How to pay your CareCredit balance
You can pay your CareCredit bill online through the CareCredit website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a participating provider's office. The fastest method is online — you log in to your account, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method (debit card, bank account, or another credit card). Payments made online typically post within one business day.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your CareCredit card. A representative will take your payment information and process it immediately. For mail payments, write your account number on the check or money order, include it with a payment stub (if you have one), and send it to the address listed on your statement. Mail payments take longer to reach the company — usually five to seven business days — so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
Some healthcare providers that accept CareCredit will also let you pay your balance directly at their office. Ask your provider whether they can process CareCredit payments in person, since not all offices offer this option.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day, while mail payments take five to seven days to arrive.
- You can pay by debit card, bank account transfer, another credit card, check, or money order depending on your chosen method.
- Paying more than the minimum due each month reduces the total interest you pay if you carry a balance.
- Missing a payment can result in late fees and a higher interest rate, so set up automatic payments if you tend to forget due dates.
- CareCredit statements show your minimum payment, due date, and how much interest you will pay if you only make minimum payments.
Understanding your payment options and timing
The method you choose affects when your payment reaches CareCredit and when it shows on your account. Online payments and phone payments are fastest — both typically post the same business day or the next business day. If you use your bank's bill pay feature to send a check to CareCredit, that check still takes five to seven days to arrive by mail, so this method is not faster than paying online.
When you pay by bank account transfer (also called ACH or electronic check), the payment usually posts within one to two business days. Payments made on weekends or holidays are processed on the next business day. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, CareCredit typically extends the deadline to the next business day, but do not rely on this — pay a few days early to be safe.
What happens if you miss a payment
A payment is late if it does not arrive by 11:59 p.m. on your due date. CareCredit charges a late fee — the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 depending on your account terms. More importantly, a late payment can trigger a higher interest rate on your entire balance, not just new purchases. This higher rate may stay in effect for six months or longer, even after you catch up on payments.
If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, CareCredit may report the delinquency to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This report stays on your credit history for seven years and can lower your credit score, making it harder and more expensive to borrow money in the future. If you know you will miss a payment, contact CareCredit before the due date to discuss your options — they may be able to work out a temporary arrangement.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You can set them up through the CareCredit website or app by linking a bank account or debit card. You choose the payment amount (minimum payment, a fixed amount, or your full balance) and the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn.
Most people set automatic payments for the minimum due, but paying more than the minimum — or paying the full balance — saves money on interest. If your balance changes month to month, you can adjust the automatic payment amount anytime through your account settings. If you need to skip a payment in a particular month, you can pause automatic payments temporarily, though this may trigger a late fee if you do not make a manual payment by the due date.
How to read your CareCredit statement
Your statement shows several key pieces of information. The minimum payment due is the smallest amount you must pay to avoid a late fee. The due date is the deadline for that payment. The statement balance is what you owe as of the statement date, and the current balance (if shown separately) is what you owe right now, which may be higher if you made new charges after the statement was created.
Your statement also shows an interest charge or finance charge — this is the cost of carrying a balance. If you have a promotional 0% interest period (common with CareCredit), no interest charge appears during that period, but interest will kick in once the promotion ends. The statement usually includes a line showing how much interest you will pay over time if you only make minimum payments. This number can be eye-opening and is worth paying attention to when deciding whether to pay more than the minimum.
Some statements include a grace period notice. CareCredit typically does not offer a grace period on purchases, meaning interest starts accruing immediately unless you have a promotional 0% period. Check your statement or account terms to confirm whether a grace period applies to your account.
Paying down your balance faster
If you carry a balance on CareCredit, paying more than the minimum due each month reduces the total interest you pay and gets you out of debt faster. For example, if you owe $2,000 and only make minimum payments, you could pay interest for years. If you pay $200 per month instead, you will pay off the balance in ten months and pay far less in interest.
One strategy is to pay the full statement balance each month if you can. This prevents interest from building up. Another approach is to set a fixed payment amount higher than the minimum and stick to it each month. You can also make extra payments anytime — there is no penalty for paying early or paying more than required. Some people make a payment as soon as they receive a statement, rather than waiting until the due date, to reduce the amount of time interest is accruing.
If you have multiple balances (for example, from different healthcare providers), prioritize paying down the balance with the highest interest rate first, since that one costs you the most money over time.
Dealing with payment problems
If you cannot afford your minimum payment, contact CareCredit before your due date. They may offer a temporary hardship arrangement, such as a lower payment for a few months or a pause on interest accrual. These arrangements are not may provide, but they are worth asking about — the worst they can say is no, and the best outcome is a plan that keeps you from falling behind.
If you have already missed a payment and received a late notice, you can still call to discuss options. Paying the late balance as soon as possible limits the damage to your credit score. Some people negotiate with CareCredit to remove a late fee if it is their first missed payment, though this depends on the company's policies at the time you call.
If you are struggling with multiple debts, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you create a budget and prioritize payments. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers free or low-cost counseling by phone or in person. This is different from debt settlement or debt consolidation — counseling simply helps you understand your options and manage what you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CareCredit bill with another credit card?
Yes, you can pay with another credit card through the CareCredit website or by phone. However, this usually triggers a cash advance fee on the card you are using to pay, which can be 3% to 5% of the payment amount. It is generally cheaper to pay with a debit card or bank account transfer if you have those options available.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and you do not see the payment in your account, log back in to confirm the payment was processed (not just submitted). If it shows as processed but has not posted, wait one more business day. If it still has not appeared after two business days, call customer service with your confirmation number and they can investigate.
Does paying early hurt my credit score?
No. Paying early or paying more than the minimum does not hurt your credit score. It actually helps your score by lowering your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your available credit you are using). Paying on time or early is always better for your credit than paying late.
What happens to my CareCredit account if I do not use it?
CareCredit may close an inactive account after a period of non-use, typically 12 months or longer. A closed account still appears on your credit report and still affects your credit score, but you cannot use it to make new charges. If you want to keep the account open, use it occasionally or make small payments to show activity.
Can I set up a payment plan instead of paying the full balance?
CareCredit does not offer formal payment plans beyond the minimum monthly payment. However, you can make any payment amount you choose — the minimum is just the floor, not the ceiling. If you want to pay a specific amount each month over a set period, you can set up an automatic payment for that amount and it will continue until you change it or pay off the balance.