Aaron's rents furniture by the week or month, with ownership available after you've paid enough
Aaron's is a rent-to-own furniture chain with over 1,300 locations in the United States. You pick furniture in a store or online, agree to a weekly or monthly payment plan, and the company delivers it to your home. After you've made enough payments — the number depends on the item and plan length — you own the furniture outright. If you stop paying or return the furniture, Aaron's takes it back.
The core difference between Aaron's and buying furniture outright is that you pay more over time, but you don't need the full purchase price upfront. You also don't own the furniture until the final payment clears. This matters if you want to sell it, modify it, or if Aaron's needs to repossess it because a payment was missed.
Aaron's also rents electronics, appliances, and computers under the same rent-to-own model. This article focuses on furniture, but the payment structure and ownership rules work the same way across all product categories.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron's charges a weekly or monthly rental fee, and ownership transfers to you only after you've paid a set number of installments — not after a fixed time period.
- The total amount you pay over the life of the rental is significantly higher than the item's retail price, sometimes double or more.
- You can return furniture at any time without penalty, but you forfeit all payments made so far.
- Missing a payment can result in repossession, and Aaron's may pursue collection action for unpaid balances.
- Aaron's does not typically run a credit check, making it an option for people with no credit history or poor credit.
How the payment structure works
Aaron's offers two main rental periods: weekly and monthly. The weekly plan usually has a lower per-payment cost but requires more frequent payments. The monthly plan spreads payments further apart but may have a higher per-payment amount. Both plans lead to ownership after a set number of payments.
The exact number of payments required to own an item varies. A lower-priced item might require 52 weekly payments (one year) or 24 monthly payments (two years). A higher-priced item might require more. Aaron's displays the payment count and total cost at the time you select a plan, so you can see upfront how many payments you'll make and when ownership occurs.
If you pay off the item early — by making a lump-sum payment before the final installment — Aaron's will typically credit you the difference. The exact early-payoff terms are in your rental agreement.
Total cost compared to retail price
The total amount you pay through Aaron's rent-to-own plan is almost always higher than buying the same furniture new from a traditional retailer. A sofa that costs $800 to purchase outright might cost $1,600 to $2,000 total through Aaron's weekly or monthly plan, depending on the plan length and the store's pricing.
This higher total cost reflects Aaron's business model: the company assumes the risk that you'll stop paying or return the furniture, and it factors that risk into the price. Aaron's also covers delivery, setup, and maintenance during the rental period, which adds to the cost.
Before committing to a rent-to-own plan, compare the total cost shown in your agreement to the price of the same item at furniture stores, online retailers, and secondhand marketplaces. If the difference is large, buying used or waiting to save for a purchase may be cheaper.
What happens if you miss a payment or return the furniture
If you miss a payment, Aaron's will typically contact you to collect. The exact grace period and collection process are outlined in your rental agreement. If you don't bring the account current, Aaron's may repossess the furniture without notice, depending on your state's laws.
If you return the furniture before ownership transfers, you lose all payments made up to that point. Aaron's keeps the money you've paid and takes back the item. This is different from a traditional purchase, where you own the item when ready and can resell it if you change your mind.
If you have an outstanding balance after repossession — for example, if Aaron's sells the returned furniture for less than you still owe — the company may pursue collection action or report the debt to a credit bureau. Check your rental agreement for the company's collection practices in your state.
Credit check and approval process
Aaron's does not typically run a hard credit check or require a credit score to rent furniture. The company may verify your income and employment, and it may check for prior Aaron's accounts or collections history. This makes Aaron's accessible to people with no credit history, poor credit, or recent financial problems.
The approval process is usually fast — often same-day or next-day. You'll need a valid ID, proof of income (such as a recent pay stub), and a phone number. Some locations may ask for a utility bill or other proof of address.
Because Aaron's does not require strong credit, the rental fees are higher than they would be if you bought the same furniture with a credit card or personal loan. The lack of a credit check is a convenience, but it comes with a higher total cost.
Delivery, setup, and maintenance
Aaron's includes delivery and setup as part of the rental agreement. The company will bring the furniture to your home and place it in the room of your choice. Delivery times vary by location and demand, but Aaron's typically schedules delivery within a few days of your rental agreement.
During the rental period, Aaron's is responsible for repairs and maintenance. If a sofa cushion tears or a table leg breaks, you can contact Aaron's to request a repair or replacement. This is included in your rental fee — you don't pay extra for maintenance.
Once you own the furniture (after the final payment), maintenance becomes your responsibility. Any repairs or replacements after that point are your cost.
Early payoff and ownership transfer
You can pay off your rental agreement early by making a lump-sum payment for the remaining balance. Aaron's will calculate the payoff amount and credit you for any overpayment. Once the final payment clears, ownership transfers to you automatically — you'll receive documentation confirming you own the furniture.
After ownership transfers, the furniture is yours to keep, sell, modify, or dispose of. Aaron's has no further claim to it. You can also use the furniture as collateral for a loan or include it in your estate if something happens to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aaron's run a credit check?
Aaron's does not typically run a hard credit check. The company may verify your income and check for prior Aaron's accounts or collections history, but a poor credit score won't disqualify you. This makes Aaron's accessible to people rebuilding credit or with no credit history.
What happens if I can't make a payment?
Contact Aaron's as soon as you know you'll miss a payment. The company may work with you on a payment arrangement. If you don't pay, Aaron's may repossess the furniture and pursue collection action for any remaining balance. The exact process depends on your state's laws and your rental agreement.
Can I return furniture and get my money back?
You can return furniture at any time, but Aaron's keeps all payments you've made. You won't receive a refund. This is why the total cost of rent-to-own is so high — the company assumes some customers will return items before ownership transfers.
How much more does rent-to-own cost than buying?
The total cost through Aaron's is typically 50 to 150 percent higher than the retail price of the same furniture. A $1,000 sofa might cost $1,500 to $2,500 total through Aaron's, depending on the plan length. Always compare the total cost shown in your agreement to retail prices before committing.
Do I own the furniture before the final payment?
No. Aaron's retains ownership until you've made all required payments. If you stop paying or return the furniture before the final payment, Aaron's takes it back and keeps your payments. Ownership transfers only after the last installment clears.