The plain-English version
Some of the links on PawnGuru are affiliate links. When you click one of those links and complete an action on the partner's site — like applying for a loan, requesting a quote, or shipping a watch for an offer — we may earn a commission. You never pay more because of this. The commission comes out of the partner's marketing budget, not your pocket.
This is how PawnGuru stays free to use. We don't charge pawn shops to be listed. We don't sell your data. Affiliate commissions on a small percentage of off-site actions are the entire business model.
The rules we set for ourselves
Affiliate money is a minefield. Plenty of websites let it warp their editorial judgment — we're trying not to be one of them. Our rules:
- No pay-to-play listings. Shops appear in our directory because they exist — not because anyone paid us. Affiliate partners appear as off-site options alongside the directory, never as directory entries.
- No bad actors. We only work with affiliate partners that meet a minimum reputation bar: BBB rating of B or better (where applicable) and Trustpilot score of 4.0 or higher at time of addition. We re-check quarterly.
- No predatory payday lenders. We will not promote traditional payday or auto-title-loan products with triple-digit APRs. If we ever partner with a short-term lender that falls into a subprime category, we display the APR range prominently and frame it as a last-resort option.
- No deceptive urgency. We will never use fake countdown timers, fake "you've been selected" messages, or exit-intent popups designed to manipulate.
- Clear labeling. Affiliate modules always include a visible disclosure. This page is linked from every page that contains affiliate links.
Current affiliate partners
As of April 21, 2026, we participate in, or are applying to, the following affiliate programs. This list is kept up to date as partners are added or removed.
Lending & financial products
- LendingTree — personal loan marketplace (via CJ Affiliate)
- Upgrade — personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000 (via Impact)
- OneMain Financial — personal loans, no minimum credit score (direct program)
- Credit Karma — free credit scores and loan matching (via CJ / Impact)
Mail-in buyers
- Express Gold Cash — gold, silver, and jewelry mail-in buyer (direct program)
- myGemma — diamonds, designer jewelry, and luxury watches (via ShareASale)
- Bob's Watches — luxury watch buyer (via Impact)
Other
- Amazon Associates — for supporting products in educational content
If you'd like to know whether a specific link is an affiliate link, the simplest way is to hover your mouse over it — affiliate links usually go through a tracking domain (e.g., impact.com, cj.com, shareasale.com). Non-affiliate links go directly to the shop's own website.
Why you should care
We believe reader trust is worth more than any single commission. If we ever recommend something that doesn't work for you, or if you feel a partner treated you poorly, please tell us at hello@pawnguru.com. Partners that consistently underperform for our readers will be removed, full stop — even if they pay well.
FTC compliance
This disclosure complies with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's endorsement guidelines and 16 CFR Part 255. PawnGuru discloses material connections to all affiliate partners on every page where affiliate links appear.
Questions
Email hello@pawnguru.com and we'll respond within a few business days.