Acima Credit Reviews: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

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Key takeaways

Acima offers a lease-to-own financing option for individuals with poor or no credit history.
Early purchase options, including a 90-day plan, allow consumers to save money by paying off their lease early.
The total cost of leasing can be high if payments are stretched over the full term.

Acima is a lease-to-own provider that allows customers to finance purchases up to $5,000 instantly. It can be used for a variety of items, including furniture, electronics, and household appliances, all without a hard credit check. The no minimum credit score requirement makes Acima accessible to customers who do not qualify for traditional loans or lines of credit. The flexible payment options and ability to own the item early without any penalties means leasing through Acima can fit any budget. Read on to see how Acima works and if it’s a good fit for you.

What is Acima leasing?

Acima offers lease-to-own financing that allows you to acquire products without relying on traditional credit or paying cash. You apply online, in-store, or via Acima’s app with a participating retailer and receive an instant decision for amounts ranging from $300 up to $5,000. The amount you’re approved for is based on your monthly income and checking account history rather than your credit score.

After approval, you select the item you want, sign a lease agreement, and take the product home. Acima owns the product until you make all the lease renewal payments. The process offers an accessible way to finance necessary purchases without needing a personal loan.

What you can use Acima for

You can lease various products, including:

Furniture
Electronics, including computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones
Appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers, and freezers
Tires
Mattresses
Jewelry
Handbags
Camera equipment

Products that you cannot lease include items meant to be permanently attached to your home or vehicle, high-risk items like chainsaws or trampolines, firearms, weapons, ammunition, clothing and apparel, and consumables.

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Lease terms

The lease term can be for 12, 18, or 24 months, with the option to own the item by completing all payments. Customers can purchase items early without any penalties.

Fees

Acima does not charge application fees or interest as it is not a loan. It does include fees as part of its lease agreement and sales tax on all payments. The total amount you’ll pay depends on the item’s Acima Cash Price and the cost of the lease services. If paid over the full term, the total cost will be approximately double the item’s original price.

Other fees include:

Late payment fee: Set up autopay and make timely payments to avoid late fees.

Purchase fee: If you choose to purchase the item after 90 days, they will charge a small purchase fee, typically $25.

Early purchase options

You can get a discount for early buyouts.

Pay within 90 days: You will only pay the original cash price plus the purchase fee.

Pay after 90 days but before the end of your lease term: You will pay a lump sum that is typically 65% of what you still owe.

Early buyouts can significantly reduce the overall cost of leasing.

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Lease repayment assistance

Acima provides flexible repayment assistance options. After your first payment, you can adjust the date and frequency of your payments to align with your paycheck.

If you no longer require the leased item, you can return it in good condition without owing any further payments. There are no penalties for canceling the lease agreement, but you will not get the money you’ve already paid back.

Accessible customer service

You can reach customer support via phone at (801) 297-1982 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT.

The online chat option is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 9 pm MT and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT.

Acima is known for being responsive and helpful in addressing concerns, answering questions, or adjusting payment plans when needed.

How to qualify for an Acima lease agreement

To be eligible, you must meet the following basic criteria:

Be 18 years old or older
Have an active checking account and receive at least $750 in monthly income
Have at least three months of consistent income from your current source of income
Provide a government-issued photo ID and a social security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer identification number(ITIN)

Acima does not have a minimum credit score requirement as they put more emphasis on your income history and checking account. They will check your score through a soft credit pull. A soft credit check has no effect on your score.

Acima may be a good choice

Acima’s lease-to-own product is the perfect fit for certain consumers:

Less-than-perfect credit: If you have limited or poor credit and need a flexible financing solution, Acima can be a good choice. It doesn’t rely on your credit score for approval, so it is more accessible than credit cards or personal loans.

Flexible payment terms: You can adjust your due date and frequency, stop paying, and return the item with no penalties.

Avoid high-interest loans: Many personal loans for people with bad credit come with sky-high interest rates. Acima does not charge interest and so may be the more affordable option.

Quick purchases: Acima approves applications instantly and lets you receive items immediately.

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Acima is not a good fit

Acima is a good option for many, but not everyone. Those who may want to consider other options include:

Access cheaper credit: You will pay more for the leased item than the retail price. If you qualify for traditional financing – a low-interest loan or credit card with better terms – you will likely save money and receive longer repayment terms.

Cannot commit to regular payments: Missing or falling behind on your lease payments can lead to additional fees, making the total cost even higher. If you are uncertain about your ability to stick to the payment schedule, it may be better to explore other financial options or save money and pay cash.

