Top 8 Best Pawn Shops in Calgary , AB to visit in 2023

Have you ever been in a situation where you need some extra cash but don’t want to sell your belongings? That’s where pawn shops come in. Pawn shops provide a valuable service by offering short-term loans in exchange for items of value. If you’re in need of quick cash, pawning your valuables can be an easy solution. And if you’re looking to buy something unique or hard to find, pawn shops can be a treasure trove of hidden gems. So if you’re in Calgary, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, not all pawn shops are created equal, and finding the best one for your needs is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the best pawn shops in Calgary and help you find your own hidden treasures.

What are pawn shops?

Pawn shops are businesses that provide loans to individuals in exchange for items of value. The items are used as collateral for the loan, and the pawn shop will hold onto the item until the loan is repaid. If the loan is not refunded, the pawn shop can sell the item to recoup their losses.

How do pawn shops work?

Pawn shops evaluate the value of the pawned item and offer a loan amount based on that value. The borrower then has a set amount of time to repay the loan plus interest. The pawn shop can sell the item to recoup their losses if the loan is not repaid.

Why visit a pawn shop?

Visiting a pawn shop can be a great way to find unique items at a fraction of the retail price. You can find anything from jewelry to musical instruments to electronics. And if you need some quick cash, pawn shops can provide a short-term loan without needing a credit check.

Now that we know what pawn shops are and why they can be beneficial let’s explore the best pawn shops Calgary.

How to Choose the Best Pawn Shop for You:

When it comes to choosing the best pawn shop near me for your needs, there are a few factors to consider:

Reputation: Look for a pawn shop with a reputation for fair prices and excellent customer service.

Selection: Choose a pawn shop with a wide selection of available items for sale and loans.

Location: Consider the location of the pawn shop, and choose one that is convenient for you.

Online presence: Check if the pawn shop has a website or social media presence, which can make it easier to browse their selection and learn more about their services.

Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their experiences with the pawn shop.

1- Pawnshop Superstore :

Website: pawnshopsuperstore.com/

Phone: +14032484547

Address: 3520 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0R7, Canada

Buy and Sell: 

• Jewelry, Clothing, Vehicles
• Sports Equipment
• Tools
• Musical Instruments
• Electronics
• Household
• Art & Collectibles
• Fashion Accessories
• Game Systems
• Tattoo Equipment

Working hours: 

Get Directions

Pawn Shop Superstore takes a unique approach to the age-old practice of securing instant cash. They provide loans based on the items you bring in, eliminating the need for lengthy applications and credit checks. Their fast, friendly services are designed to meet your immediate financial needs. Their goal is to lend you money quickly and confidentially. They understand that everyone faces economic challenges at some point and are here to help. You can count on them to provide you with the short-term cash you need without having to worry about credit checks or extensive paperwork.

They strive to provide an honest and transparent service that satisfies your needs while ensuring mutual agreement between them. Their focus on customer satisfaction translates into positive recommendations and long-term relationships. They always aim to outbid their competitors and provide the best value for your items. They value honesty and reliability in their customers and treat everyone fairly. As they build a relationship with you, your word will be just as crucial as the collateral you bring. They believe in rewarding good customers, so being dependable and trustworthy can lead to additional benefits.

What do clients think?

Love this place! It’s always a treasure hunt. 🙂 So far no issues with any purchased electronics. Great prices. Sometimes I have the feeling, that I stole it 😄 …(Google reviews)

I have done business in the past with Pawnshop Superstore and have recently returned as a customer again! The staff are very kind, professional and informative, and I never have any concerns when my belongings are left in their custody. Their prices are fair and competitive and the staff do their best to help you get what you need. A+ service.(Google reviews)

2- Cash Canada :

Website: cashcanada.com/

Phone: +14032353412

Address: 3233 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0R1, Canada

Buy and Sell:

Working hours:

Get Directions

Having eight locations in Edmonton, one in Calgary and more than twenty in Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Saskatoon, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie, Prince George and Saskatoon, Cash Canada is the largest and most established chain of pawn shops in Canada. Their big, bright, clean pawn stores Calgary offer a wide selection of used merchandise, gold, jewelry, electronics, and much more. Their pawn loans and pawn transactions can also be extended by the day, plus they offer a layaway option. They commit to serving the neighbourhoods and communities where they operate and beyond. Corporately, they advocate for child protection and advocacy issues, and their stores are mandated to become involved in the communities around them. 

