FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores with over 3,300 locations across 29 U.S. states, the UK, and Latin America, offering pawn loans secured by personal property and retail merchandise sales.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn store operator with more than 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 listed on both the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index, indicating its scale and legitimacy as a major financial services provider.
FirstCash's primary business model focuses on serving cash and credit-constrained consumers through two main service lines: (1) making small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property, and (2) buying and selling a wide variety of merchandise including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. The company also operates layaway services with convenient 10% down payment plans for consumers seeking alternative purchasing methods. Additionally, FirstCash operates AFF, a wholly owned subsidiary providing lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through a network of over 15,000 active retail merchant partner locations nationwide.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its massive scale and international reach compared to independent pawn shops, combined with its dual focus on lending and retail operations. The company specifically targets consumers who are cash or credit constrained, positioning pawn loans as a fast alternative to traditional lending. Their layaway service and "What We Buy" emphasis on gold, jewelry, and electronics reflect a diversified approach to serving multiple customer needs beyond just lending.
For consumers, FirstCash represents an accessible but important financial trade-off: immediate cash access without credit checks or lengthy approval processes, but at the cost of surrendering personal property as collateral. The non-recourse nature of pawn loans (meaning you lose the item if you don't repay) and the retail markup on goods sold are inherent limitations. This is best suited for short-term cash needs rather than long-term financing, and consumers should understand that pawn loans are significantly more expensive than traditional personal loans or credit-based alternatives.
Yes. Half Price Pawn is a registered company, headquartered in Houston, TX.
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CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for cash-constrained consumers who need immediate funds and can pledge personal property, or those seeking layaway alternatives to credit-based purchases. The critical caveat is that pawn loans are an expensive way to borrow money relative to alternatives—you're trading your property for liquidity, making this suitable only for genuine emergency short-term needs, not ongoing financial management.
Devon Pawn Shop is a Chicago-based pawn broker offering instant cash for jewelry, watches, antiques, coins, and designer items with over 35 years of local service.
Best for: Individuals needing immediate cash without credit checks or waiting periods, People with valuable items (jewelry, watches, collectibles) they want to sell quickly for cash
Low Percent Loans operates as a pawn shop offering collateral-based lending with competitive rates. Limited website information available.
Best for: Local borrowers seeking quick access to cash against personal property in their area, Customers preferring collateral-based loans without credit checks
Family-operated pawn shop group serving Miami/South Florida since 1985, offering collateral-based loans, jewelry sales, and gold buying services.
Best for: Customers needing immediate cash with no credit check requirements, People seeking to sell or purchase jewelry and gold items locally
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