NERDWALLET INVESTIGATION

'Run — Don't Walk' — Out of This Store

Rent-A-Center, the nation’s largest rent-to-own company, charges grossly inflated prices, badgers customers for the smallest lapse and wrongly wrecks their credit, government officials and consumer complaints say.

'Run — Don't Walk' — Out of This Store

Rent-A-Center, the nation’s largest rent-to-own company, charges grossly inflated prices, badgers customers for the smallest lapse and wrongly wrecks their credit, government officials and consumer complaints say.

Kicking in Doors and Crushing Credit: How Rent-A-Center Torments Customers

The harassment is often based on the company’s own shoddy record-keeping, consumers say.

Rent-to-Own Complaints Spur Federal Scrutiny

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating the rent-to-own industry over questions about unfair, deceptive and abusive practices.

Rent-A-Center's Formula: Charge You More at Every Step

Customers can pay five times as much for items to get them right now.

Rent-A-Center Hounds One Family Into Hiding

Mother says they huddled in a closet as a collector pounded on their house.

Rent-to-Own Slip-Up Can Land You in Jail

These companies can pursue charges if customers fail to pay or return items.

Unhappy With a Rent-A-Center Contract? You Have Options

Choices include early payoff, renegotiation and reporting abuse.

Why Would Anyone Rent-to-Own?

Spending today may seem less risky than saving toward an uncertain tomorrow.

‘Satisfied’ Rent-A-Center Customer Still Has Some Gripes

She enjoys the store but dings its pricing and two workers’ attitude.

Where Rent-A-Center and its Acceptance Now subsidiary are located

Resources

What Debt Collectors Can't and Can Do

They can’t visit you at work, but they can sue you or sell your debt.

How to Build Credit

Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card, get a credit-builder loan or secured credit card.

Rent-to-Own: Be Informed Before You Sign

Learn how the contracts work and discover some better alternatives.