Managers are given budgets and free rein to connect with the community and build relationships. Their staff is trained in gemology, and each store has a high-tech, non-invasive precious metal analyzer to verify gold quality. Get a free test of your gold. Featuring showrooms full of used merchandise, gold, jewelry, electronics, and more, their stores offer a variety of used merchandise of all kinds. Despite their long history, there are many stories to tell about what has come before, but they are most interested in what the future might hold for their clients. As a provider of products and services, they believe that what they offer is needed and essential. In order to provide that service, they are committed to being absolutely amazing. Cash Canada pawn shop’s future depends on earning the trust of its clients by providing the best service possible.

What do clients think?

Shout out to the manager Brian at the Forest Lawn location. His compassion and kindness shone through today!!! I will most definitely pay it forward Brian. You’re a good man. Thank you.(Google reviews)

They have an excellent selection of DVDs, Blurays, and Video Games for rock solid prices. You can’t beat their bargain centre! Staff are incredibly friendly, and I always have a positive experience shopping here. Well done!(Google reviews)

3- SHARKY’S PAWN SHOP :

Website: sharkysinternational.com/sharkys.html

Phone: +14032100010

Address: 702 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0J8, Canada

Buy and Sell:

• Jewelry
• Electronics
• Musical instruments
• Tools
• Sporting equipment
• Collectibles

Working hours:

Get Directions

In 2003, Sharky’s International Inc. was established with the mission to provide exceptional services to customers in Calgary and its surrounding areas. Over time, the company has witnessed remarkable growth and expansion, thanks to its dedicated team of professionals. They take pride in their ability to offer unbeatable prices and excellent services, from lending money on quality goods to selling a wide range of quality merchandise. Their products range from CDs and DVDs to high-end electronics, and they strive to make them available at affordable rates to their customers. Whether you need to purchase a gift for yourself or someone special, they have covered you with their extensive product line. 

Regardless of the item’s size or value, they are committed to providing the best deals to their customers. They welcome you to their store, where you can take advantage of their monthly specials and enjoy their exceptional services. Their 30-day collateral loan service enables you to exchange quality merchandise for cash, and if you need more time, you can always come back to extend your contract for an additional 30 days. Their monthly interest rate is based on the standardized rate in the province of Alberta. Rest assured that you will receive a fair and transparent interest calculation.

What do clients think?

I’ve been going there for 20+years, I have always found the staff awesome, helpful and most of the staff have been there for a few years and they even remember my name. Good work guys.(Google reviews)

Negotiated a fair deal on a hard to find LNIB Spyderco knife, online communications were excellent, item was packed and shipped within hours of sending emt payment. Item arrived in a timely fashion and is in like new, unused condition. Highly Recommended!(Google reviews)

4- Calgary Gold :

Website: canadagold.ca/locations/calgary/

Phone: +14032828877

Address: 1717 10 St NW #102, Calgary, AB T2M 0P4, Canada

Buy and Sell:

• Gold Bars & Coins
  Silver Bars & Coins
  Vintage Jewelry
• Scrap Jewelry
  Premium Jewelry
  Diamonds
  Silverware
  Coins & Bars

Working hours:

Get Directions

Founded by a family of gold enthusiasts, Canada Gold offers the country’s largest network of gold buyers and sellers. With its transparent practice, industry-leading news, education, unparalleled service, and high payout rates for gold, silver, platinum and diamonds, Canada Gold is leading the way when it comes to buying, selling, refining and recycling precious metals. Each of their 12 communities has delivered services to thousands of customers. Testing is done on state-of-the-art equipment to ensure accuracy, and all transactions and testing are performed in front of you. 

Every day, they publish their payout rates on their website, and these are the rates they pay. In-person payments are accepted. They have one of the highest referral rates in the gold buyer industry because they provide exceptional service. Every Canada Gold location is registered with the Better Business Bureau to ensure honest business ethics and peace of mind. Also, they were the first gold buyers in the Lower Mainland of BC to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Their mission at Canada Gold is to be a leading network of neighbourhood gold buyers that is committed to transparency. As a gold and silver dealer, they want you to gain confidence in purchasing or selling gold and silver.

What do clients think?

Excellent safe professional and quick experience, very knowledgeable staff. Bought silver coins from Darrell. Good price on maple leafs and advice for young people.(Google reviews)

My wife & I stopped by Calgary Gold with a ton of old sterling silver items we owned to see what we could get for them. We spent about 2 hours sitting with Darrell K who gave us lots of information while going through our items we had brought it. We found the whole experience very helpful and straightforward! He gave us great value for the items we had and was a pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend Calgary Gold to anyone looking to sell their old Silver or Gold items! Thanks again Darrell!(Google reviews)

5- Rocky Mountain Pawn Ltd:

Website: rockymountainpawn.ca/

Phone: +14032878404

Address: 4108 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2R7, Cana da

Buy and Sell: 

• Jewelry
• Electronics
• Musical instruments
• Tools
• Sporting equipment
• Collectibles

Working hours:

Get Directions

One of the oldest pawnshops in Calgary is Rocky Mountain Pawn Ltd. Established in 1982, Rocky Mountain Pawn has been doing business at the same spot for 41 years. They offer collateral loans on a variety of quality items at this family-owned business. Rocky Mountain Pawn Ltd’s owners, John and Arlene, are friendly and accommodating. The loan terms at the pawn shop are 30 days, and customers can renew their loans for an additional 30 days. In Calgary, they are the only pawnshop licensed to deal in firearms. Cash can be provided on many quality items at their traditional pawn shop. 

