If you’re into reality TV like Pawn Stars or used to watch Hardcore Pawn, you already know how pawnshops work. While nearly anything can be sold or pawned, some items consistently bring in more money than others — and knowing what those are can make a big difference when you’re in a bind and need fast cash. Let’s break down what makes pawnshops tick and which items will likely get you the best payout.

Earning passive income doesn’t have to be complicated. You could get started as soon as this week.

Quick Take: Pros and Cons of Pawnshops

There are around 10,000 pawnshops across the U.S., many of them run by families, according to the National Pawnbrokers Association.

Here’s how it usually works: You bring in an item, and the pawnbroker offers a short-term loan based on its value. If you repay the loan within the agreed time, you get your item back. If not, the pawnshop keeps and sells it.

A bank loan is often the better route if you qualify, but pawning might work in a pinch. You can also choose to sell the item outright.

Here are some key pros and cons to weigh:

Pros:

• No credit check: You can still get a loan even with poor credit.
• No credit impact: If you can’t repay the loan, your credit score stays safe — you just lose the item.
• Quick cash: Need money fast? You can get it the same day.

Cons:

• High interest: Some states allow shops to charge between 12% and 240% APR. That’s up to 20% interest per month.
• Low loan amounts: You’ll only get about 25% to 60% of the item’s resale value. For example, a $1,000 item might get you $250 to $600.
• Repayment issues: Many people struggle to repay. The average pawn loan is $150 for 30 days, and about 85% of borrowers do pay it back and retrieve their items.

What Are the Best Things To Sell at a Pawnshop?

If you’re short on cash, selling a few quality items from around the house is a simple way to get money fast. And if you plan to repay the loan, you might not even need to give up the item permanently.

You can try to negotiate if the offer feels too low. Different shops offer different amounts based on the item’s condition, local demand, and the pawnbroker’s experience. If time allows, visit multiple shops to get the best deal — especially for high-value goods like jewelry or electronics.

To walk away with $500, you’ll need to pawn something valued between $835 and $2,000 since most shops only loan a fraction of an item’s resale value.

Here are seven of the best things to pawn for quick cash:

Jewelry

Focus on pieces made from gold, platinum, or set with diamonds. These are hot-ticket items at pawnshops, and many brokers have specialists who know how to appraise stones and precious metals accurately. If you’re unsure about current market prices, consider getting a comparison quote from a jewelry store that deals in estate or pre-owned pieces.

Other Precious Metals

Silver, gold, and other valuable metals are easy to sell or pawn, especially since they usually hold or gain value over time. That makes them low-risk and appealing for pawnbrokers.

New High-End TVs

To fetch top dollar, your TV should be a high-definition or 4K model. Electronics, particularly those that are gently used or nearly new, tend to sell quickly and carry strong resale value.

Collectibles

The value of collectibles can vary wildly. Some items are worth hundreds — even thousands — while others might not move at all. Check recent eBay sales or look up values on WorthPoint to gauge what your items might bring in. Keep in mind that not all collections are valuable; things like Beanie Babies or vintage concert tees may not fetch much.

Coins

Like collectibles, coin values can be all over the place. For instance, a 1964 Kennedy half dollar is worth around $10, but a rare 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel can sell for over $3 million. Knowing what your coins are worth before visiting a pawnshop is crucial.

Firearms

Registered firearms in good working order can easily bring in $500 or more, especially high-end models. Just make sure you follow local laws and that the item is properly documented.

Vintage Technology

Got one of these in storage? You could be sitting on a payday:

• Macintosh 128K – Valued between $1,500 and $3,000
• Pioneer SX-1980 Stereo Receiver – Could bring $10,000 to $15,000
• Unopened Original iPhone – Worth between $3,000 and $6,000

What Will a Pawnshop Not Buy?

While you can try to pawn almost anything, some items just don’t sell well — or shops may already have too many in stock. In those cases, you may get a lowball offer or be turned away altogether.

Final Take To Go

If you need fast money and can part with something valuable — even temporarily — a pawnshop can be a practical solution. But remember: the interest rates are steep. If you’re not desperate for instant cash, it’s worth exploring other options first.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.