CareCredit payments go through Synchrony Bank, the company that issues the card

CareCredit is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. When you make a payment, you are sending money to Synchrony, not directly to the healthcare provider who treated you. Synchrony processes the payment, applies it to your CareCredit account balance, and the provider receives payment through the card network — the same way a regular credit card works.

You have several ways to send that payment, and the method you choose affects how quickly Synchrony receives and posts it to your account. Understanding each option helps you avoid late fees and keep your account in good standing.

Key Takeaways

  • CareCredit payments are processed by Synchrony Bank through their website, mobile app, phone line, or by mail.
  • Online and app payments typically post within one business day; mailed payments take seven to ten business days and risk arriving late.
  • Your payment due date is printed on your monthly statement, and paying even one day late triggers a late fee and may affect your interest rate.
  • If you enrolled in automatic payments through Synchrony, the payment is deducted from your bank account on the date you selected.
  • Payments made through the provider's office or website do not go to Synchrony directly and may take longer to reach your account.

Paying online through the Synchrony website or mobile app

The fastest and most direct way to pay CareCredit is through Synchrony's website or mobile app. Log in with your CareCredit account number and password, navigate to the payment section, and enter the amount you want to pay and your bank account details (for an ACH transfer) or debit card information. Synchrony processes these payments immediately and they typically post to your account within one business day.

The Synchrony website is mysynchrony.com and the mobile app is available on iOS and Android. Both show your current balance, due date, available credit, and transaction history. If you do not have an online account set up yet, you can create one using your CareCredit card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Paying by phone with Synchrony customer service

You can call Synchrony's CareCredit payment line at 1-866-802-2737 to make a payment over the phone. Have your CareCredit card number and bank account or debit card information ready. A representative will process the payment and provide you with a confirmation number. Phone payments typically post within one business day.

This method is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to a person, but it takes longer than online payment because you must wait for a representative to become available. The phone line is open during standard business hours.

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your CareCredit statement. Write your account number on the check and include the payment stub from your statement if one was provided. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, which means paying by mail close to your due date risks a late payment being recorded on your account.

Late fees are typically $25 to $40 depending on your account terms, and a late payment can trigger a higher interest rate on your balance. If you must pay by mail, send it at least two weeks before your due date to allow time for delivery and processing.

Setting up automatic payments

Synchrony allows you to set up automatic payments that deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. Log into your online account, go to the payment settings, and select "autopay." You can choose to pay a fixed amount, your minimum payment, or your full statement balance each month. Once set up, the payment happens automatically and you receive a confirmation email.

Automatic payments eliminate the risk of forgetting a due date, but you must ensure your bank account has sufficient funds on the payment date or the transaction will fail and you may incur an overdraft fee from your bank. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.

Paying through your healthcare provider's office or website

Some healthcare providers allow you to make a CareCredit payment directly through their patient portal or at the office. However, this payment does not go directly to Synchrony — it goes to the provider first, and the provider then pays Synchrony on your behalf. This adds processing time and the payment may not reach Synchrony for several days, which can cause it to post late even if you paid on time at the provider's office.

For this reason, paying directly through Synchrony is more reliable. If you do pay through your provider, ask them how long it takes for the payment to reach Synchrony and whether it will post by your due date.

What happens if you miss a payment or pay late

A payment is considered late if it is not received by Synchrony by 11:59 p.m. on your due date. Late payments trigger a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and may increase your interest rate, even if you have been on time with previous payments. A single late payment can also be reported to credit bureaus and appear on your credit report for up to seven years.

If you know you will miss a due date, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Some accounts have hardship programs or temporary payment arrangements, though these are not may provide. Paying online or by phone as soon as you realize a payment is due gives you the best chance of posting before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a CareCredit payment to post?

Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mailed payments take seven to ten business days. Payments made through a healthcare provider's office may take several days longer because they must be processed by the provider first.

Can I pay CareCredit through my bank's bill pay service?

Some banks allow you to send a check through their bill pay service to Synchrony's mailing address. However, this still takes seven to ten business days and carries the same late-payment risk as mailing a check yourself. Paying directly through Synchrony's website or app is faster and more reliable.

What if I pay more than my minimum payment?

Synchrony applies any payment above your minimum to your account balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces the total interest you pay over time and helps you pay off the balance faster. You can pay any amount up to your full balance at any time.

Do I need to pay the full balance or just the minimum?

You only need to pay the minimum amount due to keep your account in good standing and avoid late fees. However, if you only pay the minimum, you will pay interest on the remaining balance. Many CareCredit promotions offer zero percent interest if you pay off the full balance within a set timeframe (usually 6, 12, or 24 months).

What if my payment fails or is declined?

If a payment fails due to insufficient funds or incorrect bank information, Synchrony will notify you by email or mail. You must submit a new payment as soon as possible to avoid a late fee. Check your bank account to confirm the funds are available before making a payment, especially with automatic payments.