The Best Rent-to-Own Companies in America

The largest rent-to-own companies in America include Rent-A-Center (approximately 1,700 locations), Aaron's (approximately 1,300 locations), Buddy's Home Furnishings (approximately 300 locations), and a rapidly expanding field of virtual RTO providers including Progressive Leasing, Acima, Snap Finance, Koalafi, and FlexShopper. This complete comparison from VRTO (Virtual Rent To Own) examines what publicly available data — including SEC filings, FDD documents, and CFPB complaint records — reveals about each company.

With 1 in 27 U.S. households using rent-to-own each year (APRO/RTO HQ) and 26 million Americans classified as "credit invisible" by the CFPB, understanding the differences between RTO providers can save consumers hundreds of dollars and help them make informed decisions.

How We Evaluated These Companies

This guide relies on publicly verifiable data sources rather than subjective rankings: SEC annual reports (10-K filings) for publicly traded companies, Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) for franchised brands, CFPB complaint database records, Better Business Bureau ratings, and APRO membership data. Every claim below can be verified through these public sources.

Key factors in our comparison include:

• Store count and geographic coverage
• Product categories offered
• Early purchase option availability and terms
• Credit bureau reporting policies
• Agreement structures and total cost transparency
• Service and delivery policies

Traditional Brick-and-Mortar RTO Companies

Rent-A-Center

Rent-A-Center is the largest pure-play RTO company in the United States. Per their SEC filings, the company operates approximately 1,700 company-owned locations across all 50 states.

What they offer: Furniture, appliances, electronics, computers, and smartphones. Rent-A-Center stocks both new and pre-leased merchandise, with pricing that varies based on item condition.

Agreement structure: Typical agreements run 12 to 24 months with weekly, biweekly, or monthly payment options. The total cost of ownership through full-term payments is typically 1.5x to 2.5x the retail price.

Early purchase option: Rent-A-Center offers a same-as-cash option — typically 90 days — where you can purchase the item for the cash price plus a small processing fee. After the same-as-cash period, buyout prices decline on a schedule. Exercising the EPO early can save 40% to 60% off the total agreement cost.

Credit reporting: Rent-A-Center does not report positive payment history to credit bureaus. However, their subsidiary Acima does report completed agreements to TransUnion.

Notable features: Free delivery, setup, and service during the rental period. Product replacement guarantee if the item cannot be repaired. Worry-free guarantee covers repairs and service at no additional charge.

The CFPB complaint database shows that Rent-A-Center receives complaints primarily related to billing disputes, difficulty ending agreements, and concerns about total cost disclosure.

Aaron's

Aaron's operates approximately 1,300 company-operated and franchised locations, per their most recent FDD and SEC filings. Aaron's has been in business since 1955, making it one of the longest-running RTO companies in America.

What they offer: Furniture, appliances, and electronics with agreement terms typically running 12 to 24 months. Aaron's distinguishes itself through its lease-to-own model that includes free repair service and a product replacement guarantee.

Agreement structure: Monthly payment model (unlike Rent-A-Center's weekly default). Aaron's offers both new and pre-leased merchandise. FDD data shows that franchised locations generate median annual revenues of approximately $1.1 million.

Early purchase option: Available at most locations. Aaron's typically offers a 120-day same-as-cash option, which is longer than many competitors. After that period, buyout prices decline based on payments already made.

Credit reporting: Aaron's does not report positive payment history to credit bureaus.

Notable features: Free delivery, setup, and product service. Aaron's has invested heavily in their digital platform, offering online browsing, application, and delivery scheduling. Their web-based experience has expanded significantly in recent years.

CFPB complaints for Aaron's center on delivery disputes, billing issues, and concerns about item condition at delivery.

Buddy's Home Furnishings

Buddy's operates approximately 300 franchised locations primarily in the southeastern United States, per their FDD.

What they offer: Furniture and appliances for mid-market consumers. Buddy's focuses on household essentials rather than electronics or luxury items.

Agreement structure: FDD data shows Buddy's franchisees invest between $262,000 and $537,000 to open a location. The brand differentiates through community-focused service and flexible payment scheduling that accommodates biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles — a significant benefit for consumers paid on non-standard schedules.

Credit reporting: Buddy's does not report positive payment history to credit bureaus.

Notable features: Flexible payment timing, community-oriented service model, and a focus on personal relationships with customers. Buddy's tends to serve smaller markets and communities where the larger chains may not have a presence.

Virtual RTO Providers

The virtual RTO segment has expanded rapidly over the past decade. According to APRO, virtual RTO now accounts for more than half of all RTO transaction volume. These providers operate at the point of sale in third-party retail stores, allowing consumers to lease-to-own items from retailers that do not normally offer RTO.

Progressive Leasing

Progressive Leasing is the largest virtual RTO provider, partnering with over 30,000 retail locations nationwide according to their parent company PROG Holdings' SEC filings.

