The CareCredit credit card, issued by Synchrony Bank, has long been a popular choice for patients looking to manage the cost of medical procedures, dental care, and even veterinary expenses. But many families and practices have grown cautious of its downsides. Deferred interest promotions can backfire if balances aren’t cleared by the end of the promotional period, leading to surprise interest charges at high interest rates.

The application process involves a hard credit check and requires a minimum credit score, which can block patients with credit scores under 680. Patients may also face strict limits and concerns about how a new account will affect their credit report. For providers, CareCredit means standardized terms, higher fees, and little flexibility in payment options that suit higher-ticket treatments.

Because of these challenges, both patients and practices are turning to other healthcare financing options that are more flexible, transparent, and inclusive.

Leading CareCredit Alternatives

Cherry Payment Plans

Cherry has become one of the most competitive and practice-friendly financing solutions in healthcare. Unlike traditional medical credit cards, Cherry approvals are tied directly to the practice, which means patients can only use the funds for their treatment plan. 

For patients, choosing Cherry often comes down to flexible financing options and versatile coverage. 90%+ of applicants qualify for an always-interest-free pay-in-4 plan, making short-term financing accessible without hidden costs. Qualified borrowers can also take advantage of true 0% APR financing on longer terms — without the deferred-interest traps that often come with other medical credit cards. 

Loan amounts range up to $50,000, giving patients access to larger procedures such as dental implants, plastic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck, mommy makeover, or liposuction.

Practices, on the other hand, benefit from some of the lowest provider fees in the industry. Combined with fast approvals, loan flexibility, upfront reimbursement, and seamless integration into practice workflows, Cherry helps providers reduce financial barriers and increase treatment acceptance across a wide range of services.

Fast Facts:

• Loan amounts up to $50,000 for higher-cost procedures
  
• Instant approval decision with seamless patient experience
  
• Always-interest-free pay-in-4 plan available for all applicants
  
• Qualified borrowers may access true 0% APR financing (no deferred interest)
  
• Lowest provider fees among many financing solutions
  
• Practices receive upfront payment within 2-3 business days
  
• Approvals are exclusive to the practice — funds can’t be used elsewhere
  

Denefits

Denefits removes credit checks altogether, making it accessible to nearly anyone. With approval rates close to 95%, patients who might not qualify elsewhere can still move forward with care. Practices often find it valuable because they can set up custom payment plans, offer installments that fit a patient’s budget, and rely on automated billing to keep cash flow steady.

Fast Facts:

• No credit check required
  
• Reported ~95% approval rate with instant decisions
  
• Protected payments for providers
  
• Automated billing and collections
  
• Multilingual support

Sunbit

Sunbit, originally a financing solution for auto repair, has now expanded into some healthcare areas like eyecare and dentistry. The company gained traction for its quick application process, which involves only a soft credit check, so patients avoid any negative impact on their credit score. Some qualify for special financing options like short-term 0% APR (though these may trigger deferred interest if not paid off during the promotional term) while longer loan terms may carry competitive interest rates. For practices, Sunbit’s high approval rates — reportedly around 90% — make it easier to help patients manage out-of-pocket expenses.

Fast Facts: 

• Soft credit check only
  
• High approval rate for patients in adverse financial situations
  
• Loan terms: 3 to 72 months
  
• Promotional 0% APR offers available
  
• No fees for late payment or prepayment 

Credee

Credee focuses on simplifying the financing process for both patients and providers. Patients see fast approvals without a traditional credit approval process, which makes it especially useful for those with low income or limited credit history who might not otherwise prequalify for standard loans.

Providers gain tools that help manage risk, while Credee’s “protected payments” and automated collection processes reduce the administrative burden on practices. With high approval rates and an emphasis on seamless integration with provider systems, Credee appeals to clinics looking for both efficiency and security.

Fast Facts:

• No credit check required
  
• High approval rates
  
• Protected payments for providers
  
• Automated billing and collection tools
  
• Easy practice integration

Advance Care Card

For patients wary of deferred interest, Advance Care offers a refreshing alternative to competing credit lines. Unlike many medical credit cards that tack on interest retroactively, Advance Care provides a line of credit with true interest-free promotional financing and clear repayment terms. 

Patients can quickly prequalify online, and the program is often more accessible to those with modest or low incomes compared to traditional financing plans. It is one of the most popular plastic surgery financing options for procedures from fillers to breast augmentation, and it offers dental financing as well. Providers also appreciate its lower fees compared to CareCredit.

Fast Facts:

• True 0% interest (no deferred interest)
  
• Lower provider fees than CareCredit
  
• Transparent repayment terms
  
• Instant approval decisions
  
• Widely accepted for medical, dental, and cosmetic care from board-certified plastic surgeons

Affirm (BNPL)

Buy Now, Pay Later services like Affirm are also expanding into healthcare financing, particularly for elective procedures such as cosmetic surgery or dental care. Patients may qualify for short-term 0% interest financing or longer-term loans with APRs ranging from 10% to the mid-30s. 

The big appeal is transparency — there are no hidden fees, and repayment terms are clear from the beginning. For practices, Affirm connects them to a large consumer base already familiar with BNPL, although there are concerns about encouraging patient debt for expensive treatments.

