Estimate a loan on a laptop
We do not guess resale prices. Check recent sold listings for the same model and condition, then type the figure.
| Share of value | Loan | Max 1st-month charge |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | — | — |
| 50% | — | — |
| 70% | — | — |
Scenarios, not offers. Each shop sets its own percentage; the charge column is the maximum your state allows.
How pawn shops value a laptop
- The shop checks brand, model, processor, memory and storage.
- It boots the laptop and checks screen, keyboard, battery and charging.
- Activation Lock, BIOS passwords or company management lock a laptop and lead to a refusal.
- Cracked screens and missing keys lower the offer sharply.
What to bring
- A government-issued photo ID.
- The charger (offers drop or stop without it).
- Box and receipt if you have them.
Back up your files, sign out of iCloud, Microsoft or Google accounts and turn off Find My before you go. If you will not need it back, compare with a sale in pawn or sell.
How much of the value will they lend?
There is no standard percentage. FirstCash, which runs Cash America, First Cash and other pawn chains, says in its annual report that the loan "typically is based on a percentage of the estimated sale value of the collateral", that it does not use a standard or mandated percentage, and that store employees set it item by item (FirstCash 2012 Form 10-K). That is why offers for the same item vary from shop to shop. The calculator above shows scenarios so you can compare offers you get.
What the loan costs
The charge is set by state law, whatever you pawn. Check the maximum for your state and amount:
Pawn loan cost by state
$40
maximum charge for the first month
- Total charges
- $40
- To get your item back
- $240
- Monthly rate
- 20.0%
Maximum allowed by state law. A pawn shop can charge less; your pawn ticket shows the real amount.
Pawn shops near you
Results
Enter a ZIP code or use your location to see the nearest pawn shops, with open-now status. Or browse a city: Las Vegas, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Tampa, Lincoln, Lubbock, Sioux Falls, Houston, Dallas, Columbus.
Questions
Do pawn shops wipe my data?
Do not rely on it. Back up and reset the laptop yourself, or sign out of all accounts.
Will they take a work laptop?
No. Laptops owned or managed by an employer cannot be pawned.