At Cherry, we take patient financing — and the responsibility that comes with it — very seriously. Every day, we work with over 50,000 healthcare providers to make care more accessible, affordable, and transparent for patients. Our commitment to clarity, compliance, and customer care is something we’re proud of, and it’s something we never take lightly.

That’s why we were intrigued (and, we’ll admit, a little entertained) to see a recent series of blog posts from Sunbit taking aim at Cherry. While their articles focus specifically on dental financing, some of their “reality checks” indicate a bit of confusion on their part about how patient financing works across healthcare — particularly around industry terms like credit checks, credit reporting, and 0% APR plans.

So, while this response addresses the claims made about Cherry’s dental program, the same facts and principles apply across all Cherry Financing programs — from dental and orthodontics to veterinary and plastic surgery. In the interest of clearing things up for Sunbit, and for practices evaluating their options, we thought it would be helpful to thoroughly address and correct their claims. Let’s start with their article titled “Cherry vs. Sunbit for Dental Practices: A Reality Check.”

Interest Rates and Fees: A Confirmation of Cherry’s True 0% APR Financing

Sunbit’s “Reality Check” claims Cherry offers no 0% APR plans, but their own wording contradicts this by admitting our plans are interest-free while mentioning late fees. That’s not a refutation — it’s a confirmation.

Cherry proudly offers an interest-free Pay in 4 plan as well as qualifying 0% APR financing on longer-term loans up to $50,000 (more than double what Sunbit offers). Interest-bearing plans start as low as 5.99%, which is clearly disclosed in every agreement.

Like all financing programs, late fees only apply if a payment is missed, which is standard industry practice and stated plainly in our disclosures. The same goes for NSF fees and optional credit-card processing fees — they’re transparent, clearly listed, and consistent with standard lending practices across the industry. Nothing about these fees is hidden or unusual, and every patient receives full documentation before accepting a loan.

The takeaway is simple: according to both Sunbit and Cherry, our true 0% APR plans are real, transparent, and designed to help patients get care without paying a dollar in interest.

Terms: “The Most Transparent” and “No Gotchas”

In addition to the false claim that Cherry doesn’t offer true 0% APR financing, Sunbit also claims in the table row above that they never charge any deferred interest fees. Bolstering this claim in another article, “Sunbit vs. Cherry: What Really Matters Most for Your Practice,” they state they have the “most transparent fees” and “no gotchas” (pictured below):

However, their own rates and terms page tells a different story, disclosing the use of deferred interest promotions:

Recently, in a move that seems designed to distance itself from the perception that it charges deferred interest, Sunbit rolled out a new pricing model while effectively keeping the same structure.

The new model from Sunbit works like this: Every loan carries an APR, but if a borrower pays off the balance within a set period — typically 12 months for most borrowers and just 3 months for subprime — it’s as if no interest was charged. If the borrower doesn’t pay in full by that deadline, they owe interest retroactively from the purchase date. That’s deferred interest by definition, no matter what label it carries.

Even the Sunbit dental merchant page confirms this, where the bold claim that “everyone can avoid paying interest” is followed by an asterisk:

This asterisk leads to fine print that explains borrowers must pay their entire financed amount within 3 or 12 months to avoid interest, and that APR ranges from 0–35.99% depending on creditworthiness. That footnote alone contradicts their “no gotchas” message and makes clear that interest is still very much part of the program.

Below is a screenshot of Sunbit's fine print at the bottom of the page:

Cherry’s approach, on the other hand, couldn’t be more transparent. You’ll find no asterisks on our dental financing page because our options are true 0% APR — no rebranding, no retroactive interest, and no hidden traps. Patients know exactly what they owe every step of the way.

Practice Fees: An Apples-to-Oranges Comparison

Sunbit criticizes Cherry’s practice fees for ranging above 1.7%, while promoting their own “2.4%” rate — but that’s selective context. Our 1.7% practice fee applies to certain tiers, and higher-tier options include up to 24 months of true 0% APR for patients. That’s something Sunbit doesn’t offer at any tier. The “2.4%” figure Sunbit advertises applies only to a single approval type in their structure, just as our lowest rate applies to one tier in ours.

In short, comparing Cherry’s full range to Sunbit’s lowest fee is not an apples-to-apples comparison — and if we were to make a true apples-to-apples comparison between starting rates, Cherry’s lowest merchant fee is nearly 30% lower than Sunbit’s. Cherry is transparent about its merchant fees and plan tiers, while Sunbit’s framing leaves out the context that actually matters.

Approval Rates: False Claims and Changing the Subject

In the approval rate section, Sunbit doesn’t actually refute any of Cherry’s claims — instead, they attempt to change the subject. Rather than presenting their own approval data, they cite an “average credit score of 716” for Cherry and claim that we’ve “deactivated thousands of practices” for approving patients with lower credit scores. To be clear, both of those statements are false. We don’t know where they sourced that information, but it doesn’t come from us — and it doesn’t reflect reality.