By definition, a pawnshop loans money for items and then keeps the items for a certain period. You may pick up these items later for the original amount, plus a small markup for storage. Additionally, they offer great deals on unclaimed merchandise. You can receive cash or a check within minutes for better quality goods. There are usually bargains on unclaimed Computers, Cell Phones, Premium Watches, Luxury Goods, Collectibles, Hunting Rifles, and Used Estate Gold and Silver Jewelry to be found. There are also many other quality items available. Their policy is never to deal with synthetic diamonds, plated gold, replicas, or counterfeit items. There are usually deals to be found on unclaimed items, whether they are jewelry or power tools. There are no upfront fees, and you can pick up items immediately. You can park your car for free right outside the building.

What do clients think?

My wife and I have been going to Rocky Mountain Pawn for years. The service is excellent, the prices are fair and we are confident the merchandise has been checked and the quality is guaranteed. If we make a mistake and purchase something that does not work for us, they work with us to make it right. This is the best store in Calgary to obtain good quality second hand merchandise at a price that saves you a lot of money. You can shop here with confidence(Google reviews)

Customer service is excellent, however their prices on video games are a bit high. However, since they don’t specialize in video games, they are usually willing to negotiate on the pricing for games, and the owner was extremely kind on the phone.(Google reviews)

6- Quik Cash Pawn Shop (North):

Website: quikcashpawnshop.ca/

Phone: +14032337845

Address: 726 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0J8, Canada

Buy and Sell:

• Jewelry
• clothing and bags
• Seasonal equipment
• Electronics
• Game accessories

Working hours:

Get Directions

You may think that all pawnshops are the same, but that’s not the case. Quik Cash Pawnshop in Calgary provides fast, convenient, and confidential customer service in just five minutes. Compared to ancient sources of instant cash, Quik Cash Pawnshop represents an entirely new approach. They loan money based on the merchandise you bring in, so there’s no need to endure long applications or credit checks – just fast, friendly service. They specialize in lending money to people who need it. All you have to do is bring in your collateral; they will give you the loan you need in just five minutes!

Their process is quick, convenient, and confidential, so you can easily meet your short-term cash needs without having to undergo any credit checks. They understand that everyone has to borrow money from time to time, and they are here to help. They strive to provide an honest and mutually agreeable transaction that satisfies your needs, which results in customer recommendations and long-term business for them. Their commitment to fair and transparent dealings means they always try to outbid their competitors. As long as you are honest and reliable, they will treat you with complete fairness. Over time, as they get to know you, your word will carry as much weight as the goods you bring in. Like any other successful business, being a good customer will have rewards.

What do clients think?

Saw an add for Starfox Zero for WiiU on Facebook marketplace. Reasonably priced at 15$. When I arrived I found all of their Wii U titles to be too well priced to pass up a buy 3 get one free deal! I will definitely be back, so stock up guys!(Google reviews)

The guys over at this pawn shop have gone above and beyond with excellent service. We bought a Canada goose jacket for my girlfriend a couple years ago and she still loves it. She says it’s so warm. A few months ago we bought a bracelet and as we all know everything is used there and you buy things with taking chances. Never the less the bracket failed. (Not the pawn shops fault at all). So we went back to the store not knowing what would happen. We spoke with one of the guys there and he said he would have to let another person look at the bracket from another store and so we left it with them. We got a phone call shortly after and the bracelet was fixed and looked so good. I was shocked with the service. My girlfriend was so happy to see the bracelet back on her wist cause it is a very nice bracelet. I would hope people see this review and even the people from the pawn shop. Thank you guys at the Quick Cash Pawn Shop so much for the help and being so nice about everything. I will support you guys whenever I can and you’ll see more of me soon.(Google reviews)

7- Prestige Pawnbrokers :

Website: prestigepawnbrokers.com/

Phone: +14032645009

Address: 1007 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0T8, Canada

Buy and Sell:

• Gold, Jewelry and Watches
• Electronics, Phones and Computers
• Collectables and Art
• Musical Instruments
• Sports and Power Tools

Working hours:

Get Directions

Prestige Pawnbrokers is a leading pawn shop Calgary . The community has relied on them for almost four decades for all their short-term loan and immediate cash needs. Gold jewelry, watches, musical instruments, and home appliances are among the goods they buy, sell, and collateralize. They offer the most competitive gold and jewelry loan rates in all of Calgary at Prestige Pawnbrokers. Because they provide a competitive interest rate, it will be easy for you to repay them and best place to sell jewelry Calgary. You have a virtually unlimited time period to repay your loans with their layaway plan. No matter what you choose, you need to pick up your item or refund the money to ensure your credit score is not affected. All types of electronic gadgets are accepted. You can upgrade to the latest model by selling your old smartphone while making some quick money. 

