Send your CareCredit payment through their online account or by phone
CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, designed for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. When you carry a balance, you make payments directly to Synchrony through CareCredit's website, mobile app, or by phone. The card issuer handles all payment processing — you do not send money to a doctor's office or hospital.
You have three main routes to pay: log into your CareCredit account online, use the mobile app, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Each method processes your payment the same day if submitted before the cutoff time, usually around 8 p.m. Eastern Time on business days.
Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement and in your online account. Payments are due by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on that date to avoid a late fee. If you miss the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus.
Key Takeaways
- Pay CareCredit through Synchrony's website, mobile app, or phone — never through your healthcare provider.
- Your payment due date is listed on your statement and in your online account, and late payments trigger fees and credit reporting.
- Same-day processing is available if you pay before the cutoff time on a business day.
- You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to avoid missing a due date.
- Minimum payments are required each month, but paying more reduces interest charges if you carry a balance.
Pay online through your CareCredit account
Log into your CareCredit account at carecredit.com using your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your card number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" from the account menu.
Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full statement balance, your 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 post within one business day. Debit card payments process when ready but may carry a fee depending on your card issuer.
Review the payment details and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Keep this number for your records. The payment will show as pending in your account until it posts, which usually takes one business day for bank transfers or the same day for debit card payments.
Pay by phone or through the mobile app
Call the customer service number on the back of your CareCredit card to speak with a representative. Have your card number and the amount you want to pay ready. The representative will verify your identity and process the payment over the phone. You can pay from a bank account or debit card. The call typically takes five to ten minutes.
The CareCredit mobile app (available on iOS and Android) offers the same payment options as the website. read the app, log in with your username and password, and select "Make a Payment." The app shows your current balance, due date, and payment history in one place, making it straightforward to track your account on the go.
Set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay and triggering a late fee. In your online account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments" and select "Enroll." Choose the amount (minimum payment, full statement balance, or a fixed amount), the day of the month you want the payment to occur, and your bank account for the transfer.
Synchrony will deduct the payment automatically on your chosen date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. If your bank account changes, update it in your CareCredit account to prevent payment failures.
Automatic payments are free and post within one business day. If you set the payment date after your due date, you will still be charged a late fee for that month, so choose a date before your statement due date.
Understand minimum payments and interest charges
CareCredit requires a minimum payment each month, shown on your statement. The minimum is usually 1% to 3% of your balance, depending on your account terms. If you pay only the minimum, you will owe interest on the remaining balance at CareCredit's standard purchase rate, which varies by creditworthiness and typically ranges from 16% to 29% APR.
Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you avoid interest charges entirely — but only if you have not used a promotional 0% APR offer. Promotional periods have their own terms; if you do not pay the full promotional balance by the end of the period, all accrued interest is charged retroactively.
Your statement shows how much interest you will pay if you make only the minimum payment, and how much faster you will pay off the balance if you pay a larger amount. Use this information to decide how much to pay each month.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you cannot pay by your due date, contact Synchrony customer service before the date arrives. Explain your situation. While Synchrony cannot waive the late fee, they may be able to work with you on a payment plan or discuss hardship options depending on your circumstances.
Paying even a few days late will result in a late fee (typically $25 to $39) and may trigger a higher interest rate on future purchases. The missed payment will also be reported to credit bureaus if it is 30 days or more past due. Paying as soon as possible after the due date limits the damage, but paying on time is always the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CareCredit bill at the doctor's office or hospital?
No. CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, so you pay Synchrony directly, not your healthcare provider. Your provider may accept CareCredit as payment for services, but they do not collect CareCredit payments. Pay through the CareCredit website, app, or phone line.
Is there a fee to pay my CareCredit bill?
Payments from your bank account are free. Payments from a debit card may carry a fee from your card issuer, though CareCredit does not charge one. Automatic payments from your bank account are always free.
How long does it take for my payment to show up in my account?
Bank account transfers typically post within one business day. Debit card payments usually post the same day. Once posted, the payment reduces your balance when ready and counts toward your due date requirement.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee (typically $25 to $39) is charged to your account. Your interest rate may increase, and the late payment is reported to credit bureaus if it is 30 or more days past due. Paying as soon as possible after the due date limits additional charges.
Can I change my automatic payment amount or date?
Yes. Log into your account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and update the amount or date. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment. Make sure your new payment date is before your statement due date to avoid late fees.