How Aaron's Rent-to-Own Works in South Carolina

Aaron's rents electronics and furniture with an option to own after you make payments

Aaron's is a rent-to-own retailer with locations across South Carolina where you can rent televisions, computers, gaming systems, furniture, and appliances with the possibility of owning them outright once you've paid enough. Unlike buying outright or financing through a bank, you make weekly or monthly payments to the store, and after a set period—usually 12 to 24 months depending on the item and your agreement—the merchandise becomes yours. You can also return items at any time without penalty if you change your mind.

The stores operate on a simple model: you choose what you want, sign a rental agreement that spells out the payment schedule and total cost, and start making payments. Each payment builds toward ownership. If you stop paying or want to return the item, Aaron's takes it back. If you complete all payments, you own it.

Key Takeaways

• Aaron's lets you rent electronics and furniture with payments that eventually lead to ownership, usually within 12 to 24 months.
• You can return items anytime without penalty if you decide you don't want to keep renting or buying.
• The total cost of owning through Aaron's is typically higher than buying the same item outright because you're paying rent plus the purchase price.
• Aaron's accepts various forms of payment and does not require a credit check, making it an option for people with limited credit history.
• South Carolina has multiple Aaron's locations, and you can visit in person to see items and sign agreements on the spot.

How the payment structure works

When you rent an item from Aaron's, you agree to a payment plan. The store tells you the weekly or monthly payment amount and how many payments it will take to own the item. For example, a television might cost $15 per week for 78 weeks, after which it's yours. A laptop might be $25 per week for 52 weeks. The total you pay—$1,170 for the TV or $1,300 for the laptop in these examples—is higher than the retail price of the same item bought new elsewhere, but it spreads the cost over time.

You can make payments in-store, online, or by phone. Aaron's accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. There's no credit check required to rent, which means your credit history doesn't determine whether you can start a rental agreement. This makes Aaron's accessible to people building credit or those with past credit problems.

If you miss a payment, Aaron's will contact you. Depending on your agreement and how late you are, they may charge a late fee or, if you're significantly behind, retrieve the item. Read your rental agreement carefully to understand the late-payment policy before you sign.

Ownership timeline and what happens at the end

The path to ownership is straightforward: make all your scheduled payments on time, and the item becomes yours. There's no final balloon payment or surprise fee at the end. Once you've paid the agreed-upon total, the merchandise is yours to keep, sell, give away, or do whatever you want with it.

If you want to own the item faster, many Aaron's locations allow you to pay off the remaining balance early without penalty. This can save you money if your circumstances change and you have cash available.

If you decide partway through that you don't want the item anymore, you can return it to any Aaron's store. You won't own it, but you also won't owe the remaining payments. This is different from a traditional loan, where stopping payments damages your credit and may result in collection action.

Finding Aaron's locations in South Carolina

Aaron's has stores throughout South Carolina in cities including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Myrtle Beach, as well as smaller towns. You can find the nearest location by visiting the Aaron's website and using their store locator, or by calling their customer service line. Most stores are open six days a week, with limited Sunday hours at some locations.

When you visit, bring a form of identification and be ready to discuss what you want to rent and your preferred payment schedule. Store staff can show you available items, explain the payment terms, and have you sign the agreement the same day if you decide to proceed.

Comparing Aaron's to other ways to get electronics and furniture

Buying outright with cash is the cheapest option if you have the money available, because you pay only the retail price. Financing through a credit card or bank loan is typically cheaper than rent-to-own if you have good credit, because interest rates are usually lower than the effective cost of a rent-to-own agreement. However, those options require a credit check and approval.

Aaron's appeals to people who need the item now but don't have the full purchase price saved and either don't have credit or prefer not to apply for a loan. The trade-off is that you pay more overall. A $500 television might cost $1,170 through Aaron's over 78 weeks, meaning you're paying an extra $670 for the convenience of spreading payments over time and avoiding a credit check.

Buying used from a private seller or secondhand store is another option that costs less upfront, though you lose the warranty and return flexibility that Aaron's provides. Renting from Aaron's without the intent to buy—just returning the item after a few months—is more expensive than buying used, but it gives you access to new merchandise without commitment.

What to know about warranties and damage

Aaron's rental agreements typically include a warranty that covers manufacturer defects. If the television stops working or the laptop has a hardware failure within the warranty period, Aaron's will repair or replace it at no extra cost. This is a real advantage over buying used, where you get no warranty at all.

Your agreement will specify what counts as normal wear and tear versus damage you're responsible for. Accidental damage—dropping a laptop, spilling liquid on a keyboard, cracking a screen—may be your responsibility depending on the terms. Read the damage clause carefully before you sign, and ask the store staff to explain what's covered and what isn't.

If you damage an item and it's your responsibility to pay for repairs, Aaron's will tell you the cost. You can choose to pay for the repair and keep the item, or return it and stop making payments. The repair cost doesn't automatically get added to your rental agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need good credit to rent from Aaron's?

No. Aaron's does not run a credit check, so your credit history doesn't matter. You'll need a valid ID and proof of income or residence, but the store's main concern is that you can make the weekly or monthly payments.

What happens if I stop making payments?

If you miss payments, Aaron's will attempt to contact you and may charge a late fee according to your agreement. If you fall significantly behind, they may retrieve the item. You won't own it, but you also won't owe the remaining balance once they take it back. However, repeated missed payments could affect your ability to rent from Aaron's in the future.

Can I return an item after a few months?

Yes. You can return any rented item to Aaron's at any time without penalty. You won't get a refund of payments you've already made, but you stop owing the remaining balance. This makes Aaron's useful if you want to try out an item for a few months without committing to ownership.

Is it cheaper to buy the item outright or rent-to-own from Aaron's?

Buying outright is almost always cheaper if you have the cash. A $500 item might cost $1,170 through Aaron's because you're paying for the convenience of spreading payments over time and avoiding a credit check. However, if you don't have the full amount saved, Aaron's lets you start using the item immediately instead of waiting to save up.

What if the item breaks and it's not my fault?

Aaron's warranty covers manufacturer defects and equipment failures. If the television stops working or the computer has a hardware problem, Aaron's will repair or replace it at no cost. Accidental damage you cause—like dropping it or spilling liquid on it—may be your responsibility depending on your specific agreement. Ask the store to explain the damage policy before you sign.