The increasingly popular option of rent-to-own for computers gives consumers options to get gaming computers. This option may help make leasing and potentially owning the products you love more realistic, even with less-than-stellar credit history. Learn the answers to these important questions about accessing rent-to-own gaming PCs below:
Rent-to-own is a payment plan in which you lease and potentially acquire new electronics from top brands.
The rent-to-own industry became popular in the 1960s for the leasing of household furniture and appliances. Many consumers didn’t qualify for financing because they lacked the credit required, so rent-to-own provided an option that consumers could apply for.
Since then, the lease-to-own industry has grown tremendously, with over 9,200 stores in the U.S. serving over 4.8 million customers annually. Globally, there are an estimated 9,900 rent-to-own stores, a figure that excludes online rent-to-own stores.
Rent-to-own is not the same as other payment options, such as in-store credit or layaway. With in-store credit, the loan is financed by the store, and it accrues interest on the amount owed, which in turn increases the amount you’ll pay for the product. Although the rent-to-own payment option does not accrue interest, there are comparable leasing fees included.
With layaway, you make cash installments toward obtaining an item. However, until the product is paid off, the store maintains possession of the product. Rent-to-own allows you to take the product home with you and begin using it while you make rental payments according to your rental agreement.
Benefits include:
A rent-to-own payment option comprises a rental contract with manageable periodic (sometimes weekly or monthly) payments. It may be ideal for customers with less-than-stellar or underdeveloped credit.
A spotless credit score may be required to qualify for in-store credit. The merchant will have to run a credit check to determine your eligibility. Unlike in-store credit, rent-to-own doesn’t accrue interest but does include comparable leasing fees.
It is often difficult for consumers looking to obtain a quality, notable brand gaming PC to use traditional financing options when they lack the appropriate credit or have filed for bankruptcy in the past. Rent-to-own is a great alternative. Contact or head to your nearest rent-to-own store, select your preferred payment plan and if approved, go home with your new gaming computer. Any applicable sales tax is included in the total cost of your lease.
Here are example options that American First Finance offers:
^An Early Buyout Option fee applies when exercising the Early Buyout Option.
Access to quality merchandise. Get your high-end gaming PC from a notable brand easier and without making a substantial payment or putting down a security deposit. Pay off your rent-to-own gaming PC in small payments spread over multiple months.
This allows you to get the best-performance PC for gamers on-hand right away. If you acquire some disposable income, you may also opt for the early purchase option and pay the total cost to own the gaming PC.
The rent-to-own industry has grown exponentially since its conception in the 1960s. It has become an important sector of the retail industry, generating over $7.6 billion in revenue. According to the Association of Progressive Rental Organization, the average store generates just under $500,000, which speaks to its level of popularity and success. The rent-to-own industry is projected to grow at a rate of $100 million annually.
The Federal Trade Commission did a survey and found that 4.9 percent of U.S. households used rent-to-own agreements to acquire products in the past five years, which also shows how popular the rent-to-own route has become.
Rent-to-own arrangements are available to consumers without good credit. They may provide better access to new, quality new computers and gaming PC desktops from your favorite well-known brands without requiring sizable upfront payment for the item. Lease your next gaming PC with this affordable option.
Although the rent-to-own industry has shown rising trends over the past few years, it gained more prominence in 2020 because of COVID-19 and will continue to grow into the foreseeable future. The market is projected to progress even further through 2025, supported by factors like urbanization, improved GDP, and a boost in internet penetration.
If approved, lease your preferred gaming desktop computer today without worrying about paying the item off upfront. Rent-to-own may be an opportunity to enjoy the ultimate gaming experience while making rental payments as you go.
Type of Gaming PCs | Average Price** | Link |
Laptop Gaming PCs | $750 – $1,500 | Find a Store* |
Desktop Gaming PCs | $2,000 – $4,000 | Find a Store* |
Budget Gaming PCs | $1,000 – $2,000 | Find a Store* |
**Please Note: Payment solutions vary based on the merchant and will be indicated at the beginning of the application process. Be sure to confirm that the merchant you select offers the lease, loan, or alternative payment solution you intend to apply for.
**Retail prices may vary based on extras and the type of gaming pc you purchase. For example, a laptop gaming pc can have a retail price as low as $750. However, a desktop gaming pc may have a retail price upwards of $4,000.
