FirstCash is the leading international pawn shop operator 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 largest international pawn shop network. The company was established to serve cash and credit-constrained consumers through a massive retail footprint spanning 29 U.S. states, Washington D.C., the United Kingdom, and Latin American countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador. With over 3,300 pawn locations and approximately 22,000 employees, FirstCash is a publicly traded company indexed in both the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 and Russell 2000.
FirstCash's core service is pawn loans—non-recourse loans secured by pledged personal property. Customers can pawn a wide variety of items including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments for immediate cash. Beyond pawn loans, the company operates retail sales of merchandise, gold buying services, and a layaway program requiring 10% down payment. Through its wholly owned subsidiary AFF, FirstCash also provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions across a network of over 15,000 merchant partner locations.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its scale and international reach. As the market leader in pawn operations, the company benefits from established brand recognition, extensive store locations for convenience, and standardized processes. The company also offers ancillary services like gold and precious metal buying (customers can sell gold, silver, or platinum for immediate cash) and a layaway service, providing flexibility beyond traditional pawn loans.
For consumers, FirstCash represents a legitimate option for quick cash against collateral without credit checks or debt obligations. However, pawn loans inherently carry the risk of losing pledged items if unable to repay. While non-recourse status protects borrowers from debt collection, the convenience and speed come at the cost of losing personal property. Interest rates on pawn loans are not disclosed on the website, making it difficult to compare costs upfront.
Yes. Cash America Pawn is a registered company headquartered in 1601 Newton St, New Orleans, LA 70114. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for consumers facing immediate cash needs who own valuable collateral and prefer to avoid credit checks and debt obligations. The primary caveat is that pawning items means risking loss of personal property if the loan cannot be repaid, and actual interest rates and terms are not transparently displayed on their website, requiring in-store consultation.
OneMain Financial offers secured and unsecured personal loans from $1,500–$30,000 at fixed rates of 11.99%–35.99% APR, with branch, phone, and online applications.
Best for: Borrowers with fair or poor credit who need $1,500–$30,000 and can't qualify at a bank, Consumers who prefer in-person guidance from a loan specialist
FirstCash is the leading international pawn shop operator with 3,300+ locations across 29 U.S. states, the UK, and Latin America, offering pawn loans secured by personal property and retail merchandise sales.
Best for: Consumers with poor or no credit history who need emergency cash quickly, People with valuable items (jewelry, electronics, instruments) willing to use them as collateral for short-term loans
Fischer's Jewelry is an independently owned New Orleans jewelry retailer specializing in diamond engagement rings, bridal sets, and fine gemstone jewelry since 1962. Despite being listed as a pawn shop, their website exclusively showcases retail jewelry sales.
Best for: Engaged couples shopping for diamond engagement rings and bridal sets with $1,500-$3,500+ budgets, Customers seeking branded fine jewelry from established vendors with detailed product specifications
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