I'm trying to take the steps towards top surgery this summer, and I plan on financing. The surgeon I'm looking at (Dr. Mosser in SF) accepts Care Credit and so I shall probably use them. However, when should I apply to see if I'm even approved? Should I do it after an initial consult? A consult with him is $150 btw, but that money is put towards the cost of your surgery. My only fear is for whatever reason not being approved. I have pretty decent credit but my credit history is fairly short. I'm 22 and only started having actual credit at around 20.
I am using CareCredit to pay for my surgery at the end of April. I paid out of pocket for my consult ($100) and 10% of the total price of the surgery to schedule it ($845). I then applied for CareCredit for the remaining balance ($7505). I asked my dad to cosign for me because I wasn't sure how rates worked. I have a credit score in the 800s, but I figured I could get an even better rate with a cosigner. Turns out that's not how it works, but whatever! They mail you a card with no expiration date, so you could apply now and use it whenever.
I don't think it's difficult to get approved from what I've read. I'd pay for the consult out of pocket if you can swing it, then finance the rest. If you have a relative or close friend that would be willing to cosign for you, that'll basically ensure approval.
I've been using Credit Karma to track my credit related stuff. Super helpful, and free!
Thanks for the helpful information!
Paying for the consult isn't a problem, and I have about $2500 saved I just would rather have the surgery sooner rather than later, therefore, Care Credit it is!
I also use Credit Karma, it's awesome.
My only suggestion is to make sure you have a buffer to make payments. I worked in a pharmacy for a few years and a lot of my patients paid for their meds with a similar program. Most did fine but a few of them really hurt their credit scores by not being able to make their payments.
I used care credit when the wisdom teeth came out. It is great if you can pay on time, if not you are screwed.