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.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn store chain with over 3,300 retail locations across 29 U.S. states and Washington D.C., the United Kingdom, and Latin America including Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador. The company was founded to serve cash and credit-constrained consumers who need fast access to funds without traditional credit requirements.
FirstCash's primary service is non-recourse pawn loans, where customers pledge personal property as collateral to receive immediate cash. The company buys and sells a wide variety of merchandise including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. Beyond pawn lending, FirstCash offers layaway services with 10% down payments, gold/precious metals buying, and retail merchandise sales. Through its subsidiary AFF, the company also provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions across 15,000+ merchant partner locations nationwide.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its scale as the dominant international pawn operator and technology integration. The company is publicly traded (S&P MidCap 400 Index and Russell 2000 Index components) and employs approximately 22,000 people globally. Their widespread store network provides convenient access across multiple states and countries, and their online store locator helps customers find nearby locations easily.
FirstCash serves a specific market niche of consumers with limited credit access seeking collateral-based loans. While pawn loans offer faster funding than traditional loans and require no credit check, they come with the inherent risk of losing pledged items if loans aren't repaid. The company's strength lies in accessibility and speed rather than favorable loan terms compared to traditional lenders.
Yes. Cash America Pawn is a registered company headquartered in 3051 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for unbanked or credit-constrained consumers who own valuable items and need immediate cash without credit checks or approval delays. The main caveat is that pawn loans charge high interest rates and fees, and borrowers risk losing their pledged property if they cannot repay—making this a last-resort option rather than a sustainable financial solution.
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.
Best for: Consumers needing immediate cash without credit checks or background verification, Individuals with valuable items (jewelry, electronics, instruments) willing to use them as collateral temporarily
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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