needs Kasheesh
Did you apply for Care Credit vet financing and get rejected? Here are 8 alternatives, some that will work even if your credit score isn't great.
When your pet needs medical attention, the costs can quickly add up. While Care Credit offers a popular financing option through their Care Credit credit card for veterinary expenses, it’s not always the best fit for everyone.
Some pet owners report issues like unexpected fees, high interest rates after the promotional period end (often above 26% APR), or difficulty getting approved. According to Reddit discussions and reviews, many people are looking for alternatives to Care Credit for veterinary care, especially if they are denied or have poor credit.
Whether it’s the high interest rates or the challenges faced when you apply for Care Credit vet financing, we're here to help you explore other options that can help cover unexpected pet expenses. Below, we outline a few alternative ways to finance vet bills and other costs:
1. Kasheesh: Split Your Vet Bills Across Multiple Cards
Kasheesh offers a unique solution for those looking to split costs across multiple credit, debit, and/or prepaid cards. With this service, you can spread your vet bill payments across up to five cards, providing ultimate flexibility in how you want to pay your pet expenses, and even gives you the ability to utilize leftover balances on prepaid gift cards.
Splitting unexpected pet costs across credit cards can give you a buffer until your paycheck arrives, helping you avoid delaying care for your pet. However, keep in mind that your credit cards may charge interest fees, so try to pay them off as quickly as possible.
Kasheesh is particularly helpful for people who want to leverage different payment methods (like a mix of debit and credit) or maximize rewards across credit cards.
Splitting vet expenses with Kasheesh — Pros and Cons:
Pros:
• ✅ Split any payment, including vet bills, across up to five of your cards.
• ✅ Supports credit cards, debit cards, and even prepaid gift cards.
• ✅ No credit pull. No minimum credit score required.
• ✅ Works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, veterinary does not need to participate.
• ✅ No sign up fee, no monthly fee, no hidden fees.
• ✅ No additional late fees or interest fees (however, your credit card might charge interest or fees for unpaid balances).
Cons:
• ❌ Only works if you have enough credit and funds across your various cards and accounts combined.
Learn how Kasheesh works here.
2. Scratchpay
Scratchpay is a financing option specifically for vet bills, allowing you to take out a loan to cover costs. Unlike Care Credit veterinary financing, Scratchpay offers no hard credit check, making it easier to qualify.
Scratchpay Vet Financing — Pros and Cons:
Pros:
• ✅ No hard credit check, making it accessible to more pet owners.
• ✅ Flexible payment plans, with no hidden fees or deferred interest.
Cons:
• ❌ Must be repaid in full over time, creating monthly payments.
• ❌ Loan approval and terms vary based on your creditworthiness.
• ❌ Available only at participating vets, so your clinic must accept Scratchpay.
3. VetBilling.com: In-house payment plans
VetBilling offers another way to finance your vet bills. They work directly with veterinary clinics to offer in-house payment plans, often without interest or high fees. This option allows pet owners to work with their own vet to pay off balances over time.
VetBilling Vet Financing — Pros and Cons:
Pros:
• ✅ No need for a credit check.
• ✅ Allows you to pay over time with no or low interest.
Cons:
• ❌ Only available at participating veterinary offices.
• ❌ Limited flexibility if your vet doesn't offer it.
• ❌ Not ideal for emergency care if your vet isn’t partnered with the service.
4. Personal Loan
Taking out a personal loan from a bank or online lender is another option for covering vet bills. This could be a better choice if you're looking to consolidate other debt or if the Care Credit credit card isn’t the right fit for you.
Financing vet costs with Personal Loan — Pros and Cons:
Pros:
• ✅ Fixed repayment terms, so you know exactly what you'll pay each month.
• ✅ Can be used for a variety of expenses, not just vet bills.
• ✅ Competitive interest rates for those with good credit.
Cons:
• ❌ Requires good to excellent credit for favorable terms.
• ❌ Loans can take time to get approved, so not ideal for emergencies.
• ❌ Risk of accumulating more debt if not repaid on time.
5. Emergency Pet Care Credit Card Alternatives: 0% APR credit cards
If you’re not approved for Care Credit, consider other emergency pet care credit card options, such as general 0% APR credit cards. Many credit card companies offer introductory periods with no interest for 12-18 months, allowing you to pay off vet bills over time without interest.
