Are Pawn Shop Loans Really Worth the Risks?
If you're facing a financial emergency, a pawn shop loan might seem like a great solution. But is this decision worth it? When you visit a pawn shop, you might notice a variety of engagement rings, old jewelry and pricey musical instruments. All of these objects have one thing in common - they ended up for sale because their owners were unable to repay their loans. So, how do pawn shop loans work and how can you avoid losing your valuables? Continue reading to find out.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Pawn Shop Loan?
- How Do Pawn Shop Loans Work?
- Pros and Cons of Pawn Shop Loans
- Alternatives to Pawn Shop Loans
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
What Is a Pawn Shop Loan?
A pawn shop loan is a secured loan that uses your property as collateral. You can borrow a percentage of the item's value and need to leave your possession at the pawn shop. The item will be returned if you repay your loan with interest and on time.
How Do Pawn Shop Loans Work?
In order to make an informed decision, you need to understand all the details of a pawn shop loan. Carefully review the information below.
Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining a Pawn Shop Loan
- Visiting the pawn shop. Unlike payday loans that can be acquired anywhere, pawn shop loans need you to physically visit the store with your item.
- Appraisal of the item. A pawn broker will then appraise your possession. Be ready for the total value of the item to be lower than you expect.
- Receiving a loan offer. You will receive a loan offer between 25% and 60% of your item's value. You'll also get the repayment terms and interest rate.
- Getting the money. If you sign the agreement, you will receive your funds on the spot, while leaving your item in the care of the pawn shop.
Terms and Conditions
- Eligibility. Pawn shops typically don't care about what credit score you have. They will grant a loan to most people that have a valuable possession.
- Interest. Pawn shop loans often come with a 200% fixed APR. Interest is usually charged daily. The actual cost will depend on the pawn shop you visit.
- Period. In most cases, you are supposed to repay the loan within 30 to 60 from the start of the agreement. You are unlikely to be granted an extension in case you are unable to return the money on time.
Redemption Process
- Retrieving your item. You need to visit the pawn shop and make your payment in cash. After that, your agreement is considered complete and you are free to return the item you pawned.
- Inability to repay. If you are not able to repay the loan, the pawn shop will repossess your property and sell it to recoup the loan amount.
Pros and Cons of Pawn Shop Loans
So, are pawn shop loans worth it? Take a look at an overview of both the good and bad sides of this financing option to get a better understanding of the topic.
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| No credit check required | High interest rates and fees |
| Quick and easy access to cash | Risk of losing the pawned item |
| No legal repercussions for non-payment | Limited loan amounts based on item value |
| Short repayment periods |
As you can see, pawn shop loans' biggest advantage is quick and easy cash. However, consider the risks before making a decision. If the item you want to pawn has emotional meaning, avoid pawning it. You may also receive more money from simply selling your asset.
Alternatives to Pawn Shop Loans
If you think pawn shop loans aren't the best choice for you but you still need emergency cash, there are plenty of safer options to consider. Here are some of them:
Personal Loans
If you have a good credit history and a bit of time, personal loans are a great product. They offer lower interest rates of 5.99% to 35.99% and do not need collateral. You can get up to $100,000 with this loan, which might be useful to cover more significant emergency expenses.
The repayment period is usually between 12 and 60 months so you have plenty of time to repay the loan. However, personal loans are processed by a bank so you might have to wait for up to several weeks to receive a decision and get funded.
Need a quick loan for significant expenses? Check out our $8,000 loan, which is accessible to borrowers with both good and bad credit.
Payday Loans
These loans are processed quickly and you get access to extra money within 1-2 business days without any pledge. Payday lenders don't perform hard credit checks so your credit score doesn't matter. This loan won't appear on your credit report unless you miss your payments.
The interest is typically expressed as a fixed fee between $10 and $30 per each $100 you borrow. The repayment period is short. You'll have to return the money within 14 to 30 days, which might be a financial burden for some. If you need a quick loan for a short period of time, payday loans may work better than those offered by pawn shops.
Cash Advances
If you need cash, a credit card cash advance is one of the quickest ways to get it. Withdrawing money from your card works differently from simply using it for payments. As soon as you get a credit card cash advance, you start incurring interest. The rate is typically from 24.99% to 29.99%.
Friends and Family
Consider borrowing from your friends or family as this is often the most risk-free option. You might avoid any interest if you are in a close relationship with the lender, and they might be more lenient if you are unable to pay on time. To avoid damaging your relationship, be sure to have a repayment plan in mind to be able to return the money according to your agreement.
Final Thoughts
Pawn shop loans provide you with quick cash in return for a valuable object. You can return the item if you repay the loan with interest on time. While it is convenient, payday and installment loans provide similar benefits without the risk of losing your valuable possessions. If you have no other choice, it's important to properly understand what you're signing up for and realistically estimate your repayment abilities. Ensure you'll have sufficient funds on the due date to return your possessions.
FAQs
What types of items are accepted as collateral?
You can pawn jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, firearms and some types of valuable collectibles.
Can I extend the loan period if I can't repay on time?
Some pawn shops might allow you to push the due date for a fee or additional interest but most of them set a fixed repayment period that can't be moved.
What happens if my item is lost or damaged while in the pawn shop's possession?
Pawn shops are fully responsible for the safety of your items. Be sure to check your agreement to ensure you will get compensated if your item is lost or damaged.
Are there any legal protections for consumers using pawn shop loans?
Most states have local regulations that limit the maximum interest a broker can offer. They might also limit the amount you can borrow, depending on the type of loan you choose.
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