EZ Pawn Corp is a New York City-based pawnbroking chain founded in 1996 by David Kaminsky, whose father Martin Kaminsky launched Gem Pawnbrokers in Brooklyn in 1947 after immigrating post-WWII. Now spanning three generations of the Kaminsky family, the business has grown from a single location to one of the fastest-expanding pawn chains in the city, with David's children actively involved in operations including marketing.
The company's core offering is collateral-based pawn lending: customers bring items of value to any of their 17 NYC stores, loan officers appraise the item, and the customer walks out with cash in hand along with a loan agreement. The stated rate is 4% per month. Loan terms run from 1 to 4 months based on the on-site calculator. EZ Pawn also operates a buy/sell retail side, purchasing used goods outright and reselling pre-owned merchandise in-store. In compliance with the Military Lending Act, active-duty servicemembers and their dependents are offered loans capped at 36% APR rather than the standard monthly rate.
What distinguishes EZ Pawn Corp from smaller independent pawn operators is the combination of scale, family legacy, and community presence. With 17 locations spread across New York City's five boroughs, geographic convenience is a genuine asset. The company has received press coverage from CBS 2 New York and The New York Times, and it partners annually with charities including the Kiss Cares Coat Drive and the NYC AIDS Walk. Customer reviews highlight friendly, knowledgeable staff and listed transactions.
For consumers weighing options, EZ Pawn is best approached as a short-term liquidity tool rather than a credit product. The 4% monthly rate equals a 48% simple annual rate, and the loan calculator explicitly warns that fees are approximations and exclude storage, handling, and late charges — meaning the true cost can be higher. There is no indication of an online application or remote appraisal service; borrowers must visit a physical store. The service is geographically restricted to New York City residents.