You want the new Series 10 or the Ultra 2, but dropping $800 right now feels like a punch to the gut. It's understandable. We've all been there, staring at a sleek piece of aluminum and glass while our bank accounts gently weep. This is where the rent to own apple watch market swoops in like a helpful neighbor who eventually asks for your firstborn. It sounds great on paper. Low weekly payments. No credit check. Immediate gratification.
But honestly? It’s a minefield.
The reality of rent-to-own (RTO) isn't just about getting a gadget today; it’s about what that gadget costs you by the time you actually own it. Most people dive into these contracts thinking they’re just using a different version of Apple Card Monthly Installments. They aren't. They really, really aren't.
The High Cost of "No Credit Check"
When you see "No Credit Needed" plastered across a website like Rent-A-Center or Aaron's, your brain should immediately translate that to "This is going to be expensive." Companies take a massive risk when they hand over a $400 watch to someone without checking their financial history. To offset that risk, they hike the price. Significantly.
Let's look at the math, because the math is where the dream usually dies.
If you buy an Apple Watch Series 10 directly from a retailer, you might pay $399. If you go the rent to own apple watch route, you might see a payment of $25 a week. That sounds like nothing. It's five coffees. It's a lunch out. But if that contract runs for 52 weeks—which is standard—you’ve just paid $1,300 for a watch that is already a year old and worth half its original value on the secondary market. You are essentially paying a 225% markup for the privilege of not having $400 upfront.
That is a tough pill to swallow.
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Lease-to-Own vs. Financing: Know the Difference
People get these mixed up constantly. Financing is what you do at Best Buy with a credit card or through Affirm. You’re borrowing money at a specific interest rate (APR) to buy the item. You own it immediately, but you owe the bank.
Rent-to-own is different. You don't own the watch. You are literally renting it.
Until that very last payment clears, the company owns that piece of tech. If you miss a payment on a financed watch, your credit score takes a hit. If you miss a payment on a rented watch, they can—and sometimes will—demand the device back. You end up with zero watch and zero dollars to show for the months of payments you already made. It’s a "use it or lose it" system that keeps you on a very short leash.
The Progressive Leasing Factor
Many big-box stores now use third-party services like Progressive Leasing. You’ll be standing in a showroom, and the salesperson suggests this "easy payment plan." What they don't always highlight is the "90-day purchase option."
If you can pay off the full "cash price" within 90 days, you usually only pay a small processing fee. It’s actually a decent loophole if you’re expecting a tax refund or a bonus soon. But the moment you hit day 91? The "lease-to-own" fees kick in, and the total cost of ownership often doubles. It’s a ticking clock.
Where to Look (If You're Still Set on It)
Look, I get it. Sometimes you need the tech for health tracking or work, and your cash flow is just tight. If you’re going to do it, you have to be smart about which platform you use.
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- Zebit: They’re interesting because they don't charge interest, but they bake the cost into a higher "market price" for the item. You might see an Apple Watch listed for $100 more than it costs at Apple, but you pay it off over six months.
- FlexShopper: This is a pure RTO play. They have a massive inventory, but the weekly payments can be predatory if you don't use their early buyout options.
- Rent-A-Center: The old school choice. Usually the most expensive, but they offer the "buy it back" flexibility if you decide you hate the watch after a month.
The Hidden "New Model" Trap
Apple releases a new watch every September. Like clockwork.
The biggest mistake people make with a rent to own apple watch is signing a 12-month or 18-month contract in July. By the time you've paid off half the watch, Apple has released a newer, faster version with better sensors. You are now locked into paying a premium for "old" technology.
In the tech world, RTO is a race against obsolescence. You're paying 2x the price for something that's losing value 2x faster than a traditional luxury item. If you bought a Rolex on RTO, at least the watch might hold its value. An Apple Watch is a tiny computer. Its battery is degrading every day you wear it. By the time that 52-week contract is over, your battery health might already be at 92%, and you’ve paid $1,000 for it.
That hurts.
Is There a Better Way?
Honestly, yes. If your credit is even remotely okay, look at "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services like Klarna, Afterpay, or Affirm. These are almost always better than RTO.
- Klarna/Afterpay: They usually split the cost into four payments over six weeks. Zero interest. No catch, as long as you pay on time.
- Affirm: They often partner with retailers to offer 0% APR for 6 to 12 months. This is the gold standard. You pay the actual retail price, just spread out.
- Refurbished is King: If you can’t afford $400, don't buy a $400 watch for $1,000 via RTO. Buy a refurbished Series 8 or 9 from a reputable seller like Back Market or even Apple’s own Refurbished store. You can often find them for $250.
Saving up for three months and buying a used watch is infinitely better for your financial health than signing an RTO contract today.
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The Verdict on Renting Your Wristwear
The rent to own apple watch industry exists because humans are bad at waiting. We want the haptic notifications and the heart rate monitoring now. But RTO is essentially a tax on impatience.
If you are in a situation where you absolutely must have the watch and RTO is the only path, you must prioritize the 90-day buyout. Set a calendar alert. Sell stuff on eBay if you have to. Do whatever it takes to pay that balance off before the "leasing fees" start compounding. Otherwise, you aren't just wearing a watch; you're wearing a high-interest loan on your wrist.
How to Escape the RTO Loop
If you’ve already signed a contract, check your paperwork for the Early Purchase Option. Most states require RTO companies to allow you to buy out the contract at a discount. It’s usually a percentage of the remaining payments.
If you find yourself struggling, don't just stop paying. Call the company. Unlike a bank, RTO companies would often rather take the device back and rent it to someone else than go through a long collections process. It’s a "voluntary return." It sucks to lose the money you've already paid, but it stops the bleeding.
Stop looking at the weekly payment. Look at the Total Cost of Ownership. If that number is more than 20% higher than the MSRP at Best Buy, walk away. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you for the restraint. Buy a cheap Casio for $20 to tell the time while you save up for the Apple Watch you can actually afford to own.
Actionable Steps:
- Check your credit score on a free app to see if you qualify for Affirm or Klarna before touching RTO.
- Calculate the "Total Cost of Ownership" by multiplying the weekly payment by the number of weeks in the contract.
- Compare that total to the current price on Amazon or Walmart.
- If you use RTO, commit to the 90-day early buyout to avoid the "rental" markup.