How to Pay Your CareCredit Bill Online and by Mail

What CareCredit Bill Pay Is

CareCredit bill pay is the system Synchrony Financial (the company that issues CareCredit cards) uses to let you make payments on your CareCredit account. You can pay online through your account, by phone, by mail, or at an ATM. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you prefer to handle it yourself or have someone else do it for you.

CareCredit is a credit card issued specifically for healthcare expenses — dental work, veterinary care, cosmetic procedures, and other medical services at participating providers. Like any credit card, you receive a bill and you need to pay it. CareCredit bill pay works the same way as paying any other credit card, but the card itself is only accepted at healthcare providers, not at regular stores.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay your CareCredit bill online at the Synchrony website or through the Synchrony mobile app without logging into a separate bill pay system.
• Payments made online typically post within one business day, while mailed checks take five to seven business days to reach Synchrony's processing center.
• You can set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember.
• Payments by phone go through Synchrony's customer service line and are processed the same day you call, though the funds may take one to two business days to post to your account.
• If you pay by mail, send your check to the address printed on your bill statement, never to a provider's office.

Paying Online Through Your Synchrony Account

The fastest and most direct way to pay is through the Synchrony website or mobile app. Go to mysynchrony.com or open the Synchrony mobile app, then sign in with your 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 you are logged in, look for a "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" button — the exact label varies slightly depending on whether you are on the website or app. Select the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between), choose the date you want the payment to come from your bank account, and confirm. Synchrony will ask you to enter your bank account number and routing number if this is your first payment from that account. The payment typically posts within one business day.

You do not need to set up a separate bill pay account or go through your bank's bill pay system to pay CareCredit. Paying directly through Synchrony is simpler and faster.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

If you want your CareCredit bill paid the same way every month without having to log in each time, you can set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account. Log in to mysynchrony.com, find the automatic payment or autopay section, and enter your bank account information. You can choose to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount each month.

Automatic payments are useful if you carry a balance and want to make sure you never miss a due date. Synchrony will deduct the payment from your bank account on the date you choose each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account.

Be aware that if your balance changes significantly from month to month, paying a fixed dollar amount might leave you with a remaining balance some months or overpay other months. Paying the full statement balance automatically is usually the safest choice if you want to avoid interest charges.

Paying by Phone

You can pay your CareCredit bill by calling Synchrony's customer service line. The phone number is on the back of your card and on your monthly statement. Have your card number and bank account information ready when you call.

When you call to make a payment, a representative will ask how much you want to pay and which bank account to take it from. The payment is processed the same day you call, though it may take one to two business days for the funds to actually post to your account. Paying by phone is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, but it is slower than paying online.

Paying by Mail

You can also pay by mailing a check to Synchrony. Your monthly statement includes a payment coupon with the mailing address. Write your account number on the check, include the payment coupon, and mail both together. Do not send payment to your healthcare provider's office — send it only to the address on your statement.

Mailed payments take five to seven business days to reach Synchrony's processing center and post to your account. If your payment is due soon, mailing a check is riskier than paying online or by phone because the mail can be delayed. If you choose to pay by mail, send it at least ten days before your due date to be safe.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Synchrony will charge you a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your account terms, but it is typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment. If you continue to miss payments, Synchrony may also charge you interest on the unpaid balance at a higher rate and report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.

If you realize you will miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Depending on your account history and the reason for the missed payment, they may be able to waive the late fee or work out a payment plan. It is always better to call before the due date than to wait until after you have missed it.

Promotional Financing and Payment Timing

Many CareCredit offers come with promotional financing — for example, 12 months with no interest if you pay in full by the end of that period. If you have a promotional offer, it is important to pay attention to the end date. If you do not pay the full balance by the important date, Synchrony will charge you interest on the entire original amount, not just the remaining balance, and that interest is usually calculated retroactively from the date you opened the account.

To avoid this, mark the promotional end date on your calendar and make sure your final payment posts before that date. Paying online gives you the most control over timing because you can choose the exact date the payment comes from your bank account. If you are cutting it close, pay a few days early to account for processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my CareCredit bill through my bank's bill pay system?

You can, but it is not necessary. Your bank's bill pay system will mail a check on your behalf to Synchrony's address, which takes the same five to seven business days as mailing a check yourself. Paying directly through mysynchrony.com is faster and simpler. If you prefer to use your bank's bill pay for record-keeping reasons, that is fine, but there is no advantage in speed or convenience.

What if I pay more than I owe?

Synchrony will hold the overpayment as a credit on your account. You can use it toward your next bill, or you can request a refund by calling customer service. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.

Is there a fee to pay my CareCredit bill?

No. Synchrony does not charge a fee for making a payment, regardless of whether you pay online, by phone, or by mail. Some banks may charge a fee if you use their bill pay system to mail a check on your behalf, so check with your bank if you go that route.

How do I know if my payment went through?

If you pay online, Synchrony will show you a confirmation number when ready after you submit the payment. You can also log into your account anytime to see your payment history and current balance. If you pay by phone or mail, you can call customer service or check your account online within one to two business days to confirm the payment has posted.

Can someone else pay my CareCredit bill for me?

Yes. You can give someone else your account number and the Synchrony phone number, and they can call to make a payment on your behalf. You can also set up automatic payments and have them come from a joint bank account or someone else's account if you authorize it. For online payments, only someone with your Synchrony login credentials can pay through the website or app.