolidation, or sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the
      assets of the Company unless, in any case, the Persons who or which
      Beneficially Own the Voting Securities of the Company immediately before
      that transaction Beneficially Own, directly or indirectly, immediately
      after the transaction, at least 75% of the Voting Securities of the
      Company or any other corporation or other entity resulting from or
      surviving the transaction (including a corporation or other entity which,
      as the result of the transaction, owns all or substantially all of Voting
      Securities of the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's
      assets, either directly or indirectly through one or more subsidiaries) in
      substantially the same proportion as their respective ownership of the
      Voting Securities of the Company immediately before that transaction.

(iv)  The Company's shareholders approve a complete liquidation or dissolution
      of the Company.

"Acquiring Person" means any Person (other than an Excluded Person) who or
which, alone or together with all Affiliates and Associates of that Person, is
the Beneficial Owner of 25% or more of the Voting Securities of the Company then
outstanding.

"Affiliate" and "Associate" have the respective meanings ascribed to them in
Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act.

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

"Beneficial Owner" means beneficial owner as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act. ("Beneficially Owns" has the correlative meaning.) Any calculation
of the number of Voting Securities outstanding at any particular time, including
for purposes of determining the particular percentage of such outstanding Voting
Securities of which any Person is the Beneficial Owner, shall be made in
accordance with the last sentence of Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) under the Exchange Act.

"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

"Company" means Ace Cash Express, Inc., a Texas corporation.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time
to time.

"Excluded Person" means:

(i)   Grantee or any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the
      Exchange Act) of which Grantee is a member;

(ii)  any Person that controls (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act)
      the Company as of the date of the Agreement or any group of which any such
      Person is a member;

(iii) any employee-benefit plan, or related trust, sponsored or maintained by
      the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any trustee or other fiduciary
      thereof; or

(iv)  any corporation or other entity owned directly or indirectly by the
      shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their
      ownership of the Voting Securities of the Company.

"Grantee" means Barry M. Barron.

"Incumbent Board" means the members of the Board on the effective date of the
Agreement (subject, however, to clause (ii) of the definition of "Change of
Control").

"Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, trust, or other entity, including any successor (by merger or
otherwise) of such entity.

"Voting Securities" means securities or other interests having by their terms
ordinary voting power to elect members of the board of directors of a
corporation or individuals serving similar functions for a noncorporate entity.

                                       2
<PAGE>

                     Exhibit B to Restricted Stock Agreement

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

      FOR VALUE RECEIVED, I, _______________________, hereby sell, assign, and
transfer unto Ace Cash Express, Inc. (the "Company") or ____________________ a
total of ____________________ (________________) shares of the Company's Common
Stock standing in my name in the share transfer records of the Company
represented by Certificate No. ___ delivered herewith and do hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint _________________________ as attorney-in-fact, with full
power of substitution, to transfer such shares in the share transfer records of
the Company.

-------------------------------------
(Signature)

------------------------------------
(Printed name)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature and name lines. The
purpose of this assignment is to enable the transfer of shares upon forfeiture
and repurchase under the Restricted Stock Agreement, without requiring
additional signatures on the part of Grantee.

                                      B-1
<PAGE>

                     Exhibit C to Restricted Stock Agreement

                            JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS

January 28, 2003

P. Sandra Landau
Ace Cash Express, Inc.
1231 Greenway Drive, Suite 600
Irving, TX 75038

Dear Sandra:

As Escrow Agent for both Ace Cash Express, Inc., a Texas corporation (the
"Company"), and Barry M. Barron ("Grantee") of 2,500 restricted shares of Common
Stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company (the "Restricted Shares") under
that certain Restricted Stock Agreement between the Company and Grantee dated as
of this date (the "Agreement"), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold
the Restricted Shares, the stock certificate(s) evidencing the Restricted
Shares, and any other property and documents delivered to you pursuant to the
Agreement (all of which being deemed part of the "Restricted Shares" hereunder)
in accordance with the following instructions:

1.    In the event any or all of the Restricted Shares are forfeited and to be
      repurchased by the Company and/or its assignee(s) under the Agreement, the
      Company shall give Grantee and you a written notice of forfeiture and
      repurchase which sets forth the number of the Restricted Shares to be
      forfeited and repurchased under the Agreement (the "Forfeited Shares"),
      the aggregate purchase price for the Forfeited Shares, and the time for
      the closing of the repurchase transaction at the principal office of the
      Company (the "Notice"). Grantee and the Company hereby irrevocably
      authorize and direct you to complete the transaction described in the
      Notice in accordance with the terms of the Notice.

2.    To complete the transaction described in the Notice, you are directed to
      (a) complete, as appropriate, the stock assignment(s) necessary for the
      transfer of Forfeited Shares as described in the Notice, and (b) deliver
      them, together with the certificate(s) evidencing the Forfeited Shares to
      be transferred, to the Company and/or its assignee(s), against the
      delivery to you of the aggregate purchase price for the Forfeited Shares.
      You are then directed to deliver to Grantee the aggregate purchase price
      for the Forfeited Shares and the certificate(s) evidencing any of the
      Restricted Shares that are not Forfeited Shares.

