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EZ Pawn Corp Jackson Heights, New York — Family-owned pawnbroker with 17 NYC locations since 1996, offering collateral-based loans at 4% monthly (48% AP...
Data compiled from public sources
EZ Pawn Corp is a three-generation family pawn business founded in 1996 by David Kaminsky, whose father Martin established the original Gem Pawnbrokers in Brooklyn in 1947. The company has grown from a single location into one of the fastest-expanding pawn chains in New York City, now operating 17 conveniently dispersed stores throughout the five boroughs. The business maintains strong community ties and partners with local charities including the Kiss Cares Coat Drive and NYC AIDS Walk.
EZ Pawn Corp offers two primary services: collateral-based loans and retail buying/selling. For loans, customers bring items of value (jewelry, electronics, watches, etc.) for professional appraisal by knowledgeable loan officers, receive same-day cash, and get a loan agreement. The stated loan rate is 4% per month, though the Military Lending Act requires active duty military and dependents receive a 36% APR cap. For retail, customers can sell items outright or purchase discounted merchandise from inventory. The loan calculator on their website shows listed fee structures, though they note additional charges may apply for storage and handling.
The company distinguishes itself through generational experience context in jewelry and watch appraisal (tracing to the original founder's watch repair background), emphasis on friendly customer service and professional operations, and multiple Manhattan/Brooklyn/Queens locations for accessibility. Press coverage from CBS 2 New York and The New York Times highlights their positioning as a "financial institution" offering "bridge loans" to the community, with company leadership framing their role as community-focused financial assistance rather than high-cost lending.
However, the 4% monthly rate (48% APR) remains substantially above federal payday alternative caps (36% APR). While the company emphasizes transparency and military lending compliance, the core business model depends on customers unable to access traditional credit. Customer reviews are uniformly positive but limited in sample size and recency (2017-2019). Storage fees and additional late fees mentioned in fine print create potential for cost surprises.
This is state-level context for Pawn Shops consumers in Jackson Heights, NY. It does not confirm that EZ Pawn Corp or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
New York Department of Financial Services
Consumer protection
Short-term lending status: Banned
General rate context: 16% civil usury; 25% criminal usury; payday lending banned
New York bans payday lending through its 16% civil usury and 25% criminal usury caps. The Department of Financial Services aggressively pursues illegal online payday lenders. Consumers have strong protections under state law and can file complaints with DFS or the Attorney General.
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
EZ Pawn Corp offers 10 services including Collateral-based pawn loans with same-day cash payout, Professional appraisal of jewelry, watches, and electronics, Jewelry and watch expertise appraisal services, Outright purchase and sale of customer items, Retail buying of used merchandise, and 5 more.
EZ Pawn Corp has profile signals associated with Customers with valuable collateral (jewelry, electronics, watches) researching short-term cash access for unexpected expenses, Active duty military and dependents eligible for 36% APR cap under Military Lending Act, Individuals in NYC with access to multiple store locations seeking quick bridge loans, People looking to sell used items quickly without online marketplace hassle.
Key strengths: 17 convenient NYC locations across all five boroughs for accessibility; Same-day cash payout in hand, no waiting for funding; Three-generation family business (established 1996) with documented experience context in jewelry and watch appraisal. Areas to consider: 4% monthly rate (48% APR) significantly exceeds the 36% APR federal payday alternative standard; Additional fees for storage and handling not included in advertised rate, creating cost uncertainty.
In the Pawn Shops category, comparable providers include 24hr pawn shop, A-1 Pawn Brokers, Abe Mor Diamonds. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
EZ Pawn Corp is best suited for NYC residents with valuable collateral who are researching short-term cash access and cannot access traditional credit, particularly active duty military benefiting from the 36% APR cap. The main caveat is that 48% APR substantially exceeds payday alternative benchmarks, and additional undisclosed fees (storage, handling, late charges) create potential for cost escalation beyond the advertised rate.
NYC-based pawn shop offering same-day cash for luxury watches, jewelry, diamonds, and electronics with extended hours until 2 AM on weekdays.
Profile signals: Individuals researching short-term cash access for luxury items (watches, jewelry, diamonds) without appointment hassles, Night-shift or late-evening workers who need pawn services outside standard business hours
A-1 Pawn Brokers offers collateral-based loans and direct purchases of valuables including gold, silver, diamonds, and watches with 35+ years of experience.
Profile signals: Consumers with poor or no credit history who are researching short-term cash access and may not meet traditional loan criteria, Individuals with valuable items (jewelry, watches, coins) they're willing to pledge short-term for liquidity
Family-owned diamond and jewelry buyer/seller in NYC since 1954, offering both retail purchases and consignment sales through their online platform.
Profile signals: Jewelry store owners and retailers seeking wholesale diamond inventory with personalized supplier relationships, NYC-based consumers selling inherited diamonds or jewelry who prefer local in-person evaluation
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