Aaron’s vs. Rent-A-Center: Which Rent-to-Own Store Is Better in 2026?

Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center are the two largest traditional rent-to-own retailers in the United States. Both companies have operated for decades, built thousands of physical store locations, and serve millions of customers who need access to electronics, furniture, and appliances without a credit check. If you are trying to decide between them, the differences are meaningful — from pricing transparency to product selection to customer service policies — and the right choice depends on what you are leasing and what you value most in a shopping experience.

Both companies share the fundamental characteristics of the rent-to-own model: no hard credit check, weekly lease payments, early purchase options, and the ability to return items at any time without further obligation. Where they diverge is in the details — how they structure pricing, what supplemental benefits come with an active lease, and how their store experience and online presence compare. Understanding these differences helps you get the best value from whichever company you choose.

In recent years both Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center have invested in online platforms that allow customers to browse inventory, apply for a lease, and arrange delivery without visiting a physical store. This development has somewhat narrowed the gap between the two companies and expanded their reach to customers who prefer digital interactions. Even so, the in-store experience and local service remain core to both businesses and are worth evaluating alongside the online capabilities.

This comparison looks at Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center across the dimensions that matter most to rent-to-own shoppers: pricing, selection, approval requirements, early purchase options, customer service, and supplemental benefits like maintenance coverage.

Aaron’s: Strengths and Features

Aaron’s was founded in 1955 and has built a reputation for transparent pricing and reliable service. One of Aaron’s most notable features is its same-as-cash option, which lets customers pay off their lease balance at a reduced price within a defined early purchase window. Aaron’s is known for being clear about the full-term cost of a lease upfront, showing you both the total lease cost and the early purchase options before you sign. This transparency is valuable and helps customers make genuinely informed decisions.

Aaron’s includes free same-day or next-day delivery and setup in their lease agreements for most items, which is a significant convenience benefit for large items like washing machines, refrigerators, or sectional sofas. They also provide free service and repair on leased items throughout the lease period — if your Aaron’s television breaks down while you are still making payments, they will repair or replace it at no additional cost. This service coverage reduces the financial risk of leasing electronics and appliances that can malfunction.

Aaron’s carries a broad selection of merchandise including televisions, laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, refrigerators, washers and dryers, bedroom sets, living room furniture, and mattresses. Their stores vary in inventory, so availability depends on your local location. Aaron’s also has an online store where you can browse and apply for leases without visiting a physical location, with delivery available to your home.

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Rent-A-Center: Strengths and Features

Rent-A-Center is the largest rent-to-own company in the United States by number of locations, with over two thousand stores nationwide. Like Aaron’s, Rent-A-Center requires no hard credit check and offers weekly lease payments with early purchase options. Their same-day delivery service is one of the fastest in the industry — walk into a store in the morning and have a refrigerator running in your kitchen by that afternoon. For urgent household needs, that speed is genuinely invaluable.

Rent-A-Center also includes free service and repair coverage on all leased items during the active lease period. This coverage extends to accidental damage in some cases, which provides additional peace of mind for families with children or in households where accidents are more likely. The company also offers a “90 Days Same as Cash” option on many items that functions similarly to Aaron’s early purchase option and allows customers to pay off the balance at a reduced total if they act within the promotional window.

Rent-A-Center’s online platform, RentACenter.com, allows customers to apply for leases online and arrange home delivery without visiting a store. Their product catalog online is extensive and includes many of the same categories available in stores. Customer reviews of Rent-A-Center are mixed compared to Aaron’s — the company has faced criticism in the past for aggressive collection practices, though these vary significantly by store location and staff. Visiting a store before committing, or reading reviews specific to your local location, can give you a better sense of the customer service quality you can expect.

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Head-to-Head: Pricing and Total Cost

Neither Aaron’s nor Rent-A-Center consistently offers lower prices across all categories. The total cost of a lease varies by item, location, and current promotions at each company. As a general rule, both companies charge a total lease cost of approximately two to three times the retail price for a full-term lease. The early purchase options at both companies reduce this significantly — typically to ten to twenty percent above retail if used within the first ninety days. Comparing quotes for the specific item you want at both companies is always worth the fifteen minutes it takes, as meaningful price differences between the two for the same item are common.

