FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores with 3,300+ locations across 29 U.S. states, the UK, and Latin America, offering pawn loans secured by personal property.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn store operator with over 3,300 retail locations. The company was founded to serve cash and credit-constrained consumers who need immediate access to funds or affordable retail options. FirstCash's core business involves buying and selling merchandise including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments, while also providing small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property.
The company offers multiple consumer services beyond traditional pawn loans. Customers can obtain pawn loans quickly by using personal property as collateral, sell gold and precious metals for immediate cash, purchase items through layaway plans with 10% down payments, and browse retail inventory across their extensive store network. FirstCash also operates AFF, a wholly owned subsidiary providing lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through a network of over 15,000 active retail merchant partner locations. The company employs approximately 22,000 people across the U.S., Latin America, and the United Kingdom.
FirstCash distinguishes itself through its massive scale and international presence, operating one of the largest pawn networks globally with locations spanning from Alaska to Guatemala. The company is publicly traded and listed in both the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index, indicating institutional credibility and financial stability. Their dual-business model combining pawn operations with technology-driven point-of-sale payment solutions through AFF creates diversified revenue streams and broader consumer reach.
For consumers, FirstCash represents a mainstream, established pawn option with transparent locations and standardized services. However, pawn loans inherently involve risk of losing collateral if unable to repay, and interest rates on pawn loans can be substantial. Layaway services require upfront capital and tie up funds for extended periods. The company's size and scale do not necessarily guarantee favorable loan terms compared to traditional personal loans or credit unions, and consumers should compare options before pledging valuable items.
Yes. Action Pawn is a registered company headquartered in 5345 Walzem Rd, San Antonio, TX 78218. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for cash-constrained consumers with valuable personal items who need immediate funds and cannot access traditional credit products. The main caveat is that pawn loans require surrendering collateral with risk of loss, typically carry higher costs than personal loans, and should only be used when other financing options are exhausted.
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