Unable to pay the lease early: If you cannot pay the lease off before the term ends, you will pay double the retail price.

Need a higher lease amount: If you need a higher amount then $5,000, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

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How to apply

Applying is a simple process that can be done online or in-store.

Choose your participating retailers: Use the store locator to find nearby stores, explore the Acima MarketPlace for online retail partners, or check the mobile app.
Apply online or in-person: Once you’ve chosen a merchant, fill out the application online or in-person. You’ll need to provide basic personal information, including your income details, an active checking account, and a valid government-issued ID.
Review your lease agreement: Acima will quickly review your information, and you can typically receive an approval decision within minutes. When you receive your agreement, look over the lease details to understand the total cost.
Lease your items: Next, agree to the repayment terms, complete the transaction, and make your initial payment. You can take your item home the same day.
Start making payments: Your first lease renewal payment will be scheduled based on the payday information you provided when applying for the lease.

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What reviews say about Acima Credit

Acima Credit reviews are mixed. Many customers appreciate the flexibility of their lease-to-own program and the 90-day purchase option, while others complain about paying more than the retail price. They have a 3.7 star rating on Trustpilot as of September, 2024 with 70% of reviews being five stars.

Outstanding customer service

“Acima has always been able to help when I needed it. Their customer service is outstanding. No matter the problem their here to help. I will use them again!@!” Finus, Trustpilot review

Affordable with early purchase option!

“Super helpful customer service, with exceptional lease agreement that gives you an early purchase option. I chose the early purchase option! Now I own what I’ve been wanting to have for a long time all thanks to Acima! Thank you!!!!!✨✨✨✨✨” Nano Ruby, Trustpilot review

Some Acima leasing reviews note that the total cost can be high if customers make all the lease renewal payments.

Worst company ever

“Please please don’t get involved with this company it just ridiculous the amount they charge for every single payment and when you pay off your total they charge you a fee just because you are paying it early I will never will use this company please stay away” Odaly ramirez, Trustpilot review

Overall, Acima reviews praise the company for being an accessible option for those with poor or no credit. It has even earned an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau for responding to customer complaints.

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Alternative financing options

Acima’s lease-to-own product is not the only way to finance larger purchases. Other options include:

Personal loans: Personal loans are flexible since you can use the money to purchase any item. If you have good credit, you are likely to receive a good interest rate. If your credit is poor, it will be harder to be approved for a personal loan with a good APR (annual percentage rate), but not impossible.

Credit cards: Credit cards allow you to buy items and pay over time. If you pay in full during the grace period, you will not be charged any interest.

Buy now pay later (BNPL): BNPL apps provide interest-free installment plans for online purchases. Most BNPL apps also only conduct a soft credit pull. They are typically for smaller amounts and are repaid over four to six weeks.

Leasing can be convenient, but it can also be expensive. Consider alternatives and weigh the costs before you settle on a financing option.

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Frequently asked questions

1. Is Acima a good lease-to-own provider?

It is a good leasing option for individuals with poor or limited credit history who need access to essential items through flexible payment plans. Their leasing services offer an alternative to personal loans, with no credit check. The catch is you will pay more for the item if you complete the full lease term.

2. Is it hard to be approved for Acima?

Approval is not difficult as there is no minimum credit score requirement. Instead, Acima considers applicants’ income and checking account. The lenient requirements mean approval is generally straightforward and instant.

3. Does applying for Acima impact your credit score?

No, applying will not affect your credit score. When you apply, they conduct a soft credit check, which has no impact on your score.

4. Can you pay off Acima early?

You can repay your lease early and save money. Acima offers a 90-day early payment option, allowing you to own the leased item for the cash price plus a small fee. Even after 90 days, Acima provides additional early buyout options that reduce the overall cost.

Bottom line

Acima offers a flexible and accessible alternative to personal loans and credit cards for individuals with limited or poor credit. Its lease-to-own options allow consumers to obtain essential items like furniture, appliances, and electronics without undergoing a credit check. It can be a useful solution for anyone who needs immediate access to goods but cannot secure conventional financing. The catch is that costs can significantly increase if you complete the lease agreement.

Ultimately, Acima may be a good choice for those who need quick access to products and prefer the flexibility of leasing items. Always weigh your alternatives and read the fine print before committing to any financial agreement.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

7. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.

8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

10. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.

11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

17. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

20. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

21. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

22. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

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Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.

Acima Lease-to-own 2024 Review