Whenever they purchase or accept an item as collateral, they ensure it is of high quality and in good working condition. Throughout their Calgary store, they check for quality issues continuously, and everything is well-maintained. They make it easy for you to get a quick loan for any urgent need with Prestige Pawnbrokers. After an inspection of your item as collateral, they will provide you with the cash you need. A number of leading brands are represented at Prestige Pawnbrokers, including luxury watches, cell phones, tablets, computers, electronics, and power tools. Pawning your goods with Prestige Pawnbrokers will get you quick cash and small loans. Whether you have questions about pawning your goods, the interest rate on loans or the purchasing process, they are always ready to assist you.

What do clients think?

Came back and purchased from here multiple times. Left a previous comment, but I really enjoyed the most recent visit and picked up some more awesome rings so I felt I would leave another review in regards to it. Albert is a great owner and is fun to talk with. If you like searching for the rare find or knickknacks you should stop by and give a look.(Google reviews)

I was in Prestige Pawnbrokers today as my husband was picking up a few items and we also bought a Crosby team Canada jersey for our daughter that day. A great store and the owner is very pleasant to do business with. This is the only store to go to if you are in downtown Calgary or anywhere in Calgary!(Google reviews)

8- Great Western Pawn & Loan Co :

Website: greatwesternpawnshop.com/

Phone: +14032281119

Address: 1413 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0C6, Canada

Buy and Sell:

• Diamonds & Gold
• Jewellery
• High-End Watches
• Smart Phones, Tablets & Computers
• Game Consoles & Games
• Electronics & Cameras
• Musical Instruments & Tools
• Sporting Equipments

Working hours:

Get Directions

Established in 1993, Great Western Pawn Shop has been serving the Calgary community for over 27 years from its original location. As a traditional pawn shop, they provide collateral loans on various high-quality items. Their primary function is to offer loans and keep items as collateral until the loan is paid out or forfeited. In addition to their pawn services, they also offer great deals on unclaimed merchandise, including but not limited to musical instruments, tools, smartphones, high-end watches, and sporting equipment. They also deal with used estate gold and silver jewelry and other high-quality goods.

They take pride in offering their customers honest, quick, and friendly service. Their focus is always on providing the best prices for quality merchandise. Great Western Pawn offers top-dollar high-end watches, such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, and Patek, and specializes in vintage watches. They also provide instant cash for gold, jewelry, and larger diamonds. They have a proven track record of 25 years in the industry, during which they have always offered their customers the flexibility to decide if they want their items back within 30 days.

What do clients think?

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.(Google reviews)

Owner is a great guy, offers great rates and is very fair. Made extensions to the loan with no issues whatsoever and even cut me a deal. Thanks for the great service!(Google reviews)

Conclusion:

Pawn shops can provide a valuable service for those in need of short-term loans or looking for unique items at a fraction of the retail price. The top Calgary pawn shops offer fair prices, excellent customer service, and a wide selection of items for sale. By considering factors such as reputation, selection, knowledgeable staff, and reasonable prices, you can find the best pawn shop for your needs. Don’t hesitate to visit these shops today and find your hidden treasures!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a pawn shop? 

A pawn shop is a business that offers loans to customers in exchange for items of value, such as jewelry, electronics, or musical instruments. The pawn shop holds the item as collateral until the loan is repaid with interest.

What kind of items can I sell or pawn at a pawnshop? 

Most pawn shops will accept various items, including jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, tools, and more. It’s always best to check with the pawn shop beforehand to see what items they accept.

How do I get a loan from a pawnshop? 

To get a loan from a pawn shop, you will need to bring in an item of value as collateral. The pawn shop will assess the value of the item and offer you a loan based on that value. You must repay the loan with interest within a certain amount of time, typically 30 days.

Can I buy items at a pawnshop? 

Yes, most pawn shops sell items that have been pawned or sold to them. These items are often priced at a discount compared to retail prices, making them an excellent option for those looking to save money.

Are online pawn shops a good option? 

Online pawn shops can be a convenient option, but it’s essential to research and ensure you’re working with a reputable company. Be sure to read reviews and check their website for information on their loan process and fees.

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