- Cash Converters was founded in Perth in 1984 and began franchising in 1988. It is listed on the ASX.
- The company has bought back many franchised stores, so a large share of the Australian network is now company owned.
- A store’s earnings can depend on pre-owned retail, buying and personal lending, each with different risks and regulation.
Cash Converters started in Perth in 1984 and began franchising in 1988. Today Cash Converters International is listed on the ASX and runs three broad lines of business: personal lending, pre-owned goods retail and franchising. Over the past decade the company has bought back a number of franchised stores, so a growing share of its Australian network is company owned.
For a buyer, that history matters. This guide explains how a Cash Converters store makes money and what we would test before buying one.
Cash Converters franchise at a glance
| Founded | 1984, Perth |
|---|---|
| Franchising since | 1988 |
| Listed | ASX: CCV |
| Business lines | Personal lending, pre-owned retail and franchising |
| Network trend | Increasing share of company-owned stores through franchise buy-backs (company reporting) |
| Regulation | Consumer lending regulated under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Cash Converters model works financially
A pre-owned goods store makes its margin on the difference between what it pays to buy goods and what it sells them for. That margin depends on buying skill, stock turnover and valuation of inventory. Pawnbroking and personal lending add interest and fee income but bring credit risk and heavy regulation.
Lending products and rules have changed over time, and the company exited small amount credit contracts in 2025. Before buying, understand which products a store can offer, who carries the credit risk and how the franchisor shares income from lending.
The numbers to test before you buy a Cash Converters franchise
- Sales and margin split by retail, buying, pawnbroking and any lending income.
- Stock ageing and how inventory is valued.
- Which lending products the store offers, who carries the loan book and how income is shared.
- Compliance history, licensing and responsible lending obligations.
- Franchisor buy-back history in the region and any rights of first refusal.
- Security, insurance and loss rates.
Buying an existing Cash Converters store
With fewer franchised stores than in the past, opportunities to buy an existing Cash Converters franchise may be limited. Where one is available, confirm what the franchisor’s consent and pre-emptive rights are, how the loan book is treated on sale, and whether stock is valued at cost or a lower realisable value. Profit that relies on products no longer offered should be excluded from the price.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Cash Converters purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Cash Converters store we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests retail margins, stock valuation, lending income and compliance.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that separates retail, pawnbroking and lending income and values stock consistently. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile franchise fees and any lending income shares to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next store. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Cash Converters franchise FAQs
Is Cash Converters still a franchise?
Yes, Cash Converters still franchises, but the company has bought back many franchised stores and a large share of its Australian network is now company owned. Check current availability with the franchisor.
How does a Cash Converters store make money?
Through buying and reselling pre-owned goods, and through pawnbroking and lending where offered. Each line has different margins and risks.
What are the regulatory risks?
Consumer lending is regulated under national credit laws and rules have changed over time. Profit that depends on lending products should be tested carefully.
Can you help me value a store?
Yes. We review the store’s income streams, stock valuation and lending arrangements as part of our business due diligence.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Cash Converters or Cash Converters International. Cash Converters is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