Cherry approves patients with a variety of backgrounds, and our underwriting approach is built to expand access to care responsibly. Over 80% of borrowers who apply get a Cherry loan — no matter their financial situation. And while we believe in accessibility, no responsible lender should be proud of excessive subprime lending that puts patients at unnecessary risk. Cherry’s program is intentionally designed to balance inclusivity with long-term financial health, ensuring sustainable results for both patients and providers.

It’s also worth noting that Cherry considers more patients Prime. While each company considers a wide variety of factors in their approvals, Cherry’s cutoff for a Prime patient is typically much lower at 630 compared to Sunbit at 680.

Credit Check: Confusion About the Application Process

In this category, Sunbit appears to confuse credit checks with credit reporting. A credit check occurs during the application process to assess eligibility, while credit reporting occurs during the repayment period to reflect borrowers’ payment performance. Cherry performs a soft credit check during the application — which does not hurt a patient’s credit score — and we report repayment activity to credit bureaus to help patients build credit responsibly. We explain this distinction clearly on our page dedicated to consumers, ensuring applicants understand every step of the process.

Industry Focus: Jack-of-All Trades vs. a Specialist

In this row, Sunbit attempts to dismiss Cherry’s observation that they originated — and specialize — in auto repair, yet they also confirm that this is true. In their own words, they are  “the market leader in auto dealership service centers.” That alone makes it clear where their core expertise and priorities lie.

Sunbit’s technology and early business model were built around the automotive sector, and while they’ve since expanded into other verticals, healthcare is clearly not their sole focus. They’ve positioned themselves as a jack-of-all-trades, extending into multiple industries without the depth or specialization that true healthcare financing demands.

Cherry, by contrast, is a specialist — a leader built exclusively for healthcare practices, including dental, medical aesthetics, plastic surgery, veterinary, and wellness providers. Every element of Cherry’s program — from underwriting models to repayment terms — is designed for patient care, not car care or anything else.

Front Desk Workflow: Fast and Friction-Free

Sunbit suggests that Cherry’s checkout process adds friction for front desk teams, but the opposite is true. Cherry’s application can be completed entirely from the patient’s own mobile phone — no iPads, shared devices, or in-office terminals required. Patients can apply and get an instant decision in seconds — right from the waiting room or even before their appointment — and practices can often get set up and start offering Cherry the same day.

Sunbit, on the other hand, adds unnecessary limits and steps to the front desk workflow by requiring providers to run everything through an iPad. Not only that, but they also force patients to complete intrusive verification steps like scanning a driver’s license, which slows down the experience and adds friction at checkout.

Cherry has no setup costs and doesn’t force patients to jump through hoops. Our application can be completed in seconds, it doesn’t require a hard credit check, and you don’t need any special gear to get started. The result is a streamlined front desk experience that both patients and practices can be confident in.

Transparency at Checkout: A Cornerstone, Not a Catch

Here, Sunbit frames it as a negative that Cherry requires practices to explain possible fees — but that expectation reflects responsible lending, not an added burden. As a transparent financing partner, Cherry believes patients deserve to understand every aspect of their agreement before they sign — including potential late, NSF, or card-processing fees. Anything less would be deceptive.

We take pride in our transparency-first approach, ensuring that both practices and patients know exactly what to expect. It’s surprising that Sunbit would portray open disclosure as a drawback; for us, it’s a cornerstone of ethical financing. Transparency builds trust — and that’s something Cherry will never compromise on.

Reliability Behind the Scenes: We Succeed When You Do

Sunbit’s claim that Cherry has “canceled thousands of providers” is simply untrue. Cherry builds lasting partnerships, not short-term transactions — we succeed when our partner practices succeed. Far from dropping providers, we’ve helped more than 50,000 practices offer flexible financing that drives real growth and expands access to care.

Our reliability shows in the results. Nearly 90% of Cherry’s Trustpilot reviews are five-star, and we maintain an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 from all customers — a reflection of the trust, satisfaction, and loyalty we’ve earned over time.

We’re committed to long-term partnership and predictable performance, built on transparency, accountability, and shared success. That’s what reliability looks like behind the scenes — and it’s what Cherry delivers.

Cherry Financing FAQ for Dental Practices

What loan amounts are available for dental patients through Cherry Financing?

Cherry offers flexible payment plans that make it easier for patients to move forward with the care they need. Qualified borrowers can access financing up to $50,000, with approval amounts based on each patient’s credit profile and financial situation.

These patient financing options can be used for everything from routine checkups and preventive cleanings to more extensive dental procedures such as veneers, root canals, and dental implants. By allowing patients to pay through Cherry’s buy now, pay later (BNPL) model, with clear, predictable monthly payments, you help reduce out-of-pocket costs and make quality dental care more affordable for new patients and returning ones alike.

What loan terms are available to dental patients who use Cherry?