One cost factor to watch at both companies is insurance or damage waiver fees. Some locations automatically add these to the weekly payment, which increases your total cost. Confirm whether any supplemental fees are included in your quoted weekly amount and whether they are optional before signing. The core lease cost without add-ons is the most useful comparison point between the two companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper — Aaron’s or Rent-A-Center?

Neither company is consistently cheaper than the other across all products and locations. Pricing varies by item, by store location, and by current promotional offers. The most reliable way to compare is to get a quote for the same specific item from both companies in your area. Total lease cost, early purchase price at ninety days, and weekly payment are the three numbers to compare. In many cases the difference is small enough that other factors — service quality, delivery speed, available inventory — become the deciding factor.

Do Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center both offer no-credit-check approval?

Yes. Both companies do not perform a hard credit inquiry and do not use your credit score as an approval factor. They verify your income, check your identity, and ask for proof of address and sometimes references. Applicants with any credit score — including no credit score at all — can be approved as long as they meet the income and banking requirements. This is the defining characteristic that makes both companies accessible to customers who cannot qualify for traditional retail financing.

Which has better customer service?

Customer service quality varies significantly by individual store location at both companies. Aaron’s consistently receives better aggregate reviews for customer service and pricing transparency than Rent-A-Center based on national consumer surveys. However, your experience will depend heavily on the specific store, manager, and staff at your local location. Reading Google and Yelp reviews for your specific local store — not the national brand — gives you the most accurate picture of what to expect from the customer service at each location.

Which has more locations?

Rent-A-Center has more total locations in the United States, with over two thousand stores compared to Aaron’s approximately thirteen hundred stores. However, both companies have broad national coverage, and most metropolitan areas have locations of both brands within a reasonable distance. If only one company has a location near you, that geographic factor alone will likely determine your choice. In areas where both are present, comparing prices and customer reviews makes more sense than defaulting to the larger network.

Can I return items to Aaron’s or Rent-A-Center at any time?

Yes. Both Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center allow you to return leased items at any time with no further payment obligation beyond what you have already paid. You do not receive a refund for previous payments, but you stop owing money once the item is returned in acceptable condition. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of rent-to-own compared to traditional financing, where you remain obligated for the full loan balance regardless of whether you still have or want the item.

Do Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center report to credit bureaus?

Generally, neither Aaron’s nor Rent-A-Center reports lease payment history to the major credit bureaus under standard lease terms. This means making on-time payments does not typically help your credit score, but missing payments also does not directly hurt it. If a delinquent account is sent to a collection agency, however, the collection account can appear on your credit report and damage your score. Keeping your lease in good standing and communicating with the company proactively if you cannot make a payment prevents this outcome.

Bottom line: Aaron’s and Rent-A-Center are both solid options for no-credit-check rent-to-own shopping. Aaron’s edges ahead for pricing transparency and customer service consistency. Rent-A-Center wins for sheer number of locations and same-day delivery speed in many markets. Compare local quotes, read local reviews, and choose the company that gives you the best specific deal on the item you need.

Tips for Getting the Best Deal at Either Company

Regardless of whether you choose Aaron’s or Rent-A-Center, a few consistent strategies help you get the most value from your lease. First, always ask for a complete cost breakdown before signing — the weekly payment amount, the total cost at the end of a full lease term, and the early purchase price at ninety days. Reputable staff at either company should be able to provide all three numbers without hesitation. If anyone seems reluctant to share the full-term total or the early purchase price, that is a red flag worth taking seriously.

Second, negotiate when you can. Both companies have some flexibility on pricing, especially for higher-value items or for returning customers. Asking whether any promotions are currently running, or whether they can match a specific price you have seen advertised online, is always worth attempting. You may be surprised at the flexibility available to customers who ask calmly and directly. Third, set up automatic payments immediately after signing your lease to prevent any accidental missed payments that could result in late fees or complicated conversations with the store about your account status.

Both companies want your business and are generally willing to work with customers who communicate proactively and treat the relationship professionally.