CareCredit payments go to Synchrony Bank, not to your healthcare provider
CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, so you pay the card itself, not the medical office or dental practice where you used it. Your payment goes to Synchrony's payment processing system, and the amount you owe is the full balance on that card — not just what you charged at one provider.
The card works like any other credit card: you charge medical, dental, or veterinary expenses, and you owe Synchrony the full amount plus interest if you do not pay within the promotional period (often 6, 12, or 24 months depending on the purchase). Missing a payment on CareCredit affects your credit score the same way missing a payment on any credit card does.
Key Takeaways
- CareCredit payments are made to Synchrony Bank online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a MoneyGram location.
- The online portal at synchronybank.com is the fastest way to pay and shows your current balance, due date, and promotional period remaining.
- Automatic payments can be set up through your online account to avoid missing a due date.
- If you pay only the minimum during a promotional period, you will owe interest on the full remaining balance once the period ends.
- Paying off the full balance before the promotional period expires is the only way to avoid interest charges.
Paying online through your Synchrony account
The fastest and most direct way to pay is through the Synchrony Bank website. Go to synchronybank.com, select "Sign In" in the upper right, and log in with your CareCredit username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your card number and Social Security number.
Once logged in, you will see your current balance, minimum payment due, due date, and how much time remains on any promotional period. Select "Make a Payment" and choose how much to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum, or any amount in between. Synchrony accepts payments from a checking or savings account (ACH transfer) or from another debit card. The payment posts within one to two business days.
Set up automatic payments in the same portal if you want to avoid missing a due date. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum, or a fixed amount each month on a date you select.
Paying by phone or mail
Call Synchrony's customer service at the number on the back of your CareCredit card to make a payment over the phone. You will need your card number and the amount you want to pay. Payments made by phone post within one to two business days.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address shown on your monthly statement. Write your card number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — typically five to seven business days — so send your payment at least a week before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Paying in person at MoneyGram locations
CareCredit accepts in-person payments at MoneyGram locations, which are found in grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing businesses across the United States. Bring your CareCredit card or card number and the amount you want to pay. MoneyGram charges a fee for this service — the amount varies by location and payment size, but it is typically a few dollars.
In-person payments post within one business day. This option is useful if you do not have online access or a checking account, but the MoneyGram fee makes it more expensive than paying online or by phone.
Understanding promotional periods and interest
CareCredit offers promotional periods — often 6, 12, 18, or 24 months — during which you pay no interest if you pay off the full balance by the end of the period. The promotional period starts on the date of your purchase, not the date you receive your bill.
If you pay only the minimum during the promotional period, you will still owe interest on the remaining balance once the period ends. The interest rate is typically between 19% and 27% APR, depending on your creditworthiness. For example, if you charge $2,000 on a 12-month promotional period and pay only the minimum each month, you will owe interest on whatever balance remains after month 12.
The only way to avoid interest is to pay the full balance before the promotional period expires. Your monthly statement shows how much you need to pay each month to reach zero by the end of the period.
What happens if you miss a payment
A payment is late if it is not received by the due date shown on your statement. Late payments trigger a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and are reported to the credit bureaus, which lowers your credit score. A single late payment can reduce your score by 50 to 100 points depending on your current score.
If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Explain your situation and ask whether they can waive the late fee — some customers have success with this, especially if it is your first late payment. Bring your account current by paying the full amount due plus the late fee.
If you fall behind by 60 days or more, Synchrony may cancel your card and send your account to a collections agency. At that point, the debt appears on your credit report as a charge-off, which damages your credit for seven years.
Paying off the balance early
You can pay off your CareCredit balance at any time without penalty. There is no prepayment fee, and paying early does not affect your credit score negatively — in fact, paying off debt improves your score over time.
If you pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends, you owe no interest at all. If you pay it off after the promotional period has ended, you will owe interest on the full remaining balance from the purchase date forward, not just from the end of the promotional period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CareCredit card at the doctor's office or dental practice?
No. CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, so you pay Synchrony directly, not the provider. The provider receives payment from Synchrony when you charge the service to your card. You can ask your provider's billing office if they accept CareCredit, but the payment itself must go to Synchrony.
What happens if I only pay the minimum during the promotional period?
You will owe interest on the remaining balance once the promotional period ends. The interest rate is typically 19% to 27% APR and applies retroactively to the original purchase date. Paying only the minimum defeats the purpose of the promotional period.
Is there a fee to pay my CareCredit bill online?
No. Synchrony does not charge a fee for online payments made from a checking or savings account. MoneyGram in-person payments do carry a fee, and paying by phone may incur a fee depending on the payment method — ask when you call.
How long does it take for a CareCredit payment to post?
Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Mail payments take five to seven business days. In-person MoneyGram payments post within one business day. Plan ahead so your payment arrives before your due date.
What should I do if I cannot afford my CareCredit payment?
Contact Synchrony before your payment is due. Explain your situation and ask about hardship options — some customers can negotiate a temporary lower payment or extended timeline. The sooner you call, the more options may be available to you.