FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores with 3,300+ locations across the U.S., Latin America, and the 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 largest international pawn shop chain with over 3,300 retail locations spanning 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 the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Russell 2000 Index, indicating substantial scale and institutional recognition in the financial services sector.
FirstCash primarily serves cash and credit-constrained consumers through its core pawn lending business. Customers can obtain non-recourse pawn loans by pledging personal property as collateral—jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, and musical instruments are commonly accepted. The company also operates retail sales of merchandise, gold and precious metals buying services, and layaway plans with 10% down payments. Additionally, through its wholly-owned subsidiary AFF, FirstCash provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions across a network of 15,000+ merchant partners nationwide.
FirstCash distinguishes itself through its massive geographic footprint and diversified service model. Unlike regional pawn operators, the company combines traditional pawn lending with consumer goods layaway, precious metals buying, and point-of-sale payment solutions through AFF. This multi-service approach allows the company to capture broader consumer finance needs beyond simple collateral-based loans. The scale of 3,300+ locations provides accessibility and brand recognition comparable to national chains.
The company operates legitimately within the pawn lending sector and maintains transparent disclosure of services. However, pawn loans inherently carry the risk of losing pledged items if customers cannot repay within agreed timeframes. Interest rates and terms are not disclosed on the public website, making cost comparison difficult for consumers. The breadth of geographic coverage and institutional credibility make FirstCash a substantial player, but customers should understand pawn lending involves surrendering physical collateral with no guarantee of recovery.
Yes. Pawn1st is a registered company headquartered in 203 N Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85395. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for cash-constrained consumers who need immediate funds and have valuable personal property to pledge as collateral, or individuals seeking to buy discounted merchandise through layaway. The primary caveat is that pawn loans are non-recourse short-term solutions that risk permanent loss of pledged items and do not build credit history—customers should only pledge items they can afford to lose and should fully understand repayment timelines.
Arizona pawn shop chain with three Phoenix-area locations offering collateral loans, buying, selling, and layaway on jewelry, electronics, instruments, watches, and tools.
Best for: Phoenix-area residents needing fast cash who cannot qualify for or want to avoid traditional credit checks, Bargain shoppers seeking discounted electronics, jewelry, instruments, or watches
CASH 1 Loans offers title loans up to $50,000 and personal loans from $50–$1,000 with same-day funding at Nevada locations, accepting all credit types.
Best for: Consumers with poor/no credit history facing genuine cash emergencies, Vehicle owners needing larger amounts ($10K–$50K) willing to pledge collateral
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