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Looking for a healthy treat for your pup? This list of 19 whole foods includes meats, fruits and veggies that are not just good for humans but good for your dog, too.

Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.

Written by Abbie Mood

Let's be honest: We're all guilty of sneaking our pups a little human food off our plates here and there, right? While many of the things people eat are safe for dogs, our pups have a different digestive system and nutritional needs, so people foods aren't always the best choice for our four-legged friends.

The good news is that there are plenty of dog-friendly meats,  and veggies that are wonderful snacks for dogs. Whether you're looking for some healthy dog treats or want to supplement your dog's existing diet with some whole foods, here are some of the best options for your dog that are good for them — and good for you, too!

Important note: Just like with humans, give your dogs these foods as treats in small or moderate amounts. Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's diet, even if their treats are mostly from the list below. Also, just because something is healthy for dogs doesn't mean your dog will enjoy or tolerate it. If your dog reacts to any food, stop feeding it to them and call your veterinarian.

Some human foods can be toxic to dogs. Find a complete list on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^® (ASPCA^®) , and if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the  immediately.

1. Apples

Fresh  are a wonderful, crunchy snack for dogs — as long as you remove the seeds. The fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which is important for digestive health.

Vitamin A supports the immune system, assists in bone growth and promotes skin health. It helps maintain vision, too. Meanwhile, vitamin C can reduce inflammation, boost immunity and help with cardiovascular function.

2. Bananas

 are a tasty treat and well-suited for older dogs who may have fewer or more sensitive teeth, since this fruit is easy to chew. Bananas have tons of health benefits, including helping to reduce blood pressure and promoting overall heart health.

The fruit is also filled with:

• Fiber (aids in digestion)

• Folate/vitamin B9 (contributes to healthy cell growth)

• Lectin (improves blood sugar and intestinal health)

• Potassium (helps with fluid balance and kidneys)

• Tryptophan (an essential amino acid for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, appetite, mood and pain)

• Vitamin C (immune booster)

3. Beef (Cooked)

Beef is a nutritious protein source that has all of the essential amino acids, plus vitamins and minerals. If you choose to give your dog beef, make sure it’s fully cooked to avoid any bacteria, and choose grass-fed cattle if possible — they’re a better source of good fatty acids than grain-fed cattle.

4. Blueberries

 (or deep-purple berries, depending on who you ask) are a tasty treat for humans and dogs alike. They are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants — like vitamins C, K and A, which may reduce the likelihood of diseases, disorders and age-related issues.

5. Carrots

Carrots can be a great treat for dogs. The crunchy texture can help remove plaque from their teeth, and the orange root vegetable is also a good source of vitamin A.

Cold or frozen carrots can also be helpful for teething puppies, giving them something to chew on and easing discomfort. However, carrots can be a choking hazard for young dogs, so it's important to cut them into small, manageable pieces to avoid any problems.

6. Cauliflower (Unseasoned)

Low in calories and packed with nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, choline, sulforaphane and vitamins C, K and B6, cauliflower is a great way to supplement your dog’s regular diet. Despite all of its benefits, cauliflower can make your dog gassy, so keep this treat restricted to small amounts. It’s safe to share with your pup raw or cooked, just make sure it’s unseasoned.

7. Celery

If you’ve got a chunky pup (no judgment — it happens to the best of us!), celery could be your dog’s next go-to treat. Celery is low in fat and is a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C and K. It's also packed with folate, potassium and manganese, which promotes healthy metabolism, and it may even help freshen your pet’s breath.

However, celery can be a choking hazard. Prevent any problems by chopping the veggie into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dogs.

8. Chicken (Cooked and Unseasoned)

If your dog has an upset stomach, chances are your vet will recommend feeding them plain, boiled chicken and rice (one good way to present it is as a meat topper to your dog's kibble).

It's easily digestible, high in protein and low in fat. However, since dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet beyond just meat, it's best to offer this as a supplement or treat rather than a primary food source. And never give your dog chicken bones (especially cooked) — they can splinter and damage your dog's gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

9. Cucumbers

Similar to celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, sodium- and fat-free crunchy treat that your dog may love. However, also like celery, this vegetable can be a choking hazard, so be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for your four-legged family member.

10. Eggs (Cooked and Unseasoned)

Eggs are a good source of protein and are high in many vitamins, including vitamins A, B, D and K. Other important nutrients include selenium, calcium and zinc — all of which contribute to a super healthy treat for your dog. Make sure to cook them well as raw eggs can contain salmonella. Your dog may like scrambled eggs, or even a hard-boiled egg, as a compliment to their regular diet.

