FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn store chain. The company was founded to serve cash and credit-constrained consumers through a network of retail pawn locations. With approximately 22,000 employees across the U.S., Latin America, and the United Kingdom, FirstCash has established itself as a major player in the alternative lending and retail goods sector. The company is included in both the S&P MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index, indicating its significant market presence.
FirstCash's primary service is making small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property. Customers can pawn items including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments to receive immediate cash. Beyond lending, FirstCash operates a substantial retail component where it buys and sells merchandise, specializing in gold and precious metals. The company also offers layaway services with a 10% down payment option, and through its wholly owned subsidiary AFF, provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through 15,000+ merchant partner locations nationwide.
What distinguishes FirstCash from other pawn operators is its scale—operating over 3,300 stores across multiple countries and continents. The company has developed a technology-driven platform and point-of-sale payment solutions, indicating modernization beyond traditional pawn shop operations. Their expansion into lease-to-own financing through the AFF subsidiary demonstrates diversification into complementary financial services for underserved consumers.
Pawn loans are non-recourse, meaning the lender cannot pursue the borrower beyond the pledged collateral if the loan is not repaid. While this protects borrowers, pawn loans typically come with higher effective interest rates due to short terms and the costs of storing and selling merchandise. FirstCash's retail locations serve customers who need immediate cash but lack traditional credit access, making it suitable for emergency situations rather than long-term financial solutions.