6 Best Dental Credit Cards and Other Financing Options (2024)

6 Best Dental Credit Cards

We’ve researched and selected the best cards based on unique needs:

1. Best Overall — CareCredit^®

CareCredit^® is a specialized credit card for medical and dental expenses. You can use it for any cosmetic or medically necessary treatment.

CareCredit lets you pay monthly installments toward the total treatment cost. It takes cardholders with credit from fair to excellent.

CareCredit^® offers interest-free periods between 6 and 24 months. You can also opt for an extended payment period that accrues interest.

2. Best No-Interest — Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card isn’t specific to dental work but can be an excellent no-interest option. New cardholders get 21 months of no interest on all purchases.

Wells Fargo is a reputable bank that most dentists accept.

3. Best for Poor Credit — Indigo^® MasterCard^®

Many credit cards require good or excellent credit from their cardholders. If you have poor credit, opt for the Indigo^® MasterCard^®.

The Indigo^® MasterCard^® does not offer no-interest periods. You’ll have to pay an APR of 24.9% as you make your monthly installments.

4. Best for Good Credit — Capital One^® Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card

If you have good or excellent credit, the Capital One^® Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card is a good choice. You’ll pay no interest for the first 15 months. You also get several other benefits, including:

• A one-time $200 bonus if you spend $500 within 3 months
• 1.5% cash back on daily purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

5. Best for Minor Dental Work — Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards Card

With Bank of America’s Customized Cash Rewards Card, you’ll get 18 billing cycles of 0% interest.

You’ll also get unique cash rewards, like $200 for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. For minor dental work, you’ll get a large portion of the cash back.

You can also get 3% cash back in a category of your choice with online shopping.

6. Best for Major Dental Work — Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Major dental work can be expensive. Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is a great option if you have a hefty dental bill.

With this card, you won’t pay interest for the first 15 months. You can get 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 if you spend it in the first year.

You can also get 3% cash back on drugstore purchases. This reward may help if you need first aid products after a major procedure.

Pros and Cons of Dental Credit Cards

Dental credit cards can help you pay for expensive or unexpected procedures. However, they have risks associated with them. Familiarize yourself with the advantages and drawbacks before committing.

The pros of using dental credit cards include:

• An alternative to insurance – Not everyone has insurance or can pay expenses out-of-pocket. Dental credit cards can make dental work more affordable.
• No-interest options – Some cards don’t accrue interest if you pay the treatment’s total price within a designated period.
• Available for emergencies – Urgent dental issues such as trauma or a toothache can occur. Dental credit cards are a quick option when you need immediate treatment.
• Can help you get preventative care – You can use a dental credit card on preventative care and other procedures. Forty percent of low-income adults have untreated cavities. Dental credit cards can help prevent and treat common oral health issues.²

The cons of using dental credit cards include:

• Interest is deferred, not waived – Many no-interest cards won’t require you to pay interest for a certain period. However, if you don’t pay off the balance during that time, the interest that adds up during the no-interest period will be applied to the remaining balance. Make sure you pay off the entire cost within the no-interest period to avoid paying the deferred interest.
• Can hurt your credit – If you can’t make payments, getting a dental credit card can lower your credit score. Make sure you can make the payments when you get a new credit card.
• Don’t save money – Using a credit card to pay for dental work may cost more than insurance or a dental savings plan.

What are Dental Credit Cards?

Dental credit cards are specialized credit cards that can help you pay for dental procedures. They’re an alternative payment method if you don’t have insurance.

A dental credit card lets you pay in monthly increments instead of the total cost upfront. However, it only works for qualifying dental services and products.

Dental credit cards typically suspend interest for up to 24 months. If you can supply the entire cost within that time, you won’t have to pay any interest.

What Can You Use a Dental Credit Card For?

You can only use a dental credit card to pay for dental treatment. Some cards, like CareCredit, cover both medical and dental procedures.

Dental procedures you can pay for with a dental credit card include:

• Braces or clear aligners
• Veneers
• Dental implants
• Root canals
• Preventative care, including checkups¹
• Cosmetic dental procedures, like teeth whitening

Most dentists accept dental credit cards. You can also use other no-interest credit cards to pay for dental work.

How to Apply for a Dental Credit Card

Applying for a dental credit card is easy. You can often apply for dental-specific credit cards in your doctor’s office.

You’ll fill out a form online, and the card issuer will process your application through its system. It may or may not require a credit check.

Some places may approve your application right away. This is helpful for urgent or emergency dental work. If you don’t need immediate care, do some research before you decide on a card.

Is a Dental Credit Card Right For You?

A dental credit card isn’t the right choice for everyone. Always weigh your options before you make a significant financial commitment.

Dental credit cards may be right for you if you:

• Don’t have dental insurance
• Have urgent, essential dental work to pay for
• Know you can make all the payments
• Have good credit and want cosmetic dentistry

If you’re not confident you can make the payments before the interest sets in, explore other alternatives.

Other Financing Options for Dental Work

Dental credit cards aren’t the only way to pay for dental work without insurance. Alternative payment methods and dental financing options include:

Payment Plans

Many dental offices will offer their version of a payment plan. Payment plans allow you to make those monthly installments, just like a credit card.

The stipulations of your payment plan will depend on your dentist. They may or may not require interest if you choose this option. Discuss the details with your dentist.

Personal Loans

Personal loans may work for people with poor credit and no insurance. If you’re approved for a personal loan, you’ll receive a lump sum you can use at your discretion.

You’ll need to pay back that sum over some period of months. You’ll still have interest to pay, with the average ranging between 10 and 28%.³ The interest rate may be lower than credit cards if you have bad credit.

Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans, or dental discount plans, are an affordable alternative to credit cards and insurance. You purchase a year-long membership to a plan and receive discounts on dental services in exchange.

Dental savings plans do not require any interest or loans to pay back. However, the membership price may be too high if you are on a tight budget.

Dental Schools

An accredited dental school may offer dental services at a reduced price.⁴ A student in supervised training to become a dentist will treat you.

This option may be limited, depending on where you live. If you don’t have a dental school in your area, you won’t be able to use this option unless you travel.

Cash

You can ask your dentist if they offer a discount when you pay with cash. Some practitioners will provide a small discount, such as 5%, for cash payments.