At some point, everyone needs instant cash for an emergency. Even Lorelai Gilmore in the TV series Gilmore Girls pawned a bracelet to help finance her daughter Rory’s education.
Need some quick cash ASAP? This review of the best pawnshops in Calgary can help point you in the right direction.
Table of Contents
How much do pawnshops in Calgary charge?
In Calgary, pawnshops typically charge interest rates ranging from 5% to 30% per month on the loan amount. The actual rate can depend on factors such as the type of item being pawned, the loan amount, and the pawnshop’s policies.
Additionally, pawnshops may charge other fees, such as storage fees or ticket fees.
How We Picked
1. Cash Canada
Address: 3233 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0R1, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact: +14032353412
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 8 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
With over 34 years of service, Cash Canada has been catering to a diverse clientele. Its services provide pawn loans for small businesses and commissioned salespeople, and specializes in high-value items like gold, diamonds, and premium electronics.
Besides pawn loans, it does retail sales and services like gold and jewellery testing.
It’s committed to providing more substantial loans, backed by a 10% guarantee. Clients can bring receipts from competitors within the past 3 months for a 10% increase on the same pawned item.
Pros
- Analyzes precious metals for free
- Tiered layaway program for buyers
- Open daily
Cons
- 25% storage fee for a pawn loan
Customer Reviews
Always friendly and going the extra mile for their customers
“I’ve been coming to the forest lawn location for years and love it there. Their customer service is on par. Always friendly and going the extra mile for their customers. Cheers to the First Lawn location on the best service ever!” – Melanie Campbell, Google Reviews
2. Pawnshop Superstore
Address: 3520 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0R7, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact: +14032484547
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 9 PM, Saturdays, 9 AM – 8 PM; Sundays, 10 AM – 6 PM
Website
Instagram
Pawnshop Superstore promises to offer collateral-based loans in just five minutes. Its services include pawning, buying, and selling seasonal items, jewellery, automotive accessories, electronics, art, and more.
It aims for fair transactions and strives to outbid competitors for the best value. The shop prioritizes quality control with all pre-owned inventory cleaned, tested, and guaranteed to perform as expected.
Pawnshop Superstore has both a physical store and an e-commerce website that offers pickup and shipping options for certain items.
Pros
- Pawners don’t have to go through a rigorous security check
- E-commerce website available
- Instant cash for pawn loans
Cons
- Shipping not available for all e-commerce items
Customer Reviews
All the staff at Pawnshop Superstore are friendly and fair
“The ladies at the front are amazing and very friendly. All the staff at Pawnshop Superstore are friendly and fair. Prices on the majority of items are great, a lot of selection. Great place if you need quick cash and are willing to pawn something.” – Nolan Yellow Fly, Google Reviews
3. Prestige Pawnbrokers
Address: 410 16 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3L8, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact: +14032645009
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30 AM – 6.30 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM – 6.30 PM; Sundays, noon to 4 PM
Website
Established in 1967 as Calgary’s first pawn shop, Prestige Pawnbrokers is led by owners Albert and Michelle who specialize in loans on luxury goods.
The shop gives interest-free layaway plans, offering clients ample time to pay off items without additional charge. It provides a 10% discount for repeat customers and prioritizes security, requiring photo ID for pawn transactions.
As an added layer of safety, Prestige Pawnbrokers forwards product details to the Calgary Police Service database.
Moreover, it doesn’t report to credit agencies so clients’ transactions won’t affect their credit scores.
Pros
- Interest-free layaway plans
- Stringent recording of every pawned item to ensure they’re not stolen goods
- No mandatory wait period for pawned items
Cons
- Strict identification verification process even for repeat customers
Customer Reviews
I highly recommend a visit to this business
“I’ve been using Prestige Pawn for many years and I have nothing but the highest rating I can possibly give. Albert is an amazing gentleman and exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful. Besides having to get the odd loan I’ve also purchased select pieces of jewellery and not only is it of the utmost quality, it is exceptionally priced. I highly recommend a visit to this business.” – Krissy Bang Bang, Google Reviews
4. Great Western Pawn & Loan
Address: 1413 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0C6, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact: +14032281119
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Saturdays, 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
Great Western Pawn & Loan was established in 1993 and has been in the same Calgary location for over 27 years. It offers cash for high-end watches, like Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, and Patek (with a focus on vintage timepieces); gold, jewellery; and larger diamonds.
