What Aaron's Is and How the Rent-to-Own Process Works
Aaron's is a rent-to-own retailer that lets you take home furniture, appliances, electronics, or computers and pay for them over time, with the option to own the item at the end. You don't need a credit check or a down payment to start renting. You make weekly or bi-weekly payments at an Aaron's store or online, and after you've paid enough, you own the item outright.
The basic flow is straightforward: you pick an item, agree to a payment plan (usually 12 to 24 months), and start making payments. Each payment goes toward ownership. Once you've paid the total amount — which includes the item's cost plus Aaron's fee for the service — the item is yours. If you stop paying or return the item before the end of the agreement, you don't own it and you lose the money you've already paid.
Aaron's operates in most U.S. states and has both physical stores and an online ordering option. You can browse items in-store or on their website, and if you rent online, the item is typically delivered to your home.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron's rent-to-own agreements let you take home items when ready and own them after completing all payments, with no credit check required upfront.
- You pay weekly or bi-weekly, and the total cost includes the item's retail price plus Aaron's rental and service fee, making the final price higher than buying outright.
- If you miss payments or return the item early, you forfeit all money paid so far and do not own the item.
- Aaron's reports payment history to credit bureaus, so on-time payments can help your credit, but missed payments will hurt it.
How Much You'll Pay and What the Total Cost Includes
The total amount you pay for a rent-to-own item is always more than the item's retail price. Aaron's charges a weekly or bi-weekly rental fee on top of the item's cost. The exact total depends on the item, the length of your agreement, and which Aaron's location you use — prices vary by store and region.
For example, a television that costs $400 to buy outright might cost $600 or more by the time you finish all payments under a rent-to-own plan. The difference covers Aaron's cost of holding the inventory, processing your payments, and the risk they take if you stop paying.
When you sign an agreement, Aaron's will show you the total amount due, the payment amount, and how many payments you need to make. Read this carefully before you sign, because once you agree, you're locked into that price and payment schedule.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment or Want to Return an Item
If you miss a payment, Aaron's will contact you to collect. Missing payments can result in late fees, and your account may be reported to a credit bureau, which will lower your credit score. If you fall too far behind, Aaron's may repossess the item — meaning they come to your home and take it back.
If you decide you no longer want the item and return it before you've finished paying, you lose all the money you've already paid. There is no refund or credit toward another item. This is different from a traditional rental, where you straightforward return the item and stop paying. With Aaron's rent-to-own, early returns mean a total loss of your payments.
Some Aaron's locations may offer a "return grace period" of a few days after you take the item home, during which you can return it without penalty. Ask about this when you sign your agreement.
How Aaron's Rent-to-Own Affects Your Credit
Aaron's reports your payment history to credit bureaus, which means your rent-to-own account shows up on your credit report. If you make all your payments on time, this can help build or improve your credit score because it demonstrates that you pay your obligations.
However, if you miss payments, those missed payments are reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. A repossession — when Aaron's takes back the item because you stopped paying — is especially harmful to your credit and can stay on your report for seven years.
Before you sign a rent-to-own agreement, understand that you're taking on a credit obligation. If you're trying to build credit, on-time payments help. If you're already struggling with credit, a missed payment here will make things worse.
Rent-to-Own vs. Buying Outright or Using a Credit Card
Rent-to-own is most useful when you need an item when ready but don't have the cash or credit to buy it. You don't need a credit check, a down payment, or a credit card. You walk out with the item the same day.
However, you pay significantly more in the end. If you can save up or use a credit card with a reasonable interest rate, you'll spend less money overall. A credit card purchase at 15% interest is often cheaper than a rent-to-own agreement by the time you finish paying.
Rent-to-own makes the most sense for people who have no other way to get an essential item — like a refrigerator or a computer for work — and who are confident they can make every payment on time. If there's any chance you'll return the item or miss payments, the cost becomes even higher.
What Items Aaron's Rents and Where to Find Them
Aaron's rents furniture (sofas, beds, dining sets), appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers), electronics (televisions, laptops, tablets), and computers. You can browse what's available at your local Aaron's store or on their website at aarons.com.
Availability varies by location. If you shop online, you can enter your zip code to see what items are in stock at stores near you and what delivery options are available. Some items can be delivered within a few days; others may take longer depending on your area.
Aaron's also offers a "lease-to-own" option on some items, which is similar to rent-to-own but with slightly different terms. Ask a store associate about the difference if you're considering both options.
How to Start a Rent-to-Own Agreement with Aaron's
To rent an item from Aaron's, you'll need to provide basic information: your name, address, phone number, and a form of identification. Aaron's does not require a credit check, but they may verify your income or employment to make sure you can afford the payments.
You can start an agreement in-store or online. In-store, you pick the item, agree to the payment plan, sign the paperwork, and take the item home the same day (or arrange delivery). Online, you select the item, choose your payment plan, complete the agreement, and schedule delivery.
Before you sign, make sure you understand the total amount due, the payment amount, the payment frequency (weekly or bi-weekly), and what happens if you miss a payment. Ask about any fees for late payments or early termination. Keep a copy of your agreement for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own the item before I finish all the payments?
No. You own the item only after you've made all the payments required by your agreement. Some Aaron's locations may offer an "early purchase option" that lets you buy the item outright at any time by paying the remaining balance in full, but this is not standard across all locations. Ask your local Aaron's about this option.
What if I want to upgrade to a better item partway through?
You would need to return your current item (forfeiting all payments made) and start a new agreement on the new item. Aaron's does not typically allow you to trade in a rented item toward a different one. The return of your current item means you lose all the money you've paid so far.
Does Aaron's do a credit check?
Aaron's does not run a traditional credit check, which is why rent-to-own is an option for people with poor or no credit. However, they may verify your income or employment and may check your rental or payment history with other companies. Having a history of unpaid debts or evictions can result in denial.
Can I pay off my agreement early?
Yes. Most Aaron's agreements allow you to pay off the remaining balance at any time and own the item when ready. There is usually no penalty for paying early. Contact your local Aaron's or log into your account online to find out your current balance and payoff amount.
What if Aaron's repossesses my item?
Once repossessed, the item belongs to Aaron's again. You lose all the money you've paid, and the repossession is reported to credit bureaus, damaging your credit score. You may also owe Aaron's additional fees for the repossession itself. If you're falling behind on payments, contact Aaron's when ready to discuss your options — they may work with you on a modified payment plan.