Pros:
• ✅ 0% APR for a set introductory period.
• ✅ Can be used for any expenses, not limited to vet bills.
• ✅ Immediate access to funds once approved.
Cons:
• ❌ After the promotional period, interest rates may be high.
• ❌ Approval depends on your credit score and credit history.
• ❌ Risk of accumulating more debt if you don’t pay off the balance in time.
Btw: If you’re approved for a new 0% APR credit card but the limit isn’t high enough to cover the full vet, you can use Kasheesh to split the payment between your new credit card and your other existing payment methods.
6. Waggle or GoFundMe: Crowdfunding or Community Support
Many pet owners turn to crowdfunding platforms like Waggle or GoFundMe to help cover emergency vet bills. Others may receive assistance from local community programs or animal charities that offer financial support for pet care.
Pros:
• ✅ No repayment required.
• ✅ Can raise large sums of money quickly in emergencies.
• ✅ Many charities or organizations offer specific pet assistance programs.
Cons:
• ❌ No guarantee of raising enough (or any) money to cover the bills.
• ❌ Takes time to build support, not a quick solution.
• ❌ Emotional toll of asking for help from others.
7. Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can help cover a significant portion of your vet bills, especially in emergencies or for major treatments. With pet insurance, you pay a monthly premium, and the insurance reimburses you for covered services based on your plan.
Pros:
• ✅ Helps cover large, unexpected vet bills.
• ✅ No interest charges or debt to manage.
• ✅ Can be used at any vet clinic, no approval process required.
Cons:
• ❌ Requires upfront payment, you must submit claims for reimbursement.
• ❌ Monthly premiums can add up, even if your pet doesn’t need care.
• ❌ May not cover pre-existing conditions or certain procedures.
8. All Pet Card: Prepaid Card for Veterinary Expenses
The All Pet Card is a prepaid card designed specifically for pet-related expenses, including vet bills, medications, and grooming services. Unlike credit cards or financing options, the All Pet Card allows you to load funds onto the card in advance and use it as needed, giving you a set budget for your pet’s care.
This option can help avoid going into debt and allows you to plan ahead for your pet’s health care expenses, but it’s not a solution for vet bills that are already due today.
Pros:
• ✅ Prepaid option, no risk of accumulating debt.
• ✅ Helps with pet expense budgeting by limiting spending to the funds available on the card.
Cons:
• ❌ Requires upfront funding, so not useful for emergencies if funds aren’t already available.
• ❌ No option to borrow money or extend payments over time.
Struggling to afford your pet costs? Also consider:
• How Do You Deal With High Vet Bills?
Make your pet expenses more manageble by splitting the payments across multiple credit and debit cards:
FAQ: Common Questions About CareCredit and Pet Financing
Is CareCredit hard to get approved for?
Approval for CareCredit can be challenging if you have poor credit, as it requires a minimum credit score, and other factors such as income and credit history are considered.
What credit score do you need for CareCredit for pets?
According to Care Credit's website, most people with a credit score of 640 or higher will qualify for a CareCredit credit card.
How much can CareCredit approve you for?
The credit limit varies depending on your financial situation, but CareCredit can offer credit lines up to $25,000.
Can you use CareCredit to pay for anything?
No, CareCredit can only be used at participating healthcare providers, including veterinarians, dentists, and doctors.
What are the cons to CareCredit?
The main drawbacks include high interest rates if you don’t pay within the promotional period, strict credit score requirements, and potential for unexpected fees.
Why would you get denied CareCredit?
You may be denied CareCredit if your credit score is too low, or if your income and credit history don’t meet their requirements.
Does CareCredit hurt your credit score
Yes, applying for CareCredit results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which will lower your credit score temporarily (typically for one year).
Can I use CareCredit for vet visits?
Yes, CareCredit can be used for vet visits at participating clinics. It's a common choice for covering both routine and emergency care.
How can I avoid paying interest on CareCredit?
To avoid interest, pay off your balance within the promotional period (usually 6-24 months, depending on your offer). If you don't, you’ll be charged interest on the entire original balance.