It operates as a traditional pawn shop providing collateral loans on various quality items.
Besides the aforementioned, Great Western’s inventory spans musical instruments, tools, smartphones, and sporting equipment.
It grants a 30-day window for customers to decide if they want their items back.
Pros
- Specializes in vintage timepieces
- Open for short-term loans
- In business for nearly 3 decades
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Ralphel is amazing so very kind and fair
“Ralphel is amazing so very kind and fair. I highly recommend him. Best customer service out there. Don’t go anywhere else just come see him and you won’t regret it.” – Anastasia Ann Ostrom, Google Reviews
5. Central Pawn Shop Ltd.
Address: 1004 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2M7, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact: +14032662849
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 AM – 6 PM; Saturdays, noon to 4 PM
Website
Family-owned since its establishment in 1989, Central Pawn Shop Ltd. offers collateral loans without the need for credit checks. This accessibility makes it an ideal option for those requiring quick cash without a strong credit history.
It aims to provide fair evaluations with transparent terms and fees. The pawning process is straightforward processes: if a loan cannot be repaid, the pawn shop retains the item without affecting the borrower’s credit score.
The shop specializes in items like gold, diamonds, iPhones, iPads, musical instruments, high-end watches, laptops, and newer game consoles.
The owner, Joseph, sees to most of the transactions himself.
Pros
- Ideal for pawners without a strong credit history
- Unpaid loans won’t affect credit history
- Family-owned business since 1989
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
He patiently explained the process answered all my questions and offered a fair assessment
“I recently visited Central pawn shop and I must say it was a pleasant surprise as someone who had never used a pawn shop before. I was a bit apprehensive about the experience. But Joseph made it a smooth and comfortable process. The shop itself was clean and well-organized. Which immediately put me at ease. I was greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable owner who was more than willing to assist me. I had some items I was interested in pointing out. And he patiently explained the process answered all my questions and offered a fair assessment of the items’ value.” – Mark Clarke, Google Reviews
6. Rocky Mountain Pawn Ltd.
Address: 4108 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2R7, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact: +14032878404
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
Instagram
Operating in Calgary since 1982 and celebrating 41 years in the same location, Rocky Mountain Pawn Ltd. is the only pawn shop licensed for firearms in the city. It also specializes in power tools, premium watches, art, and used gold and silver jewellery.
As an Alberta Living Wage Employer, the shop adheres to the principles of The Alberta Living Wage Network.
For flexibility, Rocky Mountain Pawn Ltd. clients can opt for a 30-day pawn renewal option if they pay fees before the due date.
Pros
- Only pawnshop licensed for firearms in Calgary
- Free parking beside the shop building
- Operating in the same location for over 4 decades
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
My sister got rid of some unwanted jewellery from an ex and got a good price
“This is the way a pawn shop should be. It is clean and well laid out. It even smells good. My sister told me about this place and she was right. As a woman, I felt comfortable. My sister got rid of some unwanted Jewellery from an ex and got a good price and told me the whole process was smooth and not intimidating. I was on a different mission. I wanted to treat myself, but not interested in paying the hefty prices at the mall jewellery shops. I met with Arlene at the shop and was comfortable right away. She was great, and patient. I ended up buying a triplet diamond ring for about 30% of what the same Ring was going to be at Chinook Center. I even got a fresh appraisal that she gave me to keep. I did see a Ladies’ Rolex that Arlene let me try on. I will have to do a little more saving, but will be back to meet with her again. Kudos to the owners for making a Pawn shop for girls too.” – Nadthaya Butsaba, Google Reviews
