Who Accepts CareCredit?

CareCredit is a division of Synchrony Financial (SYF). Since 2015, Synchrony Financial has operated as an independent publicly traded company. Prior to that, it was owned by General Electric. Since its founding in 2003, Synchrony Financial has been involved in providing credit solutions for its customers.

The CareCredit division of Synchrony Financial offers a credit card that is accepted by over 225,000 healthcare providers in the United States. The credit card can be used for various medical procedures and wellness services, such as vision care, cosmetic surgery, dermatology services, dental services, hearing care, and much more.

CareCredit can be used for family members and even pets. Various hospitals, veterinary clinics, dental centers, and private medical practice firms accept CareCredit. The CareCredit company provides a database of providers and businesses that accept it as a form of payment.

CareCredit Special Financing

CareCredit is specifically designed to provide a revolving credit solution for health care services and products that help to satisfy cardholders' health and wellness needs.

Unlike other credit cards, CareCredit offers special financing terms for beauty and wellness care. CareCredit has six-, 12-, 18-, or 24-month promotional financing with no interest charged on purchases in excess of $200. The promotional period will depend on the user’s credit.

Terms of the promotional financing also require the cardholder to make minimum monthly payments and to pay off the entire amount owed by the due date of the promotional period. Otherwise, CareCredit charges interest retroactively from the purchase date at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 26.99%.

Long-Term Financing

CareCredit also offers longer-term financing promotions. Longer-term financing for 24, 36, 48, or 60-month periods can include a reduced rate of interest. Purchases must be $1,000 or more to be eligible for the 24, 36, or 48-month promotion. The 60-month promotion requires a purchase of $2,500 or more.

According to CareCredit, longer-term financing promotions can include the following terms:

• Purchases of $1,000 or more: 24-month offer with a 14.90% APR, 36-month offer with a 15.90% APR, or a 48-month offer with a 16.90% APR
• Purchases of $2,500 or more: 60-month offer with a 17.90% APR

The longer-term financing promotions have no 0% interest period. However, the promotional APR for these purchases is much lower than the standard APR of 26.99%. Once the promotional period ends, balances are subject to an APR of 26.99%.

Finding a Provider

As discussed above, CareCredit is offered by Synchrony Financial. The card does not represent a replacement for medical insurance policies. It only seeks to help individuals pay for their out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by medical insurance.

Searching for a business provider that accepts CareCredit is much like searching for a doctor or specialist through your insurance company’s website. On the CareCredit website, users begin from the “Find a Location” tab. From there, they can enter their zip code, then select a category of interest. Categories include the following:

• Dental
• Vision
• Cosmetic
• Hearing
• Primary Care/Clinics
• Specialists
• Pharmacies/Personal Care
• Medical Equipment/Supplies
• Surgery Centers
• Fitness
• Animal/Pet Care
• Labs and Diagnostics
• Spa
• Sleep

Within each category, users can also drill down further into specialty areas. For example, in the area of “Animal/Pet Care” the following specialties exist:

• Veterinary, General Practitioner
• Veterinary Specialist
• Emergency and Critical Care
• Equine, Large Animal
• Pet Insurance

Each comprehensive and detailed search category offers a full list of providers that are willing to accept the CareCredit credit card for products and services.