FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores with 3,300+ locations across 29 U.S. states, the UK, and Latin America, offering non-recourse pawn loans secured by personal property.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
FirstCash, Inc. is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas and operates as the leading international pawn store chain with over 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 included in both the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index, indicating significant scale and market presence.
FirstCash's core business focuses on serving cash and credit-constrained consumers through pawn lending and retail sales. They make small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property—meaning borrowers are not personally liable if they cannot repay. The company buys and sells jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, musical instruments, and general merchandise. Additionally, through their wholly-owned subsidiary AFF, FirstCash provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions through a network of over 15,000 active retail merchant partners.
What distinguishes FirstCash is its international scale and operational breadth compared to independent pawn shops. As a publicly-traded MidCap 400 component company, they offer standardized processes, consistent store hours and locations, and integrated inventory systems across their network. They also provide complementary services like gold/precious metal buying, layaway plans with 10% down payment options, and a searchable store locator for customer convenience.
For consumers seeking pawn loans, FirstCash offers accessibility and speed—loans are non-recourse, meaning pledged items are the only collateral at risk. However, pawn loans inherently charge interest on short-term loans and result in loss of personal property if unpaid. The layaway service requires upfront cash for purchases. This is best suited for individuals with items of resale value who need immediate cash and can afford to lose the pledged property, not for those seeking traditional unsecured credit or long-term financing.
Yes. Pawn1st is a registered company headquartered in 234 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
FirstCash is best for cash-constrained consumers with valuable items who need immediate funds and can afford to lose pledged collateral if unable to repay. The primary caveat is that pawn loans are short-term obligations resulting in permanent loss of personal property upon default—this is not a sustainable long-term borrowing solution and should only be used for genuine emergencies when other options are unavailable.
FirstCash is the leading international pawn shop operator with 3,300+ locations across 29 U.S. states, the UK, and Latin America, offering pawn loans, retail sales, and gold buying services.
Best for: Consumers with poor credit or no credit history who need fast cash without a credit check, People with valuable personal property (jewelry, electronics, tools) who can afford to temporarily part with items
Tempe Pawn & Gold is a collateral-based lender and precious metals buyer offering pawn loans, title loans, and cash for gold, jewelry, and electronics in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Best for: Consumers needing emergency cash in 24-48 hours without credit checks (e.g., medical bills, urgent repairs), People with items of value (jewelry, electronics, tools) they can temporarily part with and later reclaim
Speedy Cash offers payday loans, title loans, installment loans, and check cashing services across 30+ states with same-day funding for emergency cash needs.
Best for: Workers facing a one-time emergency (medical bill, car repair, eviction notice) with documented income and ability to repay by next payday, Borrowers who own vehicles and need larger loans ($1,000+) and prefer installment repayment over lump-sum payday obligation
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