06/12/2025
More than 45 million Americans remain underserved or excluded by traditional credit systems. (1) These consumers often arrive at checkout ready to make a big-ticket purchase. However, they end up walking away because they lack access to flexible alternatives to financing, like lease-to-own (LTO).
While some consumers may have partial solutions, many still struggle to gain access to the durable goods they need. (2) For retailers evaluating ways to drive business by serving this segment with LTO, considerations include:
Structural Barriers to Financing
An estimated 50% of U.S. consumers are classified as non-prime and are less likely to qualify for credit-based financing. (3)
Within this demographic, flexibility at checkout and control over spending are often paramount. Notably, Gen Z exhibits a high degree of financial constraint, with approximately 70% living paycheck to paycheck.
Moreover, research has found that Gen Z consumers are choosing to live paycheck to paycheck by choice, prioritizing discretionary spending preferences and making personal budgeting decisions that show a strong desire for financial autonomy. (4)
Core Challenges for Non-Prime Consumers
This consumer group commonly encounters a range of limitations at checkout:
Enhancing Discoverability and Reach
Retailers integrating with Acima gain visibility with various consumers in-store, online and on the Acima app:
These access points enable enterprises to engage qualified consumers based on geography and merchandise category. Additionally, the lease renewal payment system within LTO provides broader accessibility, aligning with how many non-prime consumers prefer to transact.
Since lease renewal payments are aligned with consumer paydays, it provides them with the opportunity and flexibility to shop within their budget.
Strengthening Consumer Retention
When retailers provide alternatives to financing that reflect the needs of non-prime consumers, shoppers are more likely to feel understood, supported and confident in their purchasing decisions (7).
Offering inclusive purchase solutions signals a commitment to convenience and choice, improving the consumer experience and fostering repeat business. (8)
For deeper insights on relationship development, see:
Integration and Operational Efficiency
Acima delivers streamlined, ready-to-use integrations that are easy to implement and require minimal setup support in both in-store and digital commerce environments.
For eCommerce partners, the LTO application and checkout process can occur within the retail interface via the app, minimizing drop-off rates and creating a frictionless consumer journey.
Market Expansion Through Financial Inclusion
Retailers seeking to diversify their consumer base and improve accessibility can leverage Acima to serve non-prime audiences.
For merchants and enterprise retailers, this means increased growth opportunities for conversions and market penetration. Evaluating Acima as an additional way for consumers to shop—especially those who may not use credit—can position retailers to meet shifting consumer expectations with agility.
Begin today by connecting with Acima and seeing how your business can benefit from becoming a Partner.
Frequently Asked Retailer Questions
Business operators evaluating LTO often inquire about operational details:
Answers to these and other questions are available on the partner resource page and in this detailed overview.
The content of this article is provided solely for general interest and should not be relied upon or construed as any form of advice, whether legal, financial, or otherwise. Receipt or use of this information does not create any sort of relationship between us.
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