FirstCash is the leading international operator of 3,300+ pawn stores across 29 U.S. states, the UK, and Latin America, offering pawn loans secured by personal property and retail sales.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn store chain with over 3,300 retail locations. Founded and scaled to serve cash and credit-constrained consumers, the company has grown to become a publicly traded component of both the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Russell 2000 Index, employing approximately 22,000 people across North America, Latin America, and the United Kingdom.
FirstCash's core business model centers on pawn lending—providing small non-recourse loans secured by pledged personal property—alongside a retail marketplace where customers can buy and sell items. The company accepts a wide range of collateral including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, musical instruments, and general merchandise. Beyond pawn loans, FirstCash offers layaway services (10% down payment plans), gold and precious metals buying, and retail sales of pawned goods. Through its wholly owned subsidiary AFF, the company also operates lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions across 15,000+ merchant partner locations nationwide.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its scale as an internationally-operated pawn chain rather than independent shops, combined with technology-driven point-of-sale systems and geographic diversity across 29 U.S. states plus international markets. The company's layaway service and gold-buying programs provide alternative quick-liquidity options beyond traditional pawn loans. Its dual revenue model—lending and retail sales of merchandise—differs from some competitors focused primarily on one function.
For consumers seeking immediate cash without credit checks, pawn loans offer genuine access when traditional lending is unavailable. However, pawn loans are short-term solutions with implicit pressure to repay quickly or lose collateral, and item valuations are inherently subjective and lower than resale value. This service is best suited for emergency cash needs where collateral is available, not as a primary financial strategy.
Yes. Pawn1st is a registered company headquartered in 2619 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for cash-constrained or unbanked consumers with valuable collateral who need immediate funds without credit checks or lengthy approval processes. The primary caveat is that pawn loans are expensive short-term borrowing with risk of collateral loss and no credit-building benefit—they should be used only for genuine emergencies, not regular financial management.
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