How to apply for the CareCredit credit card: requirements and steps
Requirements, application steps and how to avoid deferred interest charges
CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, used to pay out-of-pocket costs at providers in the CareCredit network. This guide covers who can apply, how the application works, how your credit limit is set and what to check before you use the card’s promotional financing.
The card at a glance
- Annual fee: $0
- Where you can use it: more than 285,000 locations in the CareCredit network. The CareCredit Rewards Mastercard® also works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- Promotional financing: available on qualifying purchases of $200 or more, with deferred interest or reduced APR options
- Purchase APR: 32.99% for new accounts
- Rewards: points on select purchases, only with the CareCredit Rewards Mastercard®
Terms checked in September 2026. Rates and promotional options change, so confirm the current terms on CareCredit’s official website and with your provider before you use the card.
Who the card is for
CareCredit is meant for people who need to pay a specific health, dental, vision, hearing, cosmetic or veterinary expense over time, at a provider that accepts the card. It works best when you can pay off a promotional purchase within the promotional period. It isn’t designed as an everyday card, unless you have the Rewards Mastercard version.
Who can apply
You must be at least 18 to apply online and at least 21 to apply by phone. Under federal law, applicants under 21 must show enough independent income to make the payments. Approval is subject to Synchrony Bank’s credit review.
Phone applications are only for the standard CareCredit credit card. To be considered for the CareCredit Rewards Mastercard®, you need to apply online. You can also apply with a joint applicant, who applies for the credit together with you.
Information you’ll need to apply
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Home address
- Social Security number
- Total annual income
Synchrony Bank may ask for additional information if it needs to verify your identity or income.
How to apply for the CareCredit credit card
- Check if you prequalify on CareCredit’s website. You choose the type of care you’re paying for, and the check doesn’t affect your credit score.
- Complete the application online, or call (800) 677-0718 to apply by phone. CareCredit asks phone applicants to read the credit card account agreement before calling.
- Get a decision. CareCredit gives an instant credit decision in most cases.
- If you’re approved, you can start using the card right away, including through the digital card in the CareCredit Mobile App.
How the credit limit works
Synchrony Bank sets your credit limit when it approves your application, based on its review of your credit. CareCredit doesn’t publish a minimum or typical limit. You can request a credit limit increase at any time in the CareCredit Mobile App, online or by calling (866) 893-7864.
Before you use promotional financing
Ask your provider which financing options it offers. Not every provider offers every promotion, and purchases under $200 follow the card’s standard terms.
If you choose a “No interest if paid in full” promotion, divide the purchase amount by the number of months in the promotion and pay at least that amount every month. The minimum payment on your statement can be lower, and any balance left at the end of the promotion means interest is charged on the full purchase from the purchase date. Your monthly statement shows the promotional balance and the date the promotion ends.
Frequently asked questions
How to contact CareCredit
- Customer Care: (866) 893-7864, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to midnight ET
- Apply by phone: (800) 677-0718
- Payments by mail: Synchrony Bank, PO Box 71715, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1715
You can also manage your account, make payments and pay a provider online or in the CareCredit Mobile App.
Our take on the CareCredit credit card
CareCredit can be useful for a specific health or veterinary expense you know you can pay off within the promotional period. For large bills that will take years to repay, the reduced APR plans are more predictable. If your income is irregular, be careful with deferred interest offers, since missing the payoff deadline means interest at 32.99% on the entire purchase.
The button below takes you to CareCredit’s official website, where you can check if you prequalify and apply.
*You will be redirected to CareCredit’s website*
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