San Francisco's oldest continuously operating pawn shop (since 1884) offering collateral-based loans on jewelry, watches, and other valuables with no credit check required.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Maxferd Jewelry & Loan is the oldest continually operated pawn shop in San Francisco and the entire continental United States, having opened in 1884. The shop is located at 201 Kearny Street at the corner of Kearny and Sutter in San Francisco's Financial District. It has earned the reputation of being "the Tiffany of pawn shops" for the quality and integrity of its operations over more than 130 years of business.
Maxferd offers collateral-based loans secured by jewelry, watches, precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, high-end cameras, Apple products, musical instruments, luxury handbags, collectibles, and art. The loan process is streamlined: in-person evaluation, verbal quote within minutes, identification verification, contract signing, and same-day cash payment by cash, wire, or check. New clients receive a special promotional offer of 0%-1% interest with a four-month loan term and roll-over option without additional interest. The shop also provides professional jewelry repair and restoration services performed by in-house jewelers, and operates a layaway program for customers who wish to purchase items over time.
Maxferd distinguishes itself through its unmatched historical longevity, expert in-house jewelry repair capabilities, acceptance of diverse collateral types beyond jewelry, and promotional financing terms (0%-1% APR) that are competitive within the pawn industry. The company emphasizes confidentiality, fast approval, and the absence of credit checks—making pawn loans accessible to those with poor credit or no credit history. Their online presence includes guides for selling luxury watches and designer handbags, positioning them as knowledgeable brokers.
However, pawn loans remain short-term, high-risk financial products. While Maxferd's rates are competitive, borrowers must be prepared to lose their collateral if they cannot repay within the loan term. The promotional 0%-1% rate applies only to new clients and single loans under $2,500, limiting its applicability. Store hours are limited (closed Sundays, weekday closing at 6 PM), and while the company does not report non-repayment to credit bureaus, this also means successful repayment does not build credit history. Pawn lending should not be considered a substitute for traditional credit access.
Yes. Maxferd Jewelry & Loan is a registered company, headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Maxferd is best for individuals with valuable collateral and poor/no credit who need emergency cash quickly without a credit check or lengthy approval process. The critical caveat is that pawn loans are inherently risky: failure to repay means permanent loss of your collateral, and the promotional 0%-1% rate only applies to new clients borrowing under $2,500—most borrowers should verify actual terms before proceeding.
Money Mizer Pawns and Jewelers operates two Jacksonville locations offering collateral-based loans, jewelry sales, and firearms dealing through licensed FFL status.
Best for: Consumers with valuable personal items (jewelry, electronics, firearms) seeking immediate cash, Customers looking to purchase discounted used merchandise via eBay or in-store
Monte de Piedad is a pawn shop offering collateral-based loans against jewelry, gold, electronics, and other valuables with immediate cash access.
Best for: Consumers with valuable items who need emergency cash within hours, Individuals with poor or no credit history unable to qualify for traditional loans
East LA pawn shop since 1964 offering collateral-based loans, gold and jewelry buying, and retail resale. Same-day cash with no credit check required.
Best for: East LA residents who need same-day cash and own jewelry, gold, watches, or luxury goods, Individuals selling or liquidating gold, coins, diamonds, or designer handbags for cash
Your credit report contains the raw data behind your score. Learn what's in it, how to read it, and how to dispute errors that could be dragging your score down.
Read guide →Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm — they make spending easy. But what happens to your credit score when you use them? Here's what the fine print doesn't tell you.
Read guide →Learn what makes up your credit score, how it's calculated, what the ranges mean, and how to check yours for free.
Read guide →Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Maxferd Jewelry & Loan and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Our editorial team independently evaluates all services. Compensation does not influence our ratings or rankings. Learn more.