FirstCash is the leading international pawn shop operator with 3,300+ locations across the U.S., Latin America, and the UK, offering pawn loans, retail sales, and gold buying services.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international operator of pawn stores 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 was founded on the principle of serving cash and credit-constrained consumers who need fast access to funds or alternative financial services.
FirstCash's core business centers on retail pawn lending and merchandise sales. Customers can obtain non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property such as jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments. Beyond lending, the company operates retail operations where it buys and sells merchandise, offers gold and precious metal buying services, and provides layaway plans (10% down payment required). Through its subsidiary AFF, FirstCash also operates a separate lease-to-own and retail finance network with 15,000+ merchant partner locations.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its massive scale and geographic reach as a publicly traded company (component of S&P MidCap 400 and Russell 2000 indices) with approximately 22,000 employees. The company has built significant operational infrastructure with a store locator tool, online inventory browsing, and standardized pawn loan processes. Their focus on serving underbanked populations positions them as a major player in the alternative finance space alongside traditional pawn operations.
As with all pawn shops, the main caveat is that pawn loans involve surrendering personal property as collateral, and customers must repay the loan to reclaim items. Interest rates and fees on pawn loans are not disclosed on their website, making it difficult to assess the true cost of borrowing compared to other consumer credit options. While pawn lending is faster than traditional credit and doesn't require credit checks, it fundamentally differs from unsecured lending products.
Yes. Cash America Pawn is a registered company headquartered in 1530 S Missouri Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for unbanked or underbanked consumers who need immediate cash and own valuable personal property they can temporarily pledge as collateral. The main caveat is that pawn loans require surrendering physical items, meaning default results in permanent loss of those possessions—making this suitable only for customers who can afford to lose the pledged items or are confident in their repayment ability.
Multi-location pawn shop chain offering collateral-based loans, firearms sales, and precious metals trading across Pennsylvania and Florida with real-time gold/silver pricing.
Best for: Consumers needing quick short-term cash against valuable collateral they're willing to temporarily surrender, Precious metals sellers seeking transparent, market-rate valuations for gold and silver
Sunset Jewelry & Loan is a pawn shop in Clearwater, FL offering personal asset loans, jewelry buying/selling, and repair services with a focus on unique inventory.
Best for: Customers needing immediate cash who own jewelry, watches, or collectibles they can temporarily part with, People seeking to sell estate jewelry or inherited items quickly without auction delays
Family-owned pawn shop in Clearwater, FL offering collateral-based loans, merchandise buying/selling, and gold services since 2014.
Best for: Customers with items of value needing immediate cash for emergencies without credit checks, People interested in buying discounted electronics, jewelry, tools, or sporting equipment
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