Understanding CareCredit: Financing options for health, wellness and pet care expenses

Jennifer Doss
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Jennifer Doss
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Healthcare expenses don’t always happen when it’s convenient for your budget. Whether you’re planning a cosmetic dental procedure, facing an unexpected veterinary bill or considering an elective cosmetic treatment, finding a way to pay for care can sometimes be a challenge. 

That’s where financing may help. The CareCredit credit card and CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® are designed specifically for health, wellness and pet care expenses, giving consumers a way to pay for qualifying purchases and, when eligible, take advantage of promotional financing options available at providers in the CareCredit network. 

What is CareCredit? 

CareCredit is a financing solution accepted at more than 290,000 locations in the CareCredit network nationwide. Both the CareCredit credit card and the CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® have no annual fee* and are subject to credit approval. 

When consumers apply, they are first considered for the CareCredit Rewards Mastercard®. If they do not qualify for that product, they will be considered for the CareCredit credit card. 

Both cards can be used at participating providers within the CareCredit network, making them potential payment solutions for a variety of health, wellness and pet care expenses. 

CareCredit credit card vs. CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® 

While both cards provide access to the CareCredit network and eligible purchases qualify for promotional financing offers at participating providers, there are some important differences. 

CareCredit credit card

The CareCredit credit card is designed specifically for use within the CareCredit network. Cardholders can use the card for qualifying healthcare, wellness and veterinary expenses at participating providers. 

For consumers primarily interested in financing healthcare-related expenses, the CareCredit credit card may provide a focused solution. 

CareCredit Rewards Mastercard®

The CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® offers the same access to the CareCredit network while also functioning as a traditional Mastercard, allowing cardholders to make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. 

In addition, cardholders who qualify can earn rewards points on qualifying purchases in these categories through Dec. 31, 2026: 

4X points* per dollar spent 

  • CareCredit network provider purchases under $200 
  • Eligible health and wellness purchases 
  • Pet store purchases 

3X points* per dollar spent 

  • Grocery stores 
  • Restaurants 

2X points* per dollar spent 

  • Purchases everywhere else Mastercard* is accepted outside the CareCredit provider network 

Cardholders can begin redeeming rewards starting at 1,000 points, with redemption options that include statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and travel rewards*. 

How CareCredit can help you manage dental expenses

Many dental treatments can involve significant out-of-pocket costs, especially procedures that may not be covered by insurance. 

For example, cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening and dental bonding are often elective services that require patients to cover most or all of the expense themselves. Financing options can help make those costs more manageable by allowing patients to spread payments over time. 

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, visit CareCredit’s Well U Blog: Cosmetic Dentistry: What It Is and How It Works.  

Managing unexpected veterinary expenses 

Many pet owners budget for routine checkups and preventive care, but emergency visits can create unexpected financial pressure. 

Whether a pet requires diagnostic testing, surgery or urgent treatment, having a financing option available may help owners focus on their pet’s care rather than immediate payment concerns. 

For additional information on what emergency veterinary care may cost, visit CareCredit’s Well U Blog: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? 

Paying for cosmetic procedures 

Many cosmetic treatments are considered elective and typically aren’t covered by health insurance. As a result, patients often pay the full cost out of pocket. 

Financing options can provide additional flexibility when planning for procedures and treatments. 

Consumers researching cosmetic treatments can learn more through CareCredit’s Well U Blog: Botox Cosmetic Cost and Treatment Guide

Is CareCredit right for you? 

CareCredit may be worth considering if you: 

  • Anticipate upcoming healthcare, wellness or veterinary expenses. 
  • Want access to promotional financing options through participating providers. 
  • Prefer a payment solution designed specifically for healthcare-related spending. 
  • Want the flexibility of earning rewards on everyday purchases with the CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® (if qualified). 

As with any credit product, it’s important to review all terms and conditions, understand applicable interest rates and financing requirements, and ensure any repayment plan fits comfortably within your budget. 

The bottom line 

The CareCredit credit card and CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® are designed to help consumers pay for health, wellness and pet care expenses. Both cards have no annual fee*, are accepted in the CareCredit network of more than 290,000 participating locations and offer promotional financing options on qualifying purchases. 

For consumers who want additional flexibility beyond healthcare expenses, the CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® also offers the ability to earn rewards* on qualifying purchases while being accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted. 

Before applying, review the card’s terms and conditions to determine whether CareCredit financing aligns with your healthcare needs and financial goals. 

* Purchases subject to credit approval: 

No Annual Fee: For New Accounts as of 5/30/2024: Purchase APR 32.99%. Penalty APR 39.99%. Min Interest Charge $2. CareCredit Rewards Mastercard: Cash APR 32.99% and 4% Fee ($10 min). Bal Trans APR 32.99% and 5% Fee ($5 min). Foreign Trans Fee 3%. 

Bonus Points: Offer valid on qualifying purchases (minus any returns or adjustments) from 8/1/25 through 12/31/26. CareCredit Rewards Mastercard must be used for payment. Qualifying purchases made at provider locations in the CareCredit Network of less than $200, health and wellness purchases outside the Network, and purchases at pet stores earn 4 points per dollar spent; qualifying purchases made at grocery stores and restaurants earn 3 points per dollar spent. Purchases made everywhere else Mastercard is accepted outside the CareCredit Provider network will earn 2 points per dollar spent. Transactions within other establishments (e.g., supercenters or warehouse clubs) may not apply. We do not evaluate whether merchants correctly identify and bill transactions; however, we do reserve the right to determine which transactions qualify. Account must remain open, in good standing, and not become delinquent.  Allow up to 90 days for Rewards Points to post to your account. 

Rewards: See your Rewards Program Terms at carecredit.com/rewardsterms for details. Reward points required for redemption are subject to change. 

CareCredit Rewards Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. 

author
Jennifer Doss
CardRatings Executive Editor

A credit card analyst and the managing editor of CardRatings.com, Jennifer Doss leverages over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor. A recognized finance expert, she frequently contributes her insights on credit cards to major outlets like CNBC and Fortune Magazine. Jennifer is...Read more

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