How to pay your CareCredit bill
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 not to use the website, you can call the customer service number on the back of your CareCredit card to make a payment by phone. Mail payments should be sent to the address listed on your statement, though this method takes longer — typically 7 to 10 business days to post. Some healthcare providers that accept CareCredit will also let you pay directly at their office during an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day, while mail payments take 7 to 10 business days.
- You can pay any amount — the minimum payment, the full balance, or anything in between — without penalty.
- If you miss a payment, your account may be reported to credit bureaus and you may face late fees, depending on your cardholder agreement.
- Setting up automatic payments through the CareCredit website can help you avoid missed payments.
Payment methods and how long each takes
CareCredit offers four main ways to pay, and the speed varies significantly. Online payment through the CareCredit website or the mobile app is the fastest — your payment posts within one business day. You can pay from a checking or savings account (ACH transfer), a debit card, or another credit card.
Phone payments also post within one business day. Call the number on your card and a representative will process the payment while you are on the line. You will need your account number and the payment method you want to use (bank account or card).
Mail payments take the longest. Write a check or money order, include your account number, and mail it to the address on your statement. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post. During that time, your account is still considered unpaid, so late fees or interest charges may continue to accrue if you are carrying a balance.
In-person payments at your healthcare provider's office vary by location. Not all providers accept CareCredit payments directly, and processing times depend on how the provider submits the payment to CareCredit. Ask your provider's billing office whether they offer this option and how long it takes to post.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is late, CareCredit will report it to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once it reaches 30 days past due. A late payment stays on your credit report for seven years and can lower your credit score. The amount of damage depends on how late the payment is and what else is on your report.
You may also face a late fee. The amount varies depending on your cardholder agreement, so check your terms or call customer service to find out what your specific late fee is. If your account goes 60 or 90 days past due, CareCredit may freeze your account and prevent you from making new charges.
If you are struggling to pay, contact CareCredit customer service before your payment is due. Some cardholders have been able to work out payment plans or temporary relief, though this is not may provide and depends on your account history and the reason for the hardship.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments are one of the easiest ways to avoid missing a due date. Log into your CareCredit account online or through the mobile app, go to the payment settings, and choose "autopay." You can set it to pay a fixed amount each month (such as your minimum payment or a set dollar amount) or the full statement balance.
Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account on the date you choose, typically around your due date. If you want to change the amount or pause autopay for a month, you can do so through your account settings. Make sure you have enough money in your account on the payment date, or the payment may fail and you could face a non-sufficient funds fee from your bank.
Understanding your minimum payment and statement balance
Your CareCredit statement shows two important numbers: the minimum payment and the statement balance. The minimum payment is the smallest amount you must pay by the due date to keep your account in good standing. The statement balance is the total amount you owe.
Paying only the minimum does not eliminate your debt — it covers interest and a small portion of principal. If you carry a balance and do not have a promotional interest rate (such as 0% for 12 months), you will be charged interest on the remaining balance. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay.
To avoid interest charges, pay the full statement balance by the due date. If you have a promotional rate offer, check the terms carefully — the rate usually applies only if you pay off the full amount within the promotional period. If you do not, you may be charged retroactive interest on the entire balance.
Promotional financing and how it affects your payment
Many CareCredit purchases come with a promotional interest rate, such as 0% APR for 6, 12, or 24 months. During the promotional period, you pay no interest as long as you make at least the minimum payment each month. However, if you miss a payment or do not pay off the full balance by the end of the promotional period, the terms change.
If you miss a payment during a promotional period, CareCredit may end the promotion immediately and charge you interest on the entire original balance, not just the remaining balance. This is called "deferred interest." To keep the promotional rate, make your minimum payment on time every month and plan to pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends.
Your statement will show how much you need to pay each month to pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period. If you cannot meet that target, contact CareCredit to discuss your options before the promotion expires.
Paying off your balance faster
If you want to pay off your CareCredit balance quickly, you can pay more than the minimum at any time without penalty. There is no prepayment fee, and extra payments go directly toward reducing your principal balance.
To pay off a promotional balance before interest kicks in, divide the total balance by the number of months remaining in the promotional period. For example, if you have a $1,200 balance and 12 months of 0% financing, paying $100 per month will eliminate the debt before interest applies. Any amount you pay above that accelerates the payoff.
If you have the money to pay the full balance at once, do so — this is the fastest way to stop interest from accruing and to close out the account. You can make a lump-sum payment online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods described earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CareCredit bill with another credit card?
Yes, you can pay with another credit card online or by phone. However, most credit card companies treat this as a cash advance, which means you will be charged a cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) and a higher interest rate. It is usually cheaper to pay from a bank account or debit card if you have the option.
What if I pay online but the payment does not show up?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment still does not appear, log into your account to confirm the payment was processed. If it shows as pending, wait one more business day. If it does not appear at all, call customer service with your confirmation number to investigate.
Can I change my due date?
CareCredit does not allow you to change your due date through the website or app. If you need a different due date, call customer service and explain your situation. They may be able to adjust it, though this is not may provide. Some cardholders have had success requesting a change if their income arrives on a different date each month.
What if I cannot afford my minimum payment?
Contact CareCredit customer service before your payment is due. Explain your situation and ask whether they offer hardship programs, payment plans, or temporary relief. While they are not required to help, many cardholders have worked out arrangements. The sooner you call, the more options you may have.
Does paying early help my credit score?
Paying early or paying more than the minimum does not directly boost your credit score, but it does help in two ways: it reduces your credit utilization (the amount of your available credit you are using), and it ensures you never miss a payment. Both of these factors improve your credit over time.