What CareCredit is and how to make a payment
CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you use to pay for medical, dental, veterinary, and wellness services at participating providers. When you use it, you're borrowing money from Synchrony, and you owe them back. You can pay your CareCredit bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a provider location that accepts payments.
The fastest way to pay is through the CareCredit website or mobile app. You'll need your card number and online login credentials. If you don't have an online account yet, you can set one up at the CareCredit website using your card number and Social Security number or tax ID.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay CareCredit online, by phone at 1-866-300-3540, by mail to the address on your statement, or through the mobile app.
- Your minimum payment and due date appear on your monthly statement and in your online account.
- Paying only the minimum may result in interest charges if you don't pay off the full balance during a promotional period.
- Late payments can damage your credit score and trigger late fees, so set up automatic payments if you tend to forget due dates.
- You can view your balance, transaction history, and payment options anytime through your online account or the CareCredit app.
Paying online through your CareCredit account
Log in to your CareCredit account at the CareCredit website. Click on the "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" button, usually visible on your account dashboard. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between.
Choose your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer) or debit card. Bank account transfers are free and typically process within one to two business days. Debit card payments process when ready but may carry a small fee. Review the payment details and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call Synchrony's customer service at 1-866-300-3540. Have your card number and the amount you want to pay ready. A representative will process your payment over the phone using your bank account or debit card. Phone payments are free and take effect when ready.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your monthly statement. Write your CareCredit card number on the check. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach Synchrony and post to your account, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments may support you never miss a due date. Log into your online account and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" in the settings menu. Choose the amount (minimum payment, full balance, or a fixed dollar amount), the frequency (monthly, for example), and the date the payment should process each month.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings. If you set up autopay for the full balance and your balance changes, the system will deduct whatever the current balance is on the payment date, up to the amount you authorized.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your CareCredit statement shows your opening balance, all charges and payments made during the billing cycle, your new balance, your minimum payment amount, and your due date. The due date is typically 25 days after your statement closes. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day.
If you have a promotional financing offer (such as 0% interest for 12 months), your statement will show the promotional period end date. Paying only the minimum during a promotional period does not may provide you'll avoid interest — you must pay the full promotional balance by the end date to avoid interest charges on the remaining balance.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is not received by the due date, Synchrony will report it as late to the credit bureaus after 30 days. A late payment can lower your credit score and may trigger a late fee (typically $25 to $35, depending on your account terms). Your interest rate may also increase if you miss a payment.
If you realize you'll miss a due date, contact Synchrony when ready at 1-866-300-3540. Depending on your account history, they may be able to waive a late fee or work out a payment arrangement. The sooner you contact them, the better your options.
Checking your balance and payment history
Log into your online account or open the CareCredit mobile app to see your current balance, available credit, recent transactions, and payment history at any time. Your statement also lists all payments received and when they posted. If you don't have online access, you can call 1-866-300-3540 to speak with a representative who can provide this information.
Keep records of your payments, especially if you pay by mail or phone. Take screenshots of online confirmations or save confirmation numbers. If a payment doesn't post within the expected timeframe, contact Synchrony with your confirmation details so they can investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CareCredit bill at the doctor's office or dental clinic?
Some providers accept CareCredit payments in person, but not all. Call your provider's billing department to ask. Even if they do, paying online or by phone is usually faster and gives you an when ready confirmation.
What's the difference between the minimum payment and the full balance?
The minimum payment is the smallest amount Synchrony requires you to pay by the due date to keep your account in good standing. The full balance is everything you owe. If you have a promotional 0% interest offer, you must pay the full promotional balance by the end date to avoid interest charges.
Is there a fee to pay my CareCredit bill?
No fee for online payments from a bank account, phone payments, or mail payments. Debit card payments online may carry a small fee (usually $1 to $2). Check your account or call 1-866-300-3540 to confirm current fees.
How long does it take for my payment to show up in my account?
Online payments from a bank account take one to two business days. Debit card payments process when ready. Phone payments process when ready. Mail payments take five to seven business days. Weekend and holiday delays may explore.
What should I do if I can't afford my full payment?
Contact Synchrony at 1-866-300-3540 to discuss your situation. They may offer a payment plan or hardship program. Paying something by the due date is better than paying nothing, as it shows good faith and prevents late reporting to credit bureaus.