Cherry offers a wide range of repayment options designed to fit different budgets and treatment plans. Patients can choose from interest-free 6-week plans or monthly payment options — up to 60 months depending on eligibility and loan amount.

Qualified borrowers may also access true 0% APR financing for long-term plans, providing affordable, transparent options without deferred interest or hidden fees. This flexibility helps patients manage their payments comfortably while keeping care accessible and predictable.

Is there a minimum credit score our patients need to apply?

No specific minimum credit score is required to apply for Cherry Payment Plans. We use a holistic approach that considers multiple indicators of a patient’s creditworthiness and overall financial situation, not just the number on a credit report. This helps more patients — including those rebuilding credit — access financing solutions for their dental care and other healthcare needs.

How does the application process affect patients’ credit scores?

Cherry’s application process is simple, fast, and stress-free. We perform only a soft credit check, so applying will never hurt a patient’s credit score. Once approved, Cherry typically starts reporting repayment history to major credit bureaus within 30 days. Patients can complete the process right from their mobile phone — no iPad or paperwork required — making checkout fast and convenient for both the patient and the dental office.

What is the difference between Cherry’s true 0% APR and deferred interest?

Cherry’s 0% APR means exactly what it says — patients pay no interest when they make on-time payments for the full term. By contrast, deferred interest promotions accrue interest during the promotional period. If a balance remains at the end of the period, or if a single payment is missed during that time, interest is charged retroactively from the purchase date at a high APR. Cherry’s terms of credit are transparent and upfront, with no deferred interest or hidden fees.

This clarity sets Cherry apart from competitors like Sunbit Financing and CareCredit, where promotional interest models can still lead to unexpected charges.

What dental procedures can patients use Cherry for?

Cherry can be used for a wide range of dental treatments — including cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, teeth whitening, veneers, dentures, root canals, checkups, and dental implants. Whether your practice focuses on everyday needs or elective procedures, Cherry’s dental financing gives patients flexible ways to invest in their oral health and overall well-being.

Does Cherry require a down payment?

Yes. A down payment is required to finalize a Cherry payment plan, and it goes directly toward the total purchase price — it’s never an added fee. The down-payment amount varies based on the loan size, approval tier, and plan type, and it’s due when the provider sends the patient their checkout link.

You can make your down payment using a non-prepaid debit card or a credit card through Cherry’s secure online portal.

• Credit cards incur a 2.99% processing fee.
  
• Traditional debit cards (linked to a bank account) have no processing fee.
  
• Prepaid cards, including Cash App cards and gift cards, aren’t accepted. To check if a card is prepaid, look for the word “prepaid” on the card or contact the issuer.

Cherry does not charge any application fees, and there are no hidden costs. The only other possible fees are standard, clearly disclosed ones:

• Late fees, if a payment is missed.
  
• NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees, if a payment method fails.

All fees are shown transparently during the application process and at checkout, helping patients select the financing option that fits their financial situation while maintaining clear expectations and trust.

Can patients use Cherry even if they already have dental insurance?

Yes. Cherry works seamlessly alongside dental insurance, helping patients cover costs that insurance doesn’t — like elective cosmetic dentistry or portions of dental procedures not eligible for reimbursement. By offering flexible financing, practices can help patients reduce out-of-pocket costs while maintaining access to care for all their dental needs.

When do practices get paid when they use Cherry?

With Cherry, practices don’t have to wait for patients to finish making payments. You receive full payment upfront — typically within two to three business days of the transaction. That means steady, predictable cash flow without the hassle of tracking monthly installments or managing collections.

Cherry’s secure platform handles the entire financing process, from patient checkout to repayment, so your team can focus on care while we handle the rest.

Does our practice bear any risk if the borrower defaults?

No. Cherry assumes the lending risk, not the provider. Practices are paid upfront, even if a borrower later defaults. This allows you to focus on patient care, not collections or financing complications.

Why should we offer Cherry Payment Plans at our practice?

Offering Cherry Payment Plans gives your dental practice a powerful way to increase treatment acceptance, improve the user experience, and grow revenue — all while helping patients access essential and elective dental services with confidence. Cherry’s financing solutions are transparent, compliant, and built for healthcare. With flexible payment plans, instant approval decisions, and no hard credit check, Cherry helps your patients move forward with treatment today and pay over time — stress-free.

Cherry: Less Talk, More Walk

At Cherry, transparency and reliability aren’t buzzwords — they’re the standards we hold ourselves to every day. We know that trust isn’t earned through claims or comparisons, but through consistency and results. From true 0% APR financing to streamlined onboarding and a support team that genuinely cares, everything we do is built to make financing simpler, fairer, and more effective for practices and patients.

If you’re ready to partner with a financing company that leads with clarity and follows through with action, we’d love to show you what that looks like. Schedule a demo and see why more than 50,000 providers choose Cherry to power patient payments with confidence and care.