How Rent-A-Center Works for Mobile Phones and Other Electronics

What Rent-A-Center is and how it operates

Rent-A-Center is a rent-to-own retailer with locations across South Carolina where you can rent mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics with the option to purchase them over time. Unlike a traditional phone store, you don't buy the device outright. Instead, you make weekly or monthly payments, and after a set period—usually 12 to 24 months depending on the item—you own it. If you stop paying or return the item, Rent-A-Center takes it back.

The company operates more than 1,200 locations nationwide, including stores in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and other South Carolina cities. You can find your nearest location through their website or by calling ahead. Each store carries current smartphone models, tablets, gaming systems, and computers, along with furniture and appliances.

Rent-A-Center does not require a credit check or credit history to rent. The approval process is typically fast—sometimes same-day—which appeals to people who need a phone immediately but don't have the cash to buy one or lack traditional credit. You will need a valid ID and proof of income or employment.

Key Takeaways

• Rent-A-Center lets you rent electronics with the option to own them after making regular payments over 12 to 24 months.
• No credit check is required, and approval can happen the same day you visit a store in South Carolina.
• The total cost of renting and owning through Rent-A-Center is significantly higher than buying the same phone outright from a carrier or retailer.
• You can return the item at any time without penalty, but you will not own it and lose all payments made.
• Rent-A-Center offers a rent-to-own path for people without savings or credit, but the weekly or monthly payments add up quickly.

How the rent-to-own payment structure works

When you rent a phone or tablet from Rent-A-Center, you choose a payment schedule: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. The payment amount depends on the device and the schedule you pick. A newer smartphone might cost $20 to $30 per week, or roughly $80 to $120 per month, depending on the model and your location.

After you complete all payments over the rental period, you own the device outright. The total you pay—adding up all weekly or monthly installments—will be substantially more than the phone's retail price. For example, a phone that costs $400 to buy new might total $800 to $1,200 in rent-to-own payments by the time you own it. This higher total cost is how Rent-A-Center makes money and accounts for the risk of customers who stop paying.

If you decide you want to own the phone sooner, you can pay off the remaining balance early. Rent-A-Center will calculate what you still owe and let you pay it in one lump sum. Some locations offer this option, though terms vary by store.

What happens if you can't keep up with payments

If you miss a payment, Rent-A-Center will contact you to collect. Missing multiple payments or falling significantly behind can result in the company repossessing the device. Once they take it back, you lose ownership rights and all the money you have paid toward it. You will not receive a refund for payments already made.

You can also choose to return the item voluntarily at any time without penalty. Walking into a store and returning the phone ends your agreement. Again, you will not own the device and will not get back the payments you made, but you will not owe any additional money.

Some Rent-A-Center locations offer a grace period or payment flexibility if you contact them before you miss a payment. It is worth calling your local store to ask about options if you are struggling to keep up.

Comparing Rent-A-Center to other ways to get a phone

A new smartphone from a major carrier—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or US Cellular—typically costs $200 to $1,000 depending on the model. Many carriers offer payment plans where you pay the full price in monthly installments over 24 to 36 months with little or no interest. This path is cheaper than Rent-A-Center if you can pass a credit check.

Buying a used or refurbished phone from a retailer like Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon costs $150 to $400 and requires money upfront, but the total cost is far lower than renting from Rent-A-Center. If you have even a small amount of savings, this is usually the most affordable route.

Rent-A-Center makes sense if you have no savings, no credit history, and need a phone today. The trade-off is paying significantly more over time. If you can wait a few weeks or save up even $100 to $200, other options will cost you less in the long run.

What to bring and know before you visit a South Carolina Rent-A-Center

Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of income or employment, such as a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, or proof of benefits. Some stores accept bank statements or tax returns as proof of income.

Have your phone number and email address ready, as Rent-A-Center will use these to contact you about payments and account updates. If you have a checking account, bring a blank check or your account number and routing number, as many stores prefer to set up automatic payments from your bank account.

Ask the store associate about the specific payment schedule options available for the phone you want. Not all payment frequencies are offered for all devices, and rates can vary slightly between locations. Also ask whether the phone comes with a warranty or protection plan, and what that covers.

Understanding the device condition and warranty

Rent-A-Center phones are typically refurbished or used devices that have been tested and cleaned. They are not brand new, though they should work properly. The store will show you the device before you rent it and explain any visible wear or damage.

Most Rent-A-Center locations offer optional damage waiver or protection plans for an additional weekly or monthly fee. This plan covers accidental damage, cracked screens, and water damage. If you damage the phone and do not have the plan, you may be charged a repair or replacement fee, or Rent-A-Center may repossess the device and end your agreement.

Read the rental agreement carefully before signing. It will spell out what damage is covered, what your payment obligations are, and what happens if you miss a payment or return the item early.

Finding a Rent-A-Center location in South Carolina

Rent-A-Center has stores in most South Carolina cities and towns. You can search for locations on their website by entering your zip code or city name. The search will show you store addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

Call ahead before visiting to confirm the specific phone model you want is in stock. Inventory changes frequently, and a phone available one day may be rented out the next. Calling also lets you ask about current payment rates and any promotions the store may be running.

Many Rent-A-Center locations are in shopping centers or downtown areas near other retail stores. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, though this varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a phone to a different Rent-A-Center location than where I rented it?

Most Rent-A-Center locations allow you to return items to any store in the chain, but policies can vary. Call your local store or the location where you rented the phone to confirm before making the trip. If you are moving out of South Carolina, ask whether your rental agreement can transfer to a store in your new state.

What happens to my payments if I return the phone early?

If you return the phone before completing all payments, you do not receive a refund for the money you have already paid. You simply stop owing future payments. The payments you made are kept by Rent-A-Center as the cost of renting the device during the time you had it.

Can I upgrade to a newer phone while I am still paying for my current one?

Some Rent-A-Center locations allow you to return your current phone and start a new rental agreement for a different model. You would not get credit for your previous payments, but you could move to a newer device. Ask your local store whether this option is available and whether any fees apply.

Do I need a phone plan or service to rent from Rent-A-Center?

Rent-A-Center rents the phone hardware only. You will need to purchase a separate phone plan from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or US Cellular to use the phone for calls, texts, and data. The phone itself is just the device.

What if I want to own the phone but cannot afford the full remaining balance?

Contact your local Rent-A-Center store and explain your situation. Some locations may work with you on a payment plan to pay off the balance, though this is not may provide. The store manager has some flexibility in how they handle these requests, so it is worth asking.