CarePayment, explained in plain English
What the 0.00% APR line of credit from your hospital really is, how to activate and pay it, and what to do if your provider doesn't offer it.
CarePayment is a 0.00% APR open-end line of credit that lets patients pay a hospital or clinic balance in monthly payments. It is sponsored by participating healthcare providers, requires no application, is not a credit card and does not affect your credit score. Accounts are issued by Republic Bank & Trust Company.
A payment plan your hospital pays for
CarePayment is an open-end line of credit that covers what you owe after insurance. The provider pays CarePayment's fees, which is how the rate stays at 0.00%.
No interest, ever on initial charges
CarePayment's 0.00% APR is not introductory. Your provider sponsors the program and pays the fees.
No application or credit check
Identity verification is all it takes to qualify. No hard inquiry.
Nothing reported to bureaus
CarePayment does not report delinquencies to credit bureaus.
One statement for future care
Add approved charges from the same provider to the same account.
From Welcome Kit to paid in full
Most patients hear about CarePayment from their provider or find a Welcome Kit in the mail. Here's the short version.
- Ask your provider or accept the offerRequest CarePayment from your provider's billing office, or watch for an offer after your visit. Some providers enroll patients before care.
- Verify your identityCarePayment says every patient who passes identity verification can qualify. There is no credit application.
- Open the Welcome KitThe kit arrives by mail or email with your account agreement, first statement and first due date.
- Make the first paymentPay online, by phone, by mail or at your provider. The first payment activates the account.
0% payment estimator
Illustration only. Your provider sets actual term lengths and minimum payments.
CarePayment facts
- 0.00% APR for the life of your initial charges; your provider pays the fees
- No application, no credit check and nothing reported to the credit bureaus
- Only available through participating providers; your first payment activates it
| Detail | CarePayment |
|---|---|
| Product | Open-end line of credit for medical balances |
| APR | 0.00%, not introductory; additional charges currently 0.00% |
| Issuer | Republic Bank & Trust Company |
| Who pays the fees | Your healthcare provider |
| Qualifying | Identity verification; no application or hard inquiry |
| Credit reporting | Delinquencies not reported to bureaus |
| If you stop paying | Account closed; balance returned to provider |
| How to pay | Portal, QuickPay, autopay, phone, Text to Pay, app, mail |
| Customer Care | 866-625-8532, Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time |
| Availability | 2,000+ participating U.S. locations |
Who CarePayment is for
Big bill after insurance
Deductibles and coinsurance left after your plan pays are exactly what CarePayment covers.
Thin or damaged credit
No application and no hard inquiry, so approval doesn't depend on your score.
Ongoing treatment
Approved future charges from the same provider can join one account and one statement.
Planned procedures
Some providers let you enroll before care, so the plan is ready when the bill arrives.
Got a CarePayment letter?
- Match the provider nameReal CarePayment mail is co-branded with your hospital or clinic.
- Check the balanceCompare it with your provider statement or insurance explanation of benefits.
- Decide: keep or opt outKeeping it means 0.00% monthly payments; opting out sends the balance back to your provider.
- Make the first paymentThat's what activates the account. Use only official channels.
Official channels only
- member.carepayment.com (portal and QuickPay)
- CarePayment app for iOS and Android
- Phone: 866-625-8532
- Mail: P.O. Box 2398, Omaha, NE 68103
- Your provider's billing office
CarePayment vs. other ways to pay
| Option | Interest | Credit check | Where it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarePayment | 0.00% APR | None | Participating providers |
| Provider in-house plan | Usually 0% | Usually none | That provider only |
| CareCredit | 0% promo if paid in full; otherwise interest | Yes | Enrolled providers |
| Personal loan | Fixed APR | Yes | Any provider |
Full CarePayment vs. CareCredit comparison → All alternatives →
Is CarePayment right for you?
Good fit if…
- Your provider offers it
- You'd rather not pay interest
- Your credit is limited or damaged
- You can make a steady monthly payment
Look elsewhere if…
- Your provider doesn't participate
- You owe several different providers
- You want payments to build credit
- You qualify for financial assistance (apply first)
This site is independent and written by our editorial team from CarePayment's own FAQs, hospital program pages and government sources. How we research.
What people ask about CarePayment
Frequently asked questions
Is CarePayment really 0% interest?
Yes. CarePayment states that its 0.00% APR is not an introductory or promotional rate. Because the program is sponsored by your healthcare provider, you pay zero interest on your initial charges for the entire time you are paying them off.
Does CarePayment check or affect my credit?
No. CarePayment does not make a hard inquiry to qualify you and does not report delinquencies to credit bureaus. Identity verification is the main requirement.
How do I activate a CarePayment account?
Make your first payment. You can pay online, by phone, by mail or at your provider; that first payment activates the account listed in your Welcome Kit.
Can I sign up for CarePayment on my own?
Not directly. CarePayment accounts are offered through participating hospitals and clinics. Ask your provider's billing office, or tell CarePayment which provider you would like to offer it.
What is the CarePayment phone number?
CarePayment Customer Care is 866-625-8532, Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Automated phone payments and the member portal are available 24/7.
Is CarePayment a collection agency?
No. CarePayment is a provider-sponsored financing program. A CarePayment statement is not a collections notice.
What happens if I stop paying CarePayment?
CarePayment closes the account by letter and returns the balance to your provider. It does not report the delinquency to credit bureaus.
Can I cancel CarePayment?
Yes. Participation is voluntary and you can cancel at any time; the balance goes back to your provider, which may require payment in full.
Who issues CarePayment accounts?
CarePayment accounts are issued by Republic Bank & Trust Company.
Does every hospital offer CarePayment?
No. It's available at more than 2,000 participating U.S. locations. Ask your provider's billing office.
Provider doesn't offer CarePayment?
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