FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores with 3,300+ locations across 29 U.S. states, D.C., the U.K., and Latin America, offering pawn loans secured by personal property.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
FirstCash, Inc., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the dominant player in the pawn lending industry with over 3,300 retail pawn and consumer lending locations globally. The company was founded on the principle of serving cash and credit-constrained consumers who need fast access to funds without credit checks. FirstCash operates in 29 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as internationally in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador, making it a truly international operation.
The company's core business revolves around pawn loans—non-recourse loans secured by pledged personal property. In addition to lending, FirstCash buys and sells a wide variety of merchandise including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. They also offer gold and silver buying services, layaway plans with 10% down payments, and retail sales. Through its subsidiary AFF, FirstCash provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions via over 15,000 merchant partner locations nationwide.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its scale and market leadership. With approximately 22,000 employees and inclusion in both the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Russell 2000 Index, FirstCash operates at institutional scale while maintaining the accessibility and speed associated with traditional pawn lending. The company's extensive store network and technology infrastructure allow consumers to access loans quickly without lengthy approval processes or credit inquiries.
FirstCash is best suited for consumers facing immediate cash needs who have personal items of value to pledge. However, pawn loans come with the inherent risk of losing pledged items if loans aren't repaid, and interest rates, while typically lower than payday loans, still represent a significant cost. The company primarily serves unbanked and underbanked populations, though the broad geographic footprint means it's accessible to a wide range of consumers.
Yes. Bayou Pawn is a registered company, headquartered in Houston, TX.
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CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is ideal for consumers with immediate cash needs who own valuable personal property and cannot access traditional credit. The main caveat is that borrowers risk losing their pledged items if they cannot repay the loan, and despite being cheaper than payday loans, pawn loans still carry meaningful interest costs that make them a short-term emergency solution rather than a sustainable financial strategy.
Hollywood Pawners is a pawn broker and shop located in Oak Park's North Avenue District, offering collateral-based lending and merchandise sales.
Best for: Consumers needing immediate cash with no credit checks or background verification, Individuals with poor credit who cannot qualify for traditional loans or lines of credit
Family-operated pawn shop group serving Miami/South Florida since 1985, offering collateral-based loans, jewelry sales, and gold buying services.
Best for: Customers needing immediate cash with no credit check requirements, People seeking to sell or purchase jewelry and gold items locally
Family-owned pawn shop chain operating 14+ locations across Houston, Dallas, Irving, and Fort Worth since 2006, offering collateral-based loans, jewelry repair, and merchandise sales.
Best for: Individuals needing immediate cash without credit approval, People with valuable items they can temporarily surrender as collateral
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