FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores with 3,300+ locations across 29 U.S. states, the UK, and Latin America, offering pawn loans, retail sales, and gold buying services.
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 over 3,300 retail locations across 29 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the United Kingdom, and Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador). The company employs approximately 22,000 people and is listed on both the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Russell 2000 Index, indicating significant scale and institutional credibility in the pawn industry.
FirstCash serves cash and credit-constrained consumers through its core pawn store business, which buys and sells a wide variety of merchandise including jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. The company makes small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property—meaning borrowers are not personally liable if the collateral doesn't cover the loan amount. Additional services include layaway plans with 10% down payments, gold/silver/platinum buying at spot prices with immediate cash payment, and retail merchandise sales from their inventory.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its massive scale (3,300+ locations versus typical independent pawn shops), national brand recognition, and diversified service offerings beyond basic pawn loans. The company also operates AFF, a wholly owned subsidiary providing lease-to-own and retail finance solutions through 15,000+ merchant partner locations, demonstrating operational sophistication beyond traditional pawn operations. Their layaway service and specialized gold-buying programs cater to different consumer segments within their core market.
For consumers needing immediate cash against personal property, FirstCash offers accessibility and standardized terms across locations. However, pawn loans still carry the fundamental caveat that borrowers must reclaim pledged items within the loan term or lose them. Additionally, while non-recourse loans protect borrowers from debt collection, they still represent a costly way to access emergency cash compared to traditional unsecured lending, making them best suited for those with no credit access.
Yes. Smart Pawn & Jewelry is a registered company, headquartered in Austin, TX.
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CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for cash-constrained consumers needing immediate funds against collateral, particularly those without access to traditional credit. The main caveat is that pawn loans are expensive compared to other credit forms and require item redemption or forfeiture—they should be a last resort, not a primary borrowing strategy.
American Jewelry & Loan is a Detroit-based pawn shop operating since 1978, offering collateral loans, buying, and selling of jewelry, electronics, tools, and valuables across multiple Michigan locations.
Best for: Consumers needing fast cash without credit checks or lengthy approval processes, People with poor credit history who cannot qualify for traditional personal loans
Cash Plus Pawn Fort Worth, TX — Cash Plus Pawn is a pawn shop offering collateral-based loans in exchange for personal items. Limited public information...
Best for: Consumers with valuable items (jewelry, electronics, tools) who need immediate cash, People with poor credit or no credit history who cannot qualify for traditional loans
Established NJ pawnbroker since 1890 offering pawn loans, jewelry sales, and buy/sell/trade services across 5 locations with same-day funding and no credit checks.
Best for: Consumers needing fast cash without credit approval for short-term loans, Sellers of pre-owned jewelry, watches, electronics, or musical instruments seeking fair market value
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