11. Fish (Cooked and Unseasoned)

Fish, especially salmon and sardines, are rich in protein and amino acids, while also being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. An added benefit of sardines is that their soft bones offer a valuable boost of calcium.

Note: Sardines are the only fish you can leave the bones in; otherwise, it's important to remove all fish bones before feeding fish to your dog. Always fully cook fish and limit your dog's intake to no more than two servings per week.

12. Green Beans

Green beans are one of the best foods on this list for overweight dogs because they are low in calories and fat. This veggie is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can feed your dog cooked green beans or give them frozen beans for a crunchy snack.

13. Mango

Don’t keep this delicious tropical fruit to yourself — it’s high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C and E, making it a fantastic sweet treat for humans and dogs. Always remove the pit and peel, as both could make your dog sick. Additionally, too much mango could cause stomach issues, so this is one item on the list to give in moderation.

14. Peanuts (Unsalted) and Peanut Butter

Peanuts are a safe nut for dogs to eat, as long as they are unsalted. They have good fats and protein, but too much fat can lead to issues like weight gain or pancreatitis. Peanut butter has the added benefits of vitamins B and E, as well as fiber, all of which are good for cardiovascular and digestive health. Just make sure that the peanut butter doesn't contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs.

15. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a fantastic supplement to any dog's diet: It's rich in nutritional value (vitamins A, C and E, plus minerals like iron and potassium) and has high soluble fiber content, making it great for your dog's digestion and helping with tummy issues like diarrhea or constipation. It's high in prebiotics, too, which support the digestive tract.

Pumpkin is low in calories and can be an excellent addition to your dog's regular food. Always make sure that if you are buying your dog canned pumpkin it is pure pumpkin — not pumpkin pie filling with dangerous-for-dogs additives.

16. Turkey (Cooked and Unseasoned)

Like chicken, turkey is a good source of protein. Be sure to remove the skin, bones and fat. And any turkey you give your dog should be fully cooked and unseasoned.

17. Watermelon

Anyone who has taken a bite of a  and immediately felt the juices running down their chin knows that the fruit is a delicious way to stay hydrated in the summer. It's also a good source of vitamins A, C and B6. Remove the seeds and rind before giving watermelon to your dog.

18. White Rice (Cooked)

Cooked white rice is often recommended for dogs needing a bland diet for a few days. It's easy to digest and helps firm up stool. However, since rice can cause a spike in blood sugar, dogs with diabetes should only eat small amounts. Your vet can help you determine how much rice, if any, your dog should consume.

19. Yogurt (Plain)

Some dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products, but plain yogurt can be a wonderfully healthy treat for your dog, as probiotics can help strengthen your dog's digestive system. However, don't give your dog yogurt with any added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for  throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Use our Acceptance Locator to  near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the  to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.

* Subject to credit approval.

The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony") does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.

© 2024 Synchrony Bank.

This article first appeared on .

The national average cost for an emergency vet exam ranges from $107 to $246 for dogs and $113 to $260 for cats, depending on various factors. Learn about what you might expect and payment options to explore for your pet’s emergency visit.

Written by Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.

March 13, 2026

Facing a pet emergency can feel overwhelming and deeply stressful — after all, pets are family. While it’s impossible to prepare for every scenario, understanding what you might expect can help you respond calmly and get your pet the urgent care they need. In this article, we’ll cover signs of a pet emergency, what steps to consider and what you might expect in terms of treatment and cost.

And remember: If you’re ever unsure or can’t reach your regular veterinarian, it’s always OK to trust your instincts and head to the emergency vet.

What Is an Emergency Vet?

Emergency veterinarians are specially trained to care for pets in their most critical moments — as in, when every second counts. Like general veterinarians, they complete rigorous education and licensing, but they also undergo advanced training in emergency and critical care to handle complex, life-threatening conditions.

These dedicated professionals often work in emergency clinics or animal hospitals, collaborate with specialists and may see pets referred by your regular vet. The process is similar to how a family doctor might send a patient to the emergency room (ER) for a medical emergency.

While in the vet ER

When your pet arrives at an emergency clinic, the staff will prioritize care and guide you through the process:

• Triage and assessment. The veterinarian and team evaluate urgent concerns, ask questions and perform a physical exam.

