How do I compare pawnshop terms before I pawn something?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Compare four things across branches before you pledge, all of which the law entitles you to see up front: the appraised value and loan amount (PD 114 §9 floors the loan at 30% of the appraised value), the monthly interest rate (§10), the service charge and any other fees, and the maturity plus your 90-day redemption window (§13). Truth in Lending (RA 3765) requires the finance charge and effective cost to be disclosed in writing, so ask each of M Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan, and Villarica for the numbers on paper. This platform will not quote a current rate because pawnshops are BSP-regulated and their rates vary — get each branch's figures and compare the total cost to redeem, not just the cash you walk out with.
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Frequently asked
What exactly should I compare?
Four things: appraised value and loan amount (floored at 30% of appraised value, PD 114 §9), the monthly interest (§10), service charge and other fees, and the maturity plus 90-day redemption window (§13). Compare the total cost to redeem, not just the cash you get.
Am I entitled to these numbers before pawning?
Yes. Truth in Lending (RA 3765) requires the finance charge and effective cost to be disclosed to you in writing before you commit, so ask each branch for the figures on paper.
Why won't this page state the rate?
Pawnshop rates are BSP-regulated and vary by branch and item, so a quoted figure could mislead you. Get each of M Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan, and Villarica to put their numbers in writing and compare.
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Your rights when you pawn an item at M Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan, or any pawnshop — the 90-day redemption period, auction of unredeemed items, lost pawn tickets, and legal charges under PD 114 and BSP supervision.