How Aaron's Rent-to-Own Works and What to Know Before You Shop

Aaron's rent-to-own model: what you're actually getting into

Aaron's is a rent-to-own retailer where you make weekly or monthly payments toward owning an appliance, furniture item, or electronics product instead of buying it outright. You don't own the item until you've paid it off completely—until then, Aaron's retains ownership and can repossess the item if you stop paying. The total amount you'll pay over the rental period is typically much higher than the item's retail price, sometimes two or three times as much.

The appeal is straightforward: you get to use the appliance or furniture now without a large upfront cost. If your refrigerator breaks and you don't have $800 on hand, Aaron's lets you take one home and pay $30 or $40 weekly. The catch is that you're paying for the convenience and the risk Aaron's takes on you—they're betting you'll default, and they price that risk into the weekly payment.

Aaron's operates in South Carolina with multiple locations across the state. You can walk into a store, select an item, complete a brief application, and leave with it the same day if you're approved. No credit check is required in the traditional sense, though Aaron's does verify income and may check rental history.

Key Takeaways

• You pay weekly or monthly until the item is fully paid off, at which point you own it; if you stop paying, Aaron's repossesses the item and keeps all payments made so far.
• The total cost of rent-to-own is significantly higher than buying the item outright—sometimes double or triple the retail price—because you're paying for weekly payment flexibility and Aaron's risk.
• Aaron's approves customers without a traditional credit check, making it an option for people with poor credit or no credit history.
• You can return the item at any time and stop payments, though you won't get refunded for payments already made.
• Reading the contract carefully before signing is essential, as terms vary by location and item, and early termination or default has real consequences.

How the payment structure works

Aaron's offers weekly and monthly payment plans. Weekly payments are typically smaller—$20 to $50 depending on the item—but add up faster over time. Monthly payments are larger but may feel more manageable if you're paid monthly. The payment period varies: some items take 12 months to pay off, others take 24 or 36 months.

When you sign the contract, Aaron's tells you the total amount you'll pay by the end of the agreement. For example, a $500 refrigerator might cost $1,200 total over 24 months of weekly payments. That difference—$700—is what you're paying for the ability to spread the cost out and for Aaron's to carry the risk that you won't complete the payments.

If you pay off the item early, you may receive a discount on the remaining balance, though this varies by location and contract. Always ask about early payoff terms before signing. Some Aaron's locations offer this; others do not.

What happens if you miss a payment or want to return the item

Missing a payment triggers a grace period, usually a few days, before Aaron's considers you in default. If you're consistently late, Aaron's will contact you to collect. If you fall significantly behind—the exact threshold depends on your contract—Aaron's can repossess the item without warning.

When repossession happens, you lose the item and all the money you've paid toward it. Aaron's then resells the item, and you receive no credit for your previous payments. This is a major financial consequence, so contact your local Aaron's store immediately if you know you can't make a payment—they may work out a temporary arrangement.

You can return the item voluntarily at any time and stop making payments. However, you won't get back any money you've already paid. If you've paid $600 toward a $1,200 total and return the item after six months, that $600 is gone. Aaron's keeps it as compensation for the time they held the item and the risk they carried.

Comparing Aaron's to buying outright or using credit

If you have the cash or access to a credit card, buying the appliance outright is almost always cheaper. A $500 refrigerator costs $500, not $1,200. Even if you pay credit card interest at 20% APR over two years, you'll pay less than Aaron's rent-to-own model.

If you have poor credit and can't get a credit card or personal loan, Aaron's becomes more attractive because it doesn't require a credit check. You're trading a higher total cost for immediate access and no credit inquiry. That trade-off makes sense only if you genuinely have no other option.

Some people use Aaron's as a trial period—rent an appliance for a few months to make sure they like it before committing to ownership. This can be reasonable if you're uncertain about a purchase, though you're paying a premium for that flexibility.

Reading the contract before you sign

Aaron's contracts vary by location and item type. Before you sign, make sure you understand these specific terms: the total amount you'll pay, the weekly or monthly payment amount, the payment due date, what happens if you're late, whether early payoff discounts exist, and what happens if the item breaks.

Ask whether Aaron's covers repairs if the appliance malfunctions. Some locations include a maintenance plan; others don't. If the refrigerator stops working after three months, are you still responsible for payments? Can Aaron's repair it, or do you have to pay for repairs yourself? These details matter enormously and are often buried in the fine print.

Get a copy of the signed contract and keep it. If a dispute arises later—Aaron's claims you missed a payment you made, or you disagree about the repossession—you'll need that document to prove your side.

Aaron's locations and how to find your nearest store

Aaron's has stores throughout South Carolina, including in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, among other cities. You can find your nearest location by visiting Aaron's website and using their store locator, or by calling their customer service line.

Each store carries similar product categories—refrigerators, washers, dryers, furniture, televisions, and computers—but inventory varies by location. If you're looking for a specific item, call ahead to confirm they have it in stock before making the trip.

Alternatives to Aaron's rent-to-own

If you need an appliance but can't afford to buy it outright, other options exist. Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in South Carolina sell used appliances at steep discounts, sometimes 50% to 70% off retail. Quality Appliance in some areas offers payment plans through third-party financing companies, which may have lower total costs than Aaron's.

Local credit unions sometimes offer small personal loans at lower interest rates than credit cards, which you could use to buy an appliance outright. Community action agencies in your county may also have emergency assistance programs for essential appliances like refrigerators or washers.

If you're renting an apartment, your landlord may be required to provide certain appliances—check your lease and local tenant laws. Some utility companies offer rebates or financing for energy-efficient appliances, which can reduce the upfront cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own the item before I finish paying?

No. Aaron's retains ownership until the final payment is made. Once you've paid the full amount specified in your contract, the item becomes yours. Until then, Aaron's can repossess it if you default.

What if the appliance breaks while I'm renting it?

This depends on your specific contract and whether you purchased a maintenance plan. Some Aaron's locations cover repairs; others don't. Read your contract carefully or ask the store associate before signing. If repairs aren't covered and the item breaks, you may still owe payments even if you can't use it.

Do I need a credit check to rent from Aaron's?

Aaron's doesn't perform a traditional credit check, but they do verify your income and may check rental history or past Aaron's accounts. You'll need a valid ID and proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or bank statement.

What happens if I can't make a payment?

Contact your local Aaron's store immediately. They may offer a temporary payment arrangement or extension. If you don't contact them and miss payments, Aaron's will attempt to collect and may eventually repossess the item. Once repossessed, you lose the item and all money paid so far.

Is it ever worth using Aaron's instead of buying outright?

Only if you have no other option and genuinely need the appliance now. If you have access to credit, a personal loan, or savings, those are almost always cheaper. Aaron's makes sense primarily for people with poor credit who can't borrow money any other way and need an appliance immediately.