VRTO

Rent to Own Smartphones

Get connected with a new phone today. No credit check, no carrier contract. Pay weekly.

Rent-to-own smartphones let you get the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or other devices with weekly payments — no credit check and no carrier contract required. Flagship smartphones cost over $1,000, but rent-to-own breaks that cost into manageable weekly payments. RTO is a terminable lease: if you want to switch phones, return it with no penalty. The CFPB estimates 26 million Americans are credit invisible; rent-to-own bypasses credit barriers entirely with income-based approval.

$15–$35 Per week
12–18 months Typical Term
3,881 Stores
50 States

Find Smartphones Stores Near You

Enter your city or ZIP code to find rent-to-own stores with smartphones near you.

Companies Offering Rent-to-Own Smartphones

Aaron's, Rent-A-Center, FlexShopper, and specialty mobile RTO retailers carry smartphones in most states. Browse by state below to find specific store locations, hours, and contact information in your area. View all companies →

What to Know Before Renting Smartphones

Compare to Carrier Financing First

Many phone carriers offer zero-interest financing — but it requires a credit check and often a long-term contract. Compare the total rent-to-own cost against carrier plans. RTO makes sense when you cannot qualify for carrier financing or want the flexibility to return the device at any time.

Verify Carrier Compatibility

Make sure the phone you are renting works with your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). Most rent-to-own smartphones are unlocked, but verify before signing your lease agreement to avoid activation issues.

Upgrade Policies Vary

Some stores allow mid-agreement upgrades: return your current device and start a new agreement for the newer model. If staying current matters to you, ask about upgrade policies before signing. Not all stores offer this option.

Protect the Device Immediately

Smartphones are fragile. Invest in a quality case and screen protector on day one. Some agreements charge for damage beyond normal wear, so a $20 case can save you hundreds. This is the same advice whether you buy, finance, or rent to own.

What to Bring to a Smartphones Store

Bring a valid photo ID, proof of income, proof of residence, and know your carrier. Ask whether the phone is unlocked and whether upgrade options are available.

Estimate your total cost → Read our RTO guides →

Popular Rent-to-Own Smartphones

iPhone (latest and previous generation), Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, unlocked smartphones, and refurbished devices.

Product availability varies by store and location. Search above or browse by state below to find stores near you.

Rent to Own Smartphones by State

Find rent-to-own smartphones stores in your state. All 50 states covered.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Rent-to-Own Smartphones FAQ

Rent-to-own smartphones cost $15–$35 per week depending on the model. A latest-generation iPhone or Samsung Galaxy runs about $25–$35 per week. Previous-generation and refurbished devices cost less. Use our calculator at vrto.com/calculator to estimate total cost with the early purchase option.

Most rent-to-own smartphones are unlocked and work with any major carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). Always verify carrier compatibility before signing your lease agreement to avoid activation issues. Unlocked phones give you the flexibility to switch carriers without restrictions.

Carrier financing is usually cheaper because many carriers offer zero-interest plans. However, carrier financing requires a credit check and often a long-term contract. Rent-to-own requires no credit check and lets you return the phone at any time — it is a terminable lease, not credit. RTO makes sense when carrier financing is unavailable to you.

Some stores allow mid-agreement upgrades. You return your current device and start a new agreement for the newer model. Not all stores offer this — ask about upgrade policies before signing if staying current matters to you.

No. Rent-to-own smartphone programs do not require a traditional credit check. The CFPB estimates 26 million Americans are credit invisible — rent-to-own bypasses this barrier with income-based approval and a valid ID.

How Rent-to-Own Smartphones Works

When you rent to own smartphones, you make regular payments — weekly, biweekly, or monthly — and take the item home the same day. There's no credit check, no down payment at most stores, and delivery and setup are typically included.

RTO is a lease, not a loan. You're not taking on debt, and if your situation changes, you can return the item at any time with no penalty and no remaining balance. Most stores also include free service and repairs for the life of the agreement.

Most agreements include an early purchase option — pay off the item within 90 days and you can save significantly on the total cost. If you return an item and want it back later, most states guarantee reinstatement rights so you keep your payment equity.

Use VRTO (Virtual Rent To Own) to find rent-to-own smartphones stores near you. Compare stores by location, hours, and ratings. Calculate your total cost before you walk in.

VRTO is an independent directory service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Aaron's, Rent-A-Center, or any other rent-to-own company. Store information is provided for reference purposes only. Some directory descriptions and guides are drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team.