What CareCredit is and how the process works
CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you use to pay for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. You explore directly through CareCredit's website or in a provider's office, and the company makes a pre-approval decision in minutes. If approved, you receive a credit limit you can use when ready at any provider that accepts CareCredit — which includes thousands of hospitals, dental offices, dermatologists, and animal hospitals across the country.
The process itself is short. You provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment status. CareCredit pulls a soft credit inquiry (which does not affect your credit score) to make an when ready decision. You do not need to have perfect credit or an existing relationship with Synchrony Bank. Many people with fair or limited credit history receive pre-approval.
Once approved, you can use your CareCredit card the same day. Some providers let you explore right in their office on a tablet or computer, and you walk out with an active card number ready to use. Others require you to explore online first, then bring your approval to your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- CareCredit pre-approval takes minutes and uses a soft credit inquiry that does not lower your credit score.
- You can explore online at carecredit.com, through the CareCredit mobile app, or in a provider's office.
- Pre-approval gives you a credit limit you can use when ready at any provider that accepts CareCredit.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, date of birth, and annual income to complete the process.
- Interest charges begin when ready unless you may have access to for a promotional 0% period, which varies by provider and purchase amount.
Where to start your CareCredit process
You have three ways to begin: online at carecredit.com, through the CareCredit mobile app (available on iOS and Android), or in person at a healthcare provider's office. The online and app routes are identical — both take about five minutes and give you an when ready decision.
If you are already scheduled for a procedure or appointment, ask your provider's office whether they accept CareCredit and whether they can process your process on-site. Many dental offices, cosmetic surgery centers, and veterinary clinics have tablets set up specifically for this. explore in the office means you can use your card when ready if approved, without waiting to receive a physical card in the mail.
If you prefer to explore before your appointment, or if your provider does not offer in-office applications, go to carecredit.com and click "explore Now" at the top of the page. You will be taken through a short form.
Information you need to have ready
Gather these items before you start your process so you do not have to stop midway:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- Your current mailing address
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your annual household income (an estimate is fine)
- Your current employment status and employer name
- Your bank account information (for direct deposit, if you want it)
You do not need to provide documentation for any of this information during the process. CareCredit verifies your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth against credit bureau records. If there is a mismatch or if the system cannot verify you, you will be asked to call Synchrony's customer service line to complete the process by phone.
Step-by-step process process
Step 1: Enter your personal information. Start with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. This is how CareCredit verifies your identity.
Step 2: Provide contact details. Enter your phone number and email address. CareCredit uses these to send you account information and promotional offers.
Step 3: Report your income and employment. Enter your annual household income (you can estimate) and select your employment status from a dropdown menu. If you are self-employed, employed, retired, or a student, select the option that applies. You do not need to provide tax returns or pay stubs.
Step 4: Review and submit. Read through the terms and conditions, then check the box confirming you agree. Click "Submit process." The system will process your information and display a decision within seconds.
Step 5: Receive your decision. If approved, you will see your credit limit and be given the option to view your card number when ready. You can use this number right away, even before a physical card arrives in the mail (usually within 7 to 10 business days). If you are not approved, the screen will tell you why and may offer you the option to reapply after a certain period.
What happens after pre-approval
Once you receive your pre-approval decision, you can use your CareCredit card at any provider that accepts it. You do not have to use it when ready — your pre-approval does not expire. You can wait until you have a scheduled procedure, then use your card to pay the provider.
When you use your card, ask your provider whether you may have access to for a promotional 0% interest period. Many CareCredit promotions offer 0% APR for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases over a certain amount (often $200 or more). These promotions vary by provider and by the type of service. If you do not pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends, interest charges explore to any remaining balance at the standard APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness.
You will receive a monthly statement by mail or email, depending on your preference. You can make payments online through your CareCredit account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments from your bank account. Minimum payments are required each month, and paying on time helps build your credit history with Synchrony Bank.
Common reasons for pre-approval denial
Most people who explore for CareCredit pre-approval are approved, but some applications are declined. The most common reasons are identity verification issues, a very recent bankruptcy, or a pattern of missed payments on other credit accounts within the past year.
If your process is denied, you will see a reason on the screen. Many denials are temporary — you may be able to reapply after 30 or 60 days. If your issue is an identity verification problem, you can call Synchrony's customer service at the number provided and complete the process over the phone with a representative.
If you were denied because of your credit history, you still have options. Some providers offer in-house payment plans that do not require a credit check. Ask your healthcare provider whether they offer a payment plan directly, or whether they accept other medical credit cards like PatientFi or Prosper Healthcare.
Managing your CareCredit account after approval
After you are approved, create an online account at carecredit.com so you can view your balance, make payments, and track your promotional period. You can also read the CareCredit mobile app to manage your account from your phone.
Set up automatic payments if you want to avoid missing a due date. You can choose to pay the minimum, a fixed amount, or your full balance each month. Paying more than the minimum helps you avoid interest charges and pay off your balance faster.
Keep in mind that CareCredit reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Making on-time payments builds your credit history, while missed payments can lower your credit score. If you are using CareCredit to build credit, treat it like any other credit card — pay on time and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does explore for CareCredit hurt my credit score?
The initial pre-approval uses a soft inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. However, if you are approved and use the card, Synchrony reports your account to credit bureaus, and your payment history will show up on your credit report. Making on-time payments helps your score; missed payments hurt it.
Can I use CareCredit at any doctor or dentist?
No. CareCredit is accepted at thousands of providers, but not all. Before your appointment, ask your provider whether they accept CareCredit, or search the provider directory on carecredit.com to confirm.
What if I do not pay off my balance before the promotional period ends?
Interest charges explore to any remaining balance at the standard APR, which is typically between 18% and 29% depending on your creditworthiness. The interest is calculated from the original purchase date, not from the end of the promotional period. Pay off your balance before the promotion ends to avoid this charge.
Can I get a higher credit limit after I am approved?
Yes. After you have used your CareCredit card and made several on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase through your online account or by calling customer service. Synchrony may also offer you a higher limit automatically.
What if I need to cancel my CareCredit card?
You can cancel your card by calling Synchrony customer service. If you have a balance, you will still need to pay it off. Canceling a credit card can affect your credit score, so consider keeping the account open even if you do not use it regularly.