How it works: Unlike traditional RTO stores, Progressive operates at the point of sale in retailers including Best Buy, Lowe's, and various furniture chains. You apply in-store or online, and if approved, Progressive purchases the item from the retailer and leases it to you.

Application process: Takes minutes, with approval decisions based on bank account and income verification rather than a credit score — making it accessible to the 26 million credit-invisible Americans identified by the CFPB.

Agreement structure: Agreements typically run 12 months with an early purchase option available after the first payment. Weekly, biweekly, or monthly payment options.

Credit reporting: Progressive reports completed agreements to Equifax, making it one of the few RTO providers that can help consumers build credit history. This is a significant differentiator.

Total cost: Progressive's cost markup is comparable to traditional RTO — typically 1.5x to 2.5x retail. Their 90-day purchase option offers the best value.

Acima

Acima, owned by Rent-A-Center, is available at over 40,000 retail locations.

How it works: Similar to Progressive, Acima operates as a virtual lease-to-own provider at third-party retailers. Available in stores and online for a wide range of product categories.

Credit reporting: Reports completed leases to TransUnion, providing a credit-building opportunity for consumers who complete their agreements.

Early purchase: Offers a 90-day purchase option and declining buyout prices throughout the lease term. Use the VRTO payment calculator to estimate total costs.

Snap Finance

Snap Finance is available at over 150,000 merchant locations per their website, making it one of the most widely available options.

How it works: Snap's product is structured as a lease-purchase or loan depending on the state. The 2024 CFPB v. Snap Finance decision examined this hybrid structure closely, confirming that the lease components qualify as RTO rather than credit.

Credit reporting: Reports to Equifax. Because Snap operates more like a lender in some states, credit reporting is standard practice.

Notable consideration: Because Snap's structure varies by state, the consumer rights that apply may differ. In states where Snap operates as a loan, Truth in Lending Act protections may apply. Always read the agreement carefully to understand which legal framework governs your transaction.

Koalafi

Koalafi (formerly West Creek Financial) focuses on essential purchases — tires, veterinary care, home improvement, and similar necessities.

How it works: Koalafi partners with service providers and retailers in specific verticals. Their application process is quick, and they offer both lease-to-own and loan products depending on credit qualification.

Notable differentiator: Koalafi serves categories that traditional RTO stores typically do not cover, making it the primary option for consumers who need to lease-to-own services or specialty items.

FlexShopper

FlexShopper is an online-focused platform offering weekly payment plans with spending limits up to $2,500 per their SEC filings.

How it works: FlexShopper provides a virtual spending limit that consumers can use at participating online retailers or through the FlexShopper marketplace. The fully online model appeals to consumers who prefer digital transactions.

Agreement structure: Weekly payments over a 52-week lease term. Early purchase options are available. Total cost through full-term payments follows the typical RTO markup of 1.5x to 2.5x retail.

Traditional vs. Virtual RTO: Key Differences

Understanding the difference between traditional and virtual RTO is essential for choosing the right option:

• Product selection — traditional RTO stores stock their own inventory (limited selection but you can see items in person). Virtual providers give you access to the full inventory of their partner retailers (much broader selection).
• Service and repairs — traditional RTO companies like Aaron's and Rent-A-Center include free repair and replacement during the lease. Virtual providers typically defer to the retailer's warranty.
• Return process — traditional stores handle returns directly. Virtual providers may require coordination between you, the retailer, and the lease company. Learn more about your options for ending an agreement early.
• Credit reporting — virtual providers are more likely to report to credit bureaus than traditional stores. See our credit reporting guide for details.
• Availability — traditional stores require a physical location near you. Virtual providers are available anywhere their partner retailers operate.

How to Compare RTO Companies in Your Area

When evaluating RTO providers, focus on these factors recommended by the FTC:

• Total cost of ownership — ask each store for the total of all payments on the specific item you want. The typical total cost is 1.5x to 2.5x the retail price, but this varies significantly by company, item, and agreement length.
• Early purchase option — how soon can you buy out, and what is the formula for calculating the buyout price? An EPO can save you 40% to 60% off the total cost.
• Credit reporting — does the provider report on-time payments to any credit bureau? For the 26 million credit-invisible Americans, this can be a deciding factor.
• Service and repair — what happens if the item breaks during the agreement? Traditional stores typically offer free service; virtual providers may not.
• Return flexibility — can you return the item at any time with no further obligation? This should be standard, but verify the process.
• Payment flexibility — does the provider offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly options? Can payments align with your pay schedule?

Use the VRTO company directory for side-by-side comparisons and find every RTO provider in your zip code through our state-by-state store listings.

Understanding RTO Regulation

All of these companies operate within a regulatory framework that provides important consumer protections. 47 states have specific RTO statutes governing disclosure requirements, pricing transparency, and consumer rights. Three states — Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin — treat RTO as a credit sale, which triggers additional consumer protections under lending laws.

Regardless of which company you choose, you are protected by your state's RTO statute and the FTC's general consumer protection authority. For state-specific details, see our consumer rights by state guide.

Frequently Asked Questions