Rent-A-Center franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Rent-A-Center franchise fee is $35,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $355,150 to $559,775, with about $80,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Rent-A-Center FDD.
What are the Rent-A-Center franchise fees and investment?
The Rent-A-Center franchise requires a franchise fee of $35,000 and a total initial investment of $355,150 to $559,775. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $35,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $355,150 to $559,775 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $80,000 |
| US locations | 2,200 |
| Industry | Retail |
| Headquarters | Plano, Texas |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Franchising since | 2013 |
How does the Rent-A-Center investment compare with other retail franchises?
Rent-A-Center's minimum investment of $355,150 is above the median minimum investment of $159,700 across the 223 retail franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 29 of the other 222 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $35,000 compares with an industry median of $30,000.
By minimum investment, Rent-A-Center belongs with franchises from $250,000 to $500,000.
What should you verify in the Rent-A-Center FDD?
Verify six parts of the Rent-A-Center Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Rent-A-Center discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Rent-A-Center?
These retail franchises have the closest minimum investment to Rent-A-Center:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Supermarkets | $44,500 | $350,500 to $612,500 |
| Hobbytown Usa | $49,500 | $350,000 to $620,000 |
| Directbuy | $75,000 | $364,000 to $637,000 |
| Play It Again Sports | $25,000 | $343,050 to $456,500 |
| Coast Supply Co | $37,500 | $343,000 to $636,500 |
See every brand in retail franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rent-A-Center franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Rent-A-Center franchise ranges from $355,150 to $559,775, including a franchise fee of $35,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Rent-A-Center franchise?
Rent-A-Center lists a minimum of about $80,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Rent-A-Center locations are there?
Rent-A-Center reported 2,200 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Rent-A-Center been franchising?
Rent-A-Center started offering franchises in 2013 after the company was founded in 2013.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Rent-A-Center and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Rent-A-Center. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.