Yes, you can pay Aaron's with a checking account, but the method depends on which payment system you use
Aaron's accepts checking account payments through their online portal, by phone, or in person at a store location. You'll need your account number and routing number to set up a direct bank transfer. The most common route is their website or mobile app, where you can link your checking account once and then pay whenever a bill is due.
Not all payment methods process at the same speed. A payment made online or through the app typically posts within one to three business days. Payments made over the phone or in store may post the same day or next business day, depending on the time you call or visit. If your payment is due on a specific date, submit it at least three business days early to avoid a late fee.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron's lets you link your checking account through their website, app, or by calling their payment line to set up transfers.
- Online and app payments usually post within one to three business days, so submit them before your due date to stay on time.
- Phone and in-store payments may post faster but are not may provide same-day, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
- You will need your checking account number, routing number, and Aaron's account number to complete a bank transfer payment.
- Aaron's charges late fees if your payment does not post by the due date, so timing matters more than the payment method itself.
How to link your checking account on Aaron's website or app
Go to aarons.com and log into your account, or open the Aaron's mobile app. Select "Make a Payment" or "Pay My Account." Choose "Bank Account" or "Direct Bank Transfer" as your payment method. Enter your checking account number, routing number, and the amount you want to pay.
Aaron's will ask you to confirm the account details before the payment processes. Some accounts require you to verify two small deposits that Aaron's makes to your checking account within a few days — you'll then enter those amounts back into the Aaron's system to confirm you own the account. This verification step can add three to five business days to your first payment, so plan ahead if this is your first time paying this way.
Once your account is verified, future payments are faster. You can save your checking account information so you don't have to re-enter it each time. Set up a payment schedule if you want Aaron's to automatically debit your account on your due date each month.
Paying by phone with your checking account information
Call Aaron's customer service at 1-800-950-2265 to make a payment over the phone. Have your checking account number, routing number, and Aaron's account number ready. The representative will walk you through the payment and confirm the amount before processing it.
Phone payments are not faster than online payments in terms of posting time — they still take one to three business days to show up in your Aaron's account. However, some customers find it easier to call if they have questions about their account balance or due date at the same time they pay. If you call close to your due date, ask the representative when the payment will post to make sure it arrives on time.
In-store payments and same-day posting
You can walk into any Aaron's store location and pay with your checking account. Bring a blank check or your debit card (which is linked to your checking account). The store associate will process the payment at the register. Same-day posting is possible if you pay early in the day, but it is not may provide — the store's processing time depends on when the payment batch is sent to Aaron's headquarters.
In-store payments are useful if you're already near a location or if you want to ask questions about your account in person. However, they carry the same risk as online payments: if your due date is tomorrow, paying in store today does not may provide the payment will post by midnight. Call ahead or ask the associate how long the payment typically takes to appear in your account.
What happens if your checking account payment is late
Aaron's charges a late fee if your payment does not post by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies but is typically $5 to $10 depending on your account. A late payment also affects your rent-to-own agreement — repeated late payments can result in account suspension or the merchandise being repossessed.
If you know your payment will be late, contact Aaron's as soon as possible. Some accounts have a grace period of a few days, and representatives can sometimes waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history. Do not wait until after the due date passes to call — the fee is usually applied automatically once the deadline is missed.
Checking account payment limits and holds
Aaron's does not publish a maximum payment amount for checking account transfers, but your own bank may place a limit on how much you can transfer in a single day or week. Check with your bank if you're paying a large amount or if you've never made a transfer this large before. Some banks flag large transfers as suspicious and may temporarily hold the payment while they verify it.
If your bank holds the payment, contact them to confirm it's legitimate. Once confirmed, the hold is usually lifted within one business day. In the meantime, the payment may not post to your Aaron's account on time, so call Aaron's to explain the situation and ask if they can note it on your account to avoid a late fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a debit card to pay Aaron's with my checking account?
No. You can pay with just your account number and routing number, which you can find on a blank check or by logging into your bank's website. A debit card is only needed if you want to pay in person at a store and prefer not to write a check.
Can I set up automatic payments from my checking account?
Yes. Through the Aaron's website or app, you can authorize automatic payments on your due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime. Make sure your checking account always has enough funds on the due date, or the payment will fail and you may be charged a non-sufficient funds fee by both your bank and Aaron's.
What if I enter the wrong routing number?
The payment will likely fail or be rejected by your bank. Aaron's will notify you that the payment did not go through. Check your routing number (it's the first nine digits on the bottom left of a check) and try again. If the payment was already deducted from your account, contact your bank to reverse it.
How do I know if my checking account payment posted?
Log into your Aaron's account online or in the app and check your account balance and payment history. You can also call customer service at 1-800-950-2265. Your bank will also show the debit in your checking account, though it may appear as "pending" for a day or two before it fully clears.
Can Aaron's take money directly from my checking account without my permission?
No, unless you have signed up for automatic payments. If money is being deducted from your account without your consent, contact Aaron's customer service and your bank immediately. Your bank can dispute the charge and reverse it under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.