FirstCash is the leading international pawn shop operator with 3,300+ locations across the U.S., UK, and Latin America, offering pawn loans, retail sales, and gold buying services.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn shop chain with over 3,300 retail locations across 29 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the United Kingdom, and Latin America (including all Mexican states, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador). The company employs approximately 22,000 people and is indexed in both the S&P MidCap 400 and Russell 2000, indicating its scale as a publicly traded enterprise in the consumer lending space.
FirstCash's core business model centers on serving cash and credit-constrained consumers through pawn loans secured by personal property collateral. Their retail locations buy and sell a diverse inventory including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. Beyond traditional pawn lending, FirstCash offers layaway services (requiring 10% down), gold and precious metal buying, and general retail merchandise sales. The company also operates a wholly owned subsidiary, AFF, which provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through over 15,000 merchant partner locations nationwide.
FirstCash distinguishes itself through its massive geographic footprint and scale, making it one of the few pawn operators with truly national and international reach. Their technology-driven point-of-sale systems and diverse service offerings (pawn loans, retail sales, gold buying, layaway) provide multiple entry points for consumers with different financial needs. The company's public market status and index inclusion suggest operational efficiency and regulatory compliance standards above typical independent pawn shops.
Pawn loans through FirstCash are non-recourse, meaning borrowers are not personally liable if the pledged item is sold. However, borrowers should understand that pawn loans typically carry short terms (often 30-90 days) and high effective interest rates due to storage, insurance, and handling costs. The layaway service represents an alternative for consumers who prefer payment plans over collateral-based borrowing. Like all pawn shops, FirstCash's value proposition depends heavily on inventory availability and loan terms specific to individual locations.
Yes. Fast Cash Pawn & Jewelry is a registered company, headquartered in Denver, CO.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for consumers facing immediate cash needs who have valuable collateral but lack access to traditional credit, or for bargain hunters seeking used merchandise. The main caveat is that pawn loans, while fast and accessible, carry high effective costs and short repayment terms that can create a cycle of frequent borrowing; this should be treated as a last-resort emergency option, not a primary lending solution.
E Pawn Atlanta is the largest independently owned pawn shop chain in Atlanta with 8 locations, offering in-store and online collateral-based loans on luxury items ranging from $1K to $1M.
Best for: High-net-worth individuals with valuable luxury assets (watches, jewelry, vehicles) needing immediate cash without credit evaluation, Borrowers with poor credit history or no credit file who need short-term collateral-based loans
Eagle Jewelry and Loan is a Houston-based pawn shop specializing in pre-owned jewelry, watches, and accessories since 1995. They offer in-person transactions and online layaway payments.
Best for: Houston-area residents seeking to sell or pawn jewelry, watches, or luxury accessories, Customers preferring in-person transactions with face-to-face evaluation
Royal Pawn Chicago buys and loans on precious metals, diamonds, jewelry, and collectibles. Featured on the TV show Hardcore Pawn: Chicago.
Best for: Chicago residents needing immediate cash for gold, diamonds, or jewelry with no credit requirements, People with inherited or unwanted precious metals/jewelry who want local expert evaluation and fast payout
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