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 pawn store chain with more than 3,300 retail locations across 29 U.S. states, Washington D.C., the United Kingdom, and Latin America (including Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador). The company employs approximately 22,000 people globally and is listed on both the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index, indicating its scale and legitimacy as a publicly traded enterprise.
FirstCash's primary service is offering pawn loans—non-recourse loans secured by pledged personal property—to cash and credit-constrained consumers. Beyond lending, the company operates a retail merchandise business buying and selling jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, musical instruments, and general merchandise. They also operate gold and precious metal buying services, offering cash on the spot for items customers wish to sell. Additionally, FirstCash provides layaway services with a 10% down payment requirement and operates AFF, a subsidiary providing lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through 15,000+ merchant partner locations.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its massive geographic reach and scale—operating over 3,300 stores internationally compared to smaller local pawn shops. The company positions itself explicitly as serving cash and credit-constrained consumers with an alternative to traditional banking. Their integrated model combining lending, retail sales, and gold buying creates a one-stop shop for both borrowing against collateral and shopping for used merchandise. The company's public listing and substantial employment base suggest operational stability and established compliance infrastructure.
For consumers, FirstCash provides quick access to cash without credit checks through pawn loans, but borrowers should understand that pawn loans carry interest costs and the risk of losing pledged items if loans aren't repaid. The retail sales component means customers pay market prices for used goods rather than receiving wholesale value. While the company's size provides convenience through numerous locations, pawn loans remain a high-cost borrowing method compared to traditional credit.
Yes. Cash America Pawn is a registered company headquartered in 1905 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City, TX 78148. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for unbanked or underbanked consumers needing fast cash who have items of value to pledge as collateral, or for budget-conscious shoppers seeking used merchandise. The main caveat is that pawn loans are expensive short-term borrowing products with forfeiture risk—they should only be used when no other credit options exist and borrowers can confidently repay within the loan term.
ACE Cash Express offers small emergency loans, title loans, check cashing, and financial services with multiple Colorado locations. Same-day or next-day funding available.
Best for: Consumers in Colorado seeking same-day or next-day emergency cash with title or collateral-based options, People needing check cashing, money transfers, or bill payment services at physical locations
Cash America Pawn, now operating under FirstCash Holdings, is one of the largest pawn shop chains in the U.S. with over 3,300 locations across 29 states.
Best for: Consumers who need immediate cash and have no access to traditional credit, People who own jewelry, electronics, or tools and need a short-term loan without a credit check
Allied Loan offers same-day and installment loans up to small amounts in the San Antonio area, including title loans for borrowers with poor credit.
Best for: Borrowers in the San Antonio area facing immediate emergency expenses (car repair, medical bills, rent), Individuals with bad credit or no credit history unable to qualify for traditional bank loans
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