English 
Spanish When buying a car, most people can’t afford to pay for the whole vehicle in cash. Typically, they make a down payment on the car and finance the rest. This auto loan allows them to use the car now while paying the remaining balance over time. What people may not know is that paying for dental care can work similarly! Procedures like dental implants are expensive, but with dental financing, you can get the treatments you need now and pay later. At Brent Bradford, DDS, we partner with both Cherry and CareCredit, two financing options that help make your care more affordable. But the best financing option for you depends on your needs and budget. Book a consultation (free for dental implant inquiries!) with us in Syracuse, NY, to understand the differences between Cherry vs CareCredit.
Understanding CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that helps you pay for a variety of health-related procedures. Once approved, you can use CareCredit at thousands of providers across America to afford dental, medical, veterinary, and cosmetic procedures.
Similar to a traditional credit card, you will have a credit limit and carry a balance on your card. And for qualifying purchases, CareCredit may offer promotional 0% APR financing, which means your interest will be deferred and waived for a certain period of time!
However, it’s important to note that these offers are valid only if you pay the full balance by the end of the promotional period. If not, the interest will be retroactively charged on the original purchase amount. Before applying for a CareCredit card, ensure you’re confident you can pay off the loan within the allowed time frame. Common terms range from 6 to 24 months, but it will depend on what you qualify for.
CareCredit uses more traditional credit scoring, so patients with thin or damaged credit may find it harder to qualify. But once you qualify, you can reuse the card for almost any healthcare-related expenses! For longer-term financing (24 to 60 months), CareCredit offers fixed monthly payments at set interest rates.
Cherry Dental Financing 101
Cherry Financing is an installment platform that focuses on healthcare and aesthetics. Rather than a reusable card, Cherry offers a specific loan amount for a given practice, allowing the patient to split the purchase into more manageable payments.
At the time of service, you may make a down payment to Cherry. Then, you’ll pay the remaining balance over a set schedule with no surprise fees or retroactive interest rates. Depending on your eligibility, you may receive a genuine 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) or an interest-bearing plan with a disclosed APR. During your consultation with us, we will perform a soft credit check that will not affect your credit score. This allows more patients to qualify for financing, with approval rates typically at 80% ot more.
Cherry payment plans range from short-term (4 to 6 weeks) to long-term (up to 60 months). With transparent terms and no hard credit inquiries, Cherry is an excellent option for patients who are credit-sensitive or want predictable payments.
Breaking Down Your Options: Cherry vs CareCredit
| Cherry | CareCredit | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Financing | A “Buy Now Pay Later” installment plan for health and dental care. Once you’re approved for a specific amount, you will pay the down payment and make fixed monthly payments. | A healthcare credit card that can be used at a variety of providers. Once approved, you can pay via CareCredit and repay them over time. |
| Credit Check | Typically, a soft-credit check will not harm your credit score. In general, patients experience high approval rates. | Applying involves a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily lower your credit score, |
| Interest Structure | True 0% APR options, with transparent terms and no retroactive interest rates. Any interest rates and fees are disclosed up front. | Promotional “No Interest if Paid in Full” offers. But if you don’t pay the balance by the set deadline, deferred interest is applied back to the purchase. |
| Common Terms | Anywhere from 4 weeks to 60-month options with fixed payments. | Short 6-24 months with deferred interest may be available, or longer 24-60 month plans with set interest rates. |
| Main Benefits | Cherry Financing is a good option for patients with thin credit who want no risk of retroactive interest risk. | CareCredit is a good option for patients who want a reusable healthcare credit card that helps them defer payments while receiving treatment now. |
When you visit our office for a consultation, we will review your financing options and help you choose a plan that fits your budget. With dental financing, you can get the care you need now and pay later over time.
Cherry vs CareCredit: Find the Right Flexible Financing Plan for Your Budget
Whenever you make a large purchase, whether it’s a car or dental implants, financing is a way to make life more affordable. At Brent Bradford, DDS, we offer both Cherry and CareCredit. When deciding between Cherry vs CareCredit, patients typically consider things like their monthly budget, credit score, and financial priorities. To learn which financing option is best for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us!
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