FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the largest international pawn store chain, with over 3,300 retail locations spanning 29 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the United Kingdom, and Latin America (including Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador). The company also owns AFF, a subsidiary providing lease-to-own and retail finance solutions through 15,000+ merchant partners nationwide. With approximately 22,000 employees globally, FirstCash is a publicly traded company listed in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Russell 2000 Index.
FirstCash serves cash and credit-constrained consumers through its core pawn lending business and retail merchandise operations. The company makes small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property, and buys and sells a diverse range of items including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. Beyond pawn loans, FirstCash offers layaway services (with 10% down payments), gold and precious metal purchasing, retail sales, and lease-to-own financing through its AFF subsidiary.
FirstCash distinguishes itself through its massive scale and geographic reach as the dominant player in the international pawn industry. The company's dual business model combining pawn lending with retail merchandise sales and lease-to-own solutions through AFF provides multiple revenue streams. Their store locator tool and online presence reflect a modern approach to the traditional pawn business, while their inclusion in major stock indices signals institutional credibility.
For consumers, FirstCash represents a legitimate but traditional alternative to banks for immediate cash access, with the inherent trade-offs of pawn lending: no credit requirements but loss of collateral if unable to repay, and the need to physically visit a store. The non-recourse nature of pawn loans (lender cannot pursue additional collection) offers protection compared to other lending products. However, pawn lending remains expensive relative to traditional loans, and consumers should understand the full terms before pledging valuable items.