When you’re short on cash, pawn loans can offer a quick solution. You can put an item you already own up as collateral with a pawn shop, and the shop will loan you cash based on the value of the item, without a waiting period or credit check. When you pay the shop back (with interest), you’ll get your item back. But, like many short-term lending options, a pawn loan comes with plenty of risks. Here’s what to know before you consider a pawn shop loan for extra cash, and alternatives that may better suit y ...

Core Insights - Green Dot and Amscot Financial have launched a banking partnership to enhance access to financial services for customers in Florida [1][2] - The partnership will utilize Green Dot's Arc embedded finance platform, offering services such as demand deposit accounts, secured credit cards, and access to over 25,000 free ATMs [2][3] Company Overview - Amscot Financial has been providing nonbank financial services for over 35 years, focusing on safety and reliability for Floridians [3][4] - Amscot operates more than 230 locations across Florida, making it one of the largest financial service center companies in the state [4] Market Demand - There is a significant demand for alternative financial services in the U.S., with approximately 19 million households classified as underbanked in 2023 [3] - Underbanked households typically have bank accounts but rely on nonbank products to meet their financial needs [3] Strategic Initiatives - Green Dot emphasizes its commitment to supporting low- to moderate-income consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck [5] - A recent report indicates that nearly all major companies are embedding financial services into their platforms to enhance customer engagement and drive growth [5][6] - The trend is shifting embedded finance from a convenience to a strategic imperative, with 93% of firms believing the benefits outweigh the challenges [6]