How Rent-A-Center Works and What to Know Before You Rent

What Rent-A-Center is and how the rental model works

Rent-A-Center is a rent-to-own retailer where you pay weekly or monthly to use appliances, furniture, and electronics instead of buying them outright. You pick an item, sign a rental agreement, and make payments over time. At any point, you can return the item, keep renting, or — depending on the agreement — purchase it by paying the remaining balance or a set buyout price.

The company operates hundreds of locations across the United States, including multiple stores throughout South Carolina. You can rent items like refrigerators, washers, dryers, air conditioning units, televisions, and computers. The rental period and total cost depend on which item you choose and which payment plan you select at the time you rent.

Unlike a traditional purchase, you do not own the item while you are renting. Rent-A-Center handles maintenance and repairs during the rental period at no extra cost to you. If something breaks, you contact the store and they repair or replace it. This can be useful if you cannot afford a large upfront cost or do not want to pay for repairs yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Rent-A-Center lets you use appliances and furniture by making weekly or monthly payments instead of buying them, with the option to purchase later.
• The total amount you pay over time is typically much higher than the item's retail price, sometimes two or three times as much.
• Maintenance and repairs are included in your rental agreement, so you do not pay extra if something breaks.
• You can return an item at any time without penalty, though you lose all payments made up to that point.
• South Carolina Rent-A-Center locations are found in major cities and towns; you can visit a store or check online to see what is available near you.

How the payment structure and total cost work

Rent-A-Center offers different payment schedules — typically weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly — and you choose which fits your budget. The weekly option usually has the lowest individual payment but adds up fastest over time. A monthly plan spreads payments out but still results in a higher total cost than buying the item new.

The total amount you pay depends on how long you rent before returning or purchasing. If you rent a refrigerator for one year and then return it, you will have paid significantly more than the refrigerator's retail price, but you own nothing at the end. If you rent for the full term and then purchase, the total cost — all rental payments plus the buyout price — is almost always higher than buying the same item new from a retailer or online.

Rent-A-Center does not perform a credit check to rent, which is why some people choose this option when they cannot get a traditional loan or credit card. However, the trade-off is that the cost of using the item is much higher than other ways to obtain it.

What happens if you return an item or miss a payment

You can return a rented item to any Rent-A-Center location at any time. When you return it, your rental agreement ends and you owe nothing further. However, you do not receive a refund for payments you have already made. All the money you paid goes toward the rental cost, not toward ownership.

If you miss a payment, Rent-A-Center will contact you to collect. Depending on your rental agreement and how long you have been behind, the company may repossess the item. Repossession means they come to retrieve it, and your rental agreement ends. You will still owe any balance on the account, and the missed payments may be reported to a collection agency.

Before you rent, read the agreement carefully to understand the exact payment due date, what happens if you are late, and whether there are any fees for late payment or return.

Rent-A-Center locations in South Carolina

Rent-A-Center has stores in South Carolina's major cities and many smaller towns. You can find locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Florence, and other communities across the state. Each store carries a rotating inventory of appliances, furniture, and electronics, so what is available at one location may differ from another.

To find the nearest store and see what items are currently available, visit the Rent-A-Center website and use their store locator tool. You can also call a store directly to ask about specific appliances — for example, if you need a washer and dryer set or a particular size refrigerator. Many stores allow you to reserve an item before you visit.

Comparing Rent-A-Center to other ways to get appliances

If you need an appliance but do not have cash to buy it, you have several options beyond Rent-A-Center. A traditional retail store may offer a payment plan through a credit card or a store-specific financing program, often with lower total costs if you pay within a set period. A credit union or bank loan, if you can obtain one, typically charges less interest than rent-to-own arrangements.

Used appliances from local sellers, Facebook Marketplace, or estate sales are often much cheaper than new ones and can be purchased outright for a fraction of Rent-A-Center's total rental cost. Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in South Carolina sell donated appliances at low prices. If you are renting because you cannot afford the upfront cost, these secondhand options may be worth exploring first.

Rent-A-Center makes sense if you need an appliance immediately, cannot get credit elsewhere, want repairs handled by someone else, or plan to return the item within a short time. It is less cost-effective if you intend to keep the appliance long-term or if you can save up or find financing through another source.

Understanding the rental agreement before you sign

The rental agreement is a legal contract that spells out your obligations and Rent-A-Center's. Before you sign, make sure you understand the payment amount, the due date, how often you pay, what happens if you are late, whether you can return the item penalty-free, and what the buyout price is if you decide to purchase.

Ask the store associate to explain any terms you do not recognize. Some agreements include a "rent-to-own" path where a portion of each payment counts toward the purchase price; others do not. Some allow you to return an item anytime without extra fees; others may charge a restocking fee. These details matter and should be clear before you commit.

Keep a copy of your signed agreement and all payment receipts. If a dispute arises — for example, if Rent-A-Center claims you missed a payment when you did not — your receipts are proof of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I build equity toward owning the appliance when I rent from Rent-A-Center?

That depends on your specific rental agreement. Some agreements allow a portion of each payment to count toward a purchase price if you decide to buy; others do not. Read your agreement carefully or ask the store associate before you rent. If your agreement does include a purchase option, the total cost to own will still be significantly higher than buying the item new elsewhere.

What if the appliance breaks while I am renting it?

Maintenance and repairs are included in your rental agreement. Contact the store where you rented the item and report the problem. Rent-A-Center will repair it or replace it at no cost to you. You are responsible only for normal wear and tear; intentional damage may void your agreement.

Can I return a rented item early without a penalty?

Most Rent-A-Center agreements allow you to return an item at any time, but you do not receive a refund for payments already made. Check your specific agreement or ask the store before you rent. Some locations may have different policies, so it is worth confirming.

What credit or income information do I need to provide to rent?

Rent-A-Center does not perform a credit check, but you will need to provide identification and proof of income or employment. The store uses this information to verify your identity and assess your ability to make payments. Requirements may vary by location, so ask what documents to bring when you visit.

Is there a way to lower my weekly or monthly payment?

Your payment amount is set when you sign the agreement and depends on the item, the rental term, and the payment schedule you choose. If you cannot afford the payment, you can return the item or ask the store whether a different payment plan is available. Some locations may offer promotions or discounts during certain times of year.