How CareCredit bill payment works

CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you use at healthcare providers — dentists, veterinarians, cosmetic surgeons, and other medical practices. When you use it, you're borrowing money from Synchrony, and you owe them back. Paying your bill means sending money to Synchrony to reduce what you owe.

You can pay online through your CareCredit account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Synchrony branch. The payment goes toward your balance, and how much interest you pay depends on whether you pay the full amount before a promotional period ends — many CareCredit offers include interest-free periods if you pay in full by a set date.

Your bill arrives as a statement, either by mail or email depending on your account settings. The statement shows your balance, your minimum payment due, the date it's due, and any promotional terms attached to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay CareCredit online at synchronybank.com, by calling 1-866-396-8254, by mailing a check to the address on your statement, or at a Synchrony branch in person.
  • If you have a promotional offer (like 12 months interest-free), you must pay the full balance by the end date to avoid interest charges on the entire purchase, even if you've been paying regularly.
  • Your minimum payment is listed on your statement, but paying only the minimum will not clear a promotional balance in time and will result in interest charges.
  • Missing a payment can trigger late fees, a higher interest rate, and damage to your credit score, and may cause the healthcare provider to take collection action.
  • If you cannot pay by the due date, contact Synchrony before the payment is late to discuss your options.

Paying online through your CareCredit account

The fastest way to pay is through the CareCredit website or mobile app. Go to synchronybank.com, log in with your username and password, and select "Make a Payment." You'll choose the amount you want to pay and the date you want it processed. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually post the same day; payments made after that or on weekends post the next business day.

You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments, where Synchrony deducts money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. Automatic payments reduce the chance you'll miss a due date, but you need to make sure you have enough money in your account on that date or you'll face overdraft fees from your bank.

When you pay online, you can pay from a checking or savings account (no fee) or from another credit card (Synchrony charges a fee for this, usually around 3 percent). Paying from your bank account is cheaper.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call 1-866-396-8254. A representative will ask for your account number (on your statement or card) and the amount you want to pay. They'll confirm the payment date and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments are free and post within one to two business days.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Synchrony Bank. Write your CareCredit account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your statement — this address changes depending on where payments are processed, so always use the one on your current bill. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and post, so send them early if your due date is soon.

Do not send cash by mail. If your check is lost or delayed, you may be charged a late fee even though you sent the payment on time, so keep a copy of the check or the confirmation number from your bank showing when it cleared.

Understanding promotional payment terms

Many CareCredit purchases come with a promotional offer: "12 months interest-free" or "24 months same as cash," for example. These offers mean you pay no interest if you pay the full purchase amount by the end date. If you don't pay it all off by that date, Synchrony charges you interest on the entire original purchase amount, not just the remaining balance — and the interest rate is usually high, often 20 percent or more.

Your statement shows the promotional end date and the amount you need to pay by that date to avoid interest. If you have multiple purchases on the same card with different promotional periods, each one has its own end date. Missing one deadline does not affect the others, but it does trigger interest on that purchase.

Paying more than the minimum each month helps you stay on track. If your promotional period is 12 months and your balance is $1,200, you need to pay at least $100 per month to clear it in time. Paying only the minimum (usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance) will leave a balance unpaid when the promotion ends.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee — usually $25 to $40 depending on your account terms. Your interest rate may also increase to the penalty rate, which is higher than your regular rate. Both of these appear on your next statement.

A missed payment also reports to the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and damages your credit score. The damage is worst in the first 30 days; after 60 days, it's worse still. After 120 days, Synchrony may close your account and refer it to a collection agency.

If you know you cannot pay by the due date, call Synchrony before the date passes. They may offer a hardship program, a payment plan, or a temporary deferment depending on your situation and history with the account. Calling before you miss a payment is much better than calling after.

Paying off your balance early

You can pay off your entire CareCredit balance at any time without penalty. Paying early saves you interest if you're not on a promotional offer, and it helps you avoid interest charges if you are on a promotion and worried you won't make the deadline.

If you pay off a promotional balance before the end date, you pay no interest. If you pay it off after the promotional period ends, you owe interest on the full original amount from the purchase date forward, even if you've already paid part of it. So timing matters: if your 12-month interest-free period ends on March 15, pay the full balance by March 15, not March 16.

Some people use a personal loan, a balance transfer to another credit card, or a payment from savings to pay off CareCredit early. Compare the interest rate and fees on any alternative before you switch — a personal loan at 10 percent might be cheaper than CareCredit interest at 25 percent, but only if you can afford the monthly payment.

Updating your payment method and contact information

You can change how Synchrony contacts you (mail, email, or both) and update your mailing address, phone number, and email through your online account or by calling 1-866-396-8254. If you move or change your phone number, update your account so you don't miss a statement or a call about a missed payment.

If you want to change your automatic payment date or bank account, log into your account online and select "Manage Automatic Payments," or call Synchrony. Changes usually take effect within one to two business days. If you cancel automatic payments, set a reminder to pay manually so you don't forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my CareCredit bill at the doctor's office or dental practice?

No. The healthcare provider where you used the card does not collect payments — Synchrony Bank does. You must pay Synchrony directly through their website, phone line, mail, or a branch. Paying the provider does not reduce your CareCredit balance.

What if I pay online but my payment doesn't show up on my statement?

Payments usually post within one business day. If more than two business days have passed, log into your account and check the payment status, or call 1-866-396-8254 to confirm it was received. If the payment was rejected (for example, because your bank account had insufficient funds), Synchrony will send you a notice and you'll need to pay again.

Do I have to pay the full promotional balance, or can I pay it off over time?

You can pay it off over time, but only if you pay the entire balance before the promotional period ends. If you don't, you owe interest on the full original amount. The minimum payment alone will not clear the balance in time on most promotions, so you need to pay more than the minimum each month.

What's the difference between the due date and the promotional end date?

The due date is when your minimum payment is due each month. The promotional end date is when you must pay the full balance to avoid interest. These are different dates. You can make your minimum payment on time every month and still owe interest if you don't pay the full balance by the promotional end date.

Can I set up automatic payments for my promotional balance?

Yes. You can set automatic payments for any amount, including the full promotional balance. Set it to process a few days before the promotional end date to make sure it posts in time. Confirm the amount is enough to cover the full balance, because if it's not, you'll owe interest on what's left.