3.    Grantee irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any and all
      certificates evidencing the Restricted

                                      C-1
<PAGE>

      Shares, and any additions to and substitutions for the Restricted Shares
      as described in the Agreement, to be held by you hereunder. Grantee hereby
      irrevocably constitutes and appoints you as his attorney-in-fact and agent
      for the term of this escrow to execute with respect to such Restricted
      Shares all documents necessary or appropriate to make such Restricted
      Shares negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated.
      Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, Grantee shall be entitled
      to exercise all rights and privileges of a shareholder of the Company with
      respect to the Restricted Shares while the Restricted Shares are held by
      you.

4.    Upon written request to you and the Company by Grantee following the
      termination or lapse of the Forfeiture Restrictions described in the
      Agreement, you shall deliver to Grantee one or more certificates
      representing those Restricted Shares as to which the Forfeiture
      Restrictions have terminated or lapsed.

5.    If, at the time of termination of this escrow (upon the termination or
      lapse of the Forfeiture Restrictions regarding all of the Restricted
      Shares or upon transfer of all of the Forfeited Shares to the Company
      and/or its assignee(s), in accordance with the Agreement), you should have
      in your possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging
      to Grantee, you shall deliver all of the same to the Grantee and shall be
      discharged of all further obligations hereunder.

6.    Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified, or revoked only
      by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

7.    You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are
      specifically set forth herein and may rely, and shall be protected in
      relying or refraining from acting, on any instrument reasonably believed
      by you to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper
      party or parties. You shall not be personally liable for any act you may
      do or omit to do hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for
      Grantee while acting in good faith, and any act done or omitted by you
      pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence
      of such good faith.

8.    You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings
      given by any of the other parties hereto or by any other person or entity,
      excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby
      expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments, or decrees
      of any court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment, or
      decree, you shall not be liable to any of the other parties hereto or to
      any other person or entity by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding
      any such order, judgment, or decree being subsequently reversed, modified,
      annulled, set aside, vacated, or found to have been entered without
      jurisdiction.

9.    You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity,
      authorities, or rights of the parties executing or delivering, or
      purporting to execute or deliver, the Agreement or any documents or papers
      deposited or called for hereunder.

10.   You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts as
      you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your
      obligations hereunder, may rely

                                       2
<PAGE>

      upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay such counsel reasonable
      compensation therefor, for which you will be reimbursed by the Company.

11.   Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you
      shall cease to be an officer or agent of the Company or if you shall
      resign by written notice to each other party hereto. In the event of any
      such termination, the Company shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.

12.   If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection with
      these Joint Escrow Instructions or any obligations in respect hereto, the
      necessary party or parties hereto shall join in furnishing such
      instruments.

13.   It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect to
      the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the Restricted
      Shares or any other property held by you hereunder, you are authorized and
      directed to retain in your possession, without liability to anyone, all or
      any part of such property until such dispute shall have been settled
      either by mutual written agreement of the parties concerned or by a final
      order, decree, or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction after the
      time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected, but you
      shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend any such
      proceedings.

14.   Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and
      shall be given by personal or courier delivery or deposit in the United
      States mail, by registered or certified mail with postage and fees
      prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the
      following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may designate by
      advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto:

            If to the Company:            Ace Cash Express, Inc.
                                          1231 Greenway Drive

                                          Suite 600

                                          Irving, Texas 75038

                                          Attention:  Jay B. Shipowitz

            If to Grantee:                Barry M. Barron
                                          c/o 1231 Greenway Drive

                                          Suite 600
                                          Irving, Texas 75038

            If to the Escrow Agent:       P. Sandra Landau
                                          c/o 1231 Greenway Drive
                                          Suite 600
                                          Irving, Texas 75038

      Any notice so given by personal or courier delivery shall be deemed to
      have been duly given upon delivery, and any notice so given by United
      States mail shall be deemed to

                                       3
<PAGE>

      have been duly given upon the earlier of receipt by the addressee or the
      third business day after deposit in the mail.

15.   By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party hereto only
      for the purpose of the Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a
      party to the Agreement.

16.   This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
      parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

17.   These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by, and construed and
      enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas.

Very truly yours,

ACE CASH EXPRESS, INC.

By:  /s/ JAY B. SHIPOWITZ
     --------------------
     Jay B. Shipowitz, President & COO

GRANTEE:

/s/ BARRY M. BARRON
-------------------
BARRY M. BARRON

ESCROW AGENT:

/s/ P. SANDRA LANDAU
--------------------
P. Sandra Landau, Corporate Attorney

                                       4

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