FirstCash is the leading international pawn operator with 3,300+ stores across the U.S., Latin America, and UK, offering pawn loans secured by personal property and retail merchandise sales.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn store chain 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 and 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.
FirstCash's core business focuses on serving cash and credit-constrained consumers through its pawn stores, which buy and sell 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 customers pledge an item as collateral to receive a loan, with no personal liability beyond losing the pledged item if they cannot repay. Additionally, FirstCash operates layaway services where customers can purchase items with a 10% down payment, and buys precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum for immediate cash.
FirstCash distinguishes itself through its massive international footprint and scale—3,300+ stores make it substantially larger than most regional pawn operators. The company also operates AFF, a wholly owned subsidiary that provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through a network of over 15,000 merchant partner locations, creating additional financial service offerings beyond traditional pawning. Their focus on both buying/selling merchandise and making loans creates a dual revenue model.
As a pawn lender, FirstCash serves consumers who need immediate cash but lack access to traditional credit. Pawn loans are non-recourse (secured by collateral only), making them accessible to those with poor credit. However, customers lose their pledged items if they cannot repay, and pawn loans typically carry shorter terms than traditional personal loans. Interest rates and fees vary by state and are regulated by state pawn laws.
Yes. Cash America Pawn is a registered company headquartered in 6926 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for cash-constrained consumers with poor or no credit access who have valuable items to pledge and need immediate funds, or those seeking to buy/sell used merchandise and precious metals. The main caveat is that pawn loans involve forfeiture risk of pledged items if repayment cannot be made, require short repayment terms, and carry higher costs than traditional lending—making them a last-resort option rather than primary financing.
Cincinnati-based buyer and pawn shop specializing in gold, jewelry, rare coins, and firearms with 50+ years of experience across two locations.
Best for: Cincinnati residents with physical gold, jewelry, or watches needing immediate cash, Collectors of rare coins or numismatic items seeking expert evaluation and sale
Cincinnati-based buyer and pawn shop specializing in precious metals, rare coins, jewelry, diamonds, and firearms with 50+ years of experience across 2 locations.
Best for: Cincinnati-area residents needing quick cash against collateral or looking to sell precious metals and collectibles, Gun owners seeking to buy, sell, or trade firearms locally with in-store pickup options
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 merchandise sales.
Best for: Consumers with immediate emergency cash needs and valuable items (jewelry, electronics, instruments) willing to pledge collateral, Individuals without credit history or with poor credit who cannot access traditional bank loans
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