Gamers who prefer laptops typically enjoy them for their portability and convenience. Gaming laptops offer brute performance on the move and can double as work computers, as well. They’re affordable and more practical for beginner gamers because they don’t involve customization, builds, or the need for additional tools like a gaming monitor, keyboard, or sometimes mouse, which often increase the overall price considerably.
Gaming laptops come in three main configurations:
Gaming desktops offer more processing power than laptops, and they are easier to upgrade. The price range is also more diverse. Unlike a gaming laptop, you may upgrade a gaming desktop PC’s individual components, making gaming desktops ideal for gamers who are always chasing adventure with the latest gaming titles.
Desktops for gaming come in numerous configurations depending on their size. Each configuration is designed for varying gaming and storage requirements.
Budget PCs for gaming are perfect for gaming lovers who are on a tight budget. While they aren’t the fanciest, budget gaming computers get the job done. Usually, these basic gaming PCs will come with the features and configurations necessary to game, but there’s not much to choose from in terms of types. However, at different phases, there are numerous feature configurations that make it easier to find something that balances value for money and performance.
Finding traditional financing with a low credit score is often challenging. Even if you are approved, the interest rates are not competitive enough and may make carrying out payments difficult or put you in more debt.
If you can’t access traditional financing, buying a great gaming computer may be very difficult. Explore your options, and don’t settle for substandard, second-hand options that won’t perform as expected.
Rent-to-own payment options may allow you to lease and potentially own new, notable PC brands.
American First Finance is a leading payment solutions company. American First Finance payment solutions† are available to consumers without pristine credit. Consumers without pristine credit may be able to expand their shopping options through American First Finance.
†See the full disclaimer at the end of the article.
Rent-to-own is a flexible payment plan that is often available to consumers with low credit scores. If approved, it allows them to access gaming PCs from leading manufacturers with affordable renewable rental payments without a huge cash commitment.
This type of rental-purchase agreement gives you the freedom to acquire the PC of your dreams and make rental payments periodically. Most of the leading stores with great gaming PCs in stock have rent-to-own options.
American First Finance has partnered with numerous merchants across the U.S. to give you options† when applying for rent-to-own gaming merchandise.
You can apply for rent to own through our website easily and conveniently. Use our Merchant Search tool* to find a store near you and fill out the application online. The application process is quick, and you can review your payment options, checkout, and start your rent-to-own agreement the moment you’re approved.
**Please Note: Payment solutions vary based on the merchant and will be indicated at the beginning of the application process. Be sure to confirm that the merchant you select offers the lease, loan, or alternative payment solution you intend to apply for.
†Subject to approval and standard underwriting criteria. Approval is possible without a credit score, but credit will be checked. The transaction advertised is a lease, lease-to-own or rent-to-own program, or rental-purchase agreement, which is different from a loan or credit card. For example, instead of paying interest, you will pay rental fees on top of the retail price. You will become the owner of the merchandise only after you pay the Total Cost of Ownership. The lessee will not own the property until the total amount necessary to acquire ownership is paid either by payment of the total of payments over the full term of the agreement or by prepayment as provided for by law. Other fees may apply, such as late fees, non-sufficient funds fees, delivery fees, and optional Liability Damage Waiver fees. The earlier in your lease that you pay the Total Cost of Ownership, the more you can save on rental fees, and the lower your Total Cost of Ownership will be. Acquiring ownership by leasing costs more than the retailer’s cash price. Leasing available at participating locations where permitted by law. Terms and conditions subject to change at any time without prior disclosure or notice.
If it’s your first time exploring the rent-to-own option, these frequently asked questions may help you get a better idea of how it works.
A: Rent-to-own is a flexible payment option that is available to people with bad credit. If approved, it allows them to lease and potentially own products without a huge cash payment. If approved, it may enable people with less-than-stellar credit scores to access the products or services they seek.
A: Your credit score may not be the only consideration during your rent-to-own application, making the service more accessible to people with less-than-stellar or underdeveloped credit.
A: You can apply for rent-to-own gaming PC options right here on our website. Not everyone will be approved, but having bad credit doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be denied. Your credit may be checked, but having no or a low credit score doesn’t necessarily disqualify you.
A: American First Finance payment options are available in hundreds of participating locations across the U.S. for our customers to choose from.