Fast Facts:

• Soft credit check with transparent terms
  
• Short-term 0% APR plans available
  
• Longer terms carry APRs up to 36%
  
• No retroactive interest for patient payments past the promo due date
  
• Strong brand recognition among patients

Personal Medical Loans

Traditional medical loans from banks or online lenders like SoFi or LightStream allow patients to borrow larger sums with extended repayment schedules. Those with strong credit may qualify for low interest rates and competitive terms, though most loans require a hard credit check and may include prepayment penalties, origination fees, and late fees. 

For practices, personal medical loans don’t provide the same advantages to providers since funds are disbursed directly to the patient and may take several days to process.

Fast Facts:

• Loan amounts $1,000–$100,000
  
• Repayment terms 2–7 years
  
• APRs typically 6%–36%
  
• Requires a hard credit check
  
• Works best for strong-credit patients

MDsave

MDsave functions more like a healthcare marketplace than a financing company. Patients purchase vouchers for bundled medical services at upfront, pre-negotiated prices — often at a discount compared to traditional billing. This approach reduces uncertainty, helps manage deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, and avoids long-term medical debt. Providers benefit from quick reimbursement (about four days) and predictable patient volumes.

Fast Facts:

• Marketplace model with upfront bundled pricing
  
• Patients pay before receiving care
  
• Transparent costs, no credit required
  
• Practices receive quick reimbursement (about 4 days)
  
• Popular for imaging, elective procedures, and outpatient services
  

Scratchpay

Scratchpay is a financing platform designed specifically to help pet owners manage the cost of veterinary care. Unlike traditional credit cards, Scratchpay allows patients to apply for simple payment plans online, often without the need for extensive paperwork. This makes it a popular option for covering vet bills, routine vaccinations, or even emergency treatment when unexpected pet needs arise.

For pet parents, Scratchpay offers access to financial assistance without the long-term commitment of a revolving credit card. Its flexible options can be particularly helpful for those who may not qualify for traditional financing or who need short-term support for sudden expenses.

Veterinary practices also benefit, as Scratchpay integrates seamlessly with many veterinary clinics and supports case acceptance by removing financial barriers to care. Partnerships with organizations such as the Humane Society and other pet fund programs have further expanded its reach, ensuring that more animals receive the care they need when families face financial strain.

Fast Facts:

• Easy online application with instant decision
  
• Flexible payment plans for vet bills and ongoing pet needs
  
• Can be used for preventive care like vaccinations as well as emergency treatments
  
• Works with many veterinary clinics nationwide
  
• Offers financial assistance through partnerships, including with the Humane Society and pet fund initiatives

Choosing the Right Option

For patients, the best choice often depends on their credit history, eligibility, and comfort with provider interest rates. Someone with limited or bad credit might gravitate toward Denefits or Credee, while a patient with strong credit may prefer a personal loan for its lower APR. For short-term, interest-free patient financing, Advance Care or a Cherry promotional plan may be ideal, especially for those wanting to avoid hidden fees or surprise late fees.

For practices, the decision often hinges on patient demographics and broader business goals. Healthcare providers and health systems with higher patient volumes may benefit from Credee’s automation and payment protection, while those focused on elective or cosmetic procedures may prefer Cherry or Affirm for their higher loan amounts and patient familiarity.

• Patients with limited or bad credit: Platforms like Denefits and Credee are strong choices because they don’t rely on traditional credit checks. This makes them accessible for patients who may not qualify for a CareCredit credit card or other traditional lines of credit to cover medical expenses.
  
• Patients looking for elective or cosmetic procedures: For treatments such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or facelift, options like Cherry or the Advance Care Card are often a better fit. They offer true 0% interest plans and higher borrowing limits, which help make larger procedures manageable through affordable installments.
  
• Pet owners facing veterinary expenses: Pet parents dealing with an emergency vet visit, ongoing pet care, or bills not fully covered by pet insurance (pre-existing conditions are not often covered by pet health insurance) can turn to Cherry, Denefits, Credee, or Scratchpay for veterinary financing. These providers make paying for veterinary care simpler and more accessible.
  
• Patients with strong credit histories: Those who have a solid credit score and stable income may prefer traditional personal loans. These often come with longer repayment schedules and the potential for low interest rates, making them well-suited for patients who want predictable, extended repayment terms for higher medical bills.
  
• Patients facing dental expenses: Those needing dental procedures not fully covered by insurance, like veneers or Invisalign, can benefit from financing providers like Cherry, Advance Care, or Denefits, which offer payment solutions with predictable monthly payments tailored to dental work.‍
• Patients focused on cost transparency: For people who prefer to avoid financing altogether, platforms like MDsave provide upfront bundled pricing for medical procedures. This helps patients manage healthcare costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and deductibles without taking on new debt.

By understanding the unique needs of different patients — from those with challenging credit histories to those planning for elective care or unexpected veterinary bills — healthcare providers can recommend financing solutions that make treatment accessible, support patient wellness, and build trust through transparent and responsible patient financing.

Final Thoughts

CareCredit still serves a purpose, especially for patients with solid credit who can pay off balances quickly. But its deferred interest model and high APRs after promotional periods make it risky. Alternatives like Cherry, Denefits, Sunbit, Credee, and Advance Care provide more flexible and patient-friendly options, while also giving practices better control and often lower medical costs.

By offering a mix of financing options, practices can make treatment more accessible and build stronger trust with patients. Patients, in turn, gain the confidence to move forward with care without fear of hidden fees or unmanageable debt. Discover how Cherry can transform your practice. Claim your complimentary demo today.