FirstCash is the leading international pawn shop operator with 3,300+ locations across the U.S., Latin America, and the UK, buying and selling merchandise while offering non-recourse pawn loans.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn shop chain with over 3,300 retail locations. The company was founded to serve cash and credit-constrained consumers through a network spanning 29 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the United Kingdom, and Latin America (including Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador). FirstCash is a publicly traded component of both the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Russell 2000 Index, employing approximately 22,000 people globally.
FirstCash's core business involves retail pawn operations where customers can obtain non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property. The company buys and sells a wide variety of merchandise including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. They also offer ancillary services including layaway plans (with 10% down payment options), gold and precious metal buying, and retail sales of pre-owned merchandise. Additionally, through its wholly owned subsidiary AFF, FirstCash provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through over 15,000 retail merchant partner locations nationwide.
FirstCash distinguishes itself through its scale as the largest pawn operator internationally, extensive geographic footprint with stores across multiple continents, and diversified revenue streams beyond traditional pawn lending. The company's subsidiary AFF represents a significant technology-driven expansion into point-of-sale payment solutions and lease-to-own financing, extending their reach beyond physical pawn locations. Their inclusion in major stock indices indicates institutional credibility and financial stability uncommon in the pawn industry.
As a legitimate pawn lender, FirstCash provides fast cash access without credit checks, though pawn loans require collateral surrender and carry implicit interest rates embedded in the redemption difference. The pawn model is straightforward—customers either redeem their item or lose it—but this means items of sentimental or irreplaceable value carry real risk. The company's massive scale and profitability indicate effective business operations, though like all pawn shops, they profit most when customers cannot reclaim pledged items.
Yes. Cash America Pawn is a registered company headquartered in 2616 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for consumers facing immediate cash needs who have valuable collateral they can temporarily part with and confidently redeem within the loan period. The primary caveat is that pawn loans carry substantial implicit costs, do not build credit, and result in permanent loss of pledged items if redemption deadlines are missed—making them a high-cost solution suitable only for short-term liquidity gaps, not ongoing credit or financing needs.
Diamond Banc Tampa offers collateral-based equity loans and outright purchases of fine jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches — a premium alternative to traditional pawn shops.
Best for: Owners of high-value fine jewelry or luxury watches ($50,000+) who need fast short-term liquidity, Borrowers who cannot or prefer not to use their credit profile to qualify for a loan
ACCC is a non-profit credit counseling agency offering free consultations, debt management programs, and bankruptcy counseling to help consumers escape credit card debt.
Best for: Consumers with $6K–$100K+ in credit card debt who are still current or only slightly behind, Individuals legally required to complete bankruptcy counseling (pre- or post-filing)
Family-owned Florida pawn shop since 1986 buying, selling, and trading jewelry, guns, fishing equipment, tools, and electronics across two Tampa locations.
Best for: Individuals needing immediate cash by pawning or selling tangible assets, Gun owners and fishing enthusiasts seeking to buy, sell, or trade in their categories
Learn what makes up your credit score, how it's calculated, what the ranges mean, and how to check yours for free.
Read guide →Your credit report contains the raw data behind your score. Learn what's in it, how to read it, and how to dispute errors that could be dragging your score down.
Read guide →Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — they make spending easy. But what happens to your credit score when you use them? Here's what the fine print doesn't tell you.
Read guide →Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Cash America Pawn and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Our editorial team independently evaluates all services. Compensation does not influence our ratings or rankings. Learn more.