• Diagnostics and treatment. This may include blood work,  or , medications or fluids to stabilize and comfort your pet.

• Next steps. Your pet may stay for ongoing care or be sent home with instructions, and staff will advise on follow-up with your regular veterinarian.

How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

The total cost of an emergency vet visit can vary greatly based on the injury, condition, pet insurance (if applicable) and whether your pet has a chronic condition that may require multiple emergency vet visits over their lifetime.

The national average cost* of an ER exam for dogs is $135, but it could range from $107 to $246 depending on a number of factors. For cats, the average cost* for an ER visit $143, with a range of $113 to $260.¹

Additional charges for services such as diagnostic tests, medications, treatments, hospitalization or surgery can also increase the cost of an emergency vet visit.

Average cost of an emergency vet visit by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average costs* for an emergency vet visit for a dog and for a cat in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Average cost for common emergency vet treatments

Below are the average costs* for some common procedures and treatments that may be performed during an emergency vet visit.¹

Does Pet Insurance Cover Emergency Vet Visits?

Your  may cover part of the cost of an emergency veterinary visit as long as the visit is not associated with a preexisting condition. However, most plans require you to pay for the visit out of pocket — with the insurance company reimbursing you at a later date — so you may want to consider being prepared to pay for your pet’s care.

Building an  by setting aside a small amount of money each month, exploring financing options like the CareCredit credit card in advance and comparing pet insurance plans can all help you to prepare so that your pet gets the care they need.

Signs of a Pet Emergency

If your pet is injured or unwell, stay calm — your presence can help. Gently check for pain, breathing issues or wounds, but avoid touching injured areas. Keep your pet secure and comfortable, as scared or hurt animals may react unpredictably.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows any of the following:

• Bloated stomach

• Blood in stool or urine

• Choking or difficulty breathing

• Coughing up blood

• Eye injuries

• Fractures

•  or foreign objects

• Loss of consciousness

• Painful or blocked urination/bowel movements

•  or convulsions

• Severe or uncontrolled bleeding

• Sudden behavioral changes (aggression, stiffness, restlessness, panting, drooling)

Preparing for an Emergency Vet Visit

You can  by thinking ahead and considering these steps:

1. Be ready to properly transport your pet with a crate (or a cardboard box in a pinch), blanket and possibly a muzzle — even the gentlest pet can get aggressive or snappy when they’re in pain.

2. Have important documents, such as medical records and vaccination history, easily accessible in your glove box or on your phone.

3. Contact the veterinary hospital to let them know you’re on your way.

4. Have someone else drive you, if possible.

You may also want to put together a pet first aid kit so you can treat minor injuries and provide initial support in an emergency until you can get professional veterinary care.

Stay Prepared Before Emergencies Happen

Being prepared before an emergency happens can make a critical difference. Know where your nearest emergency vet is, plan for potential costs, learn to recognize serious symptoms and understand what will happen once you arrive.

With a little preparation, you can stay calm and act quickly when your pet needs urgent care.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Pets

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for  throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.** Use our Acceptance Locator to  near you that accepts CareCredit. 

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the  to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. 

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next? 

Author Bio

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.

*Actual cost may vary based on geography, provider and other variables. Cost information is based on research in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, which was conducted by ASQ360° in 2025 on behalf of Synchrony’s CareCredit. Fees such as "in-office visit" may be charged in addition to the procedure costs. 

**Subject to credit approval. 

The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. All statements and opinions in this article have been evaluated and are supported by the expert reviewer. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.  

© 2026 Synchrony Bank.  

Sources 

¹ 2025 Synchrony Average Procedural Cost Study for Cosmetic, Dental, Veterinary, Vision and Other Practices Across the United States, conducted by ASQ360° Market Research, Cost Tables. 

² 2026 Synchrony Average Procedural Cost Study for Cosmetic, Dental, Veterinary, Vision and Other Practices Across the United States, conducted by ASQ360° Market Research, Cost Tables. 

If you use a credit card's promotional financing offer, your card could have a promotional balance and a regular balance. Be mindful of how you manage both types of balances to avoid any unexpected snafus.

Written by Louis DeNicola

September 12, 2025

Credit card promotional financing offers can make paying for certain purchases over time easier and potentially less expensive. Instead of your purchase being charged interest at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), the  may defer or temporarily reduce interest charges. When you use one of these offers, your card could have separate promotional and regular balances.

What Is a Promotional Balance?

A promotional balance refers to a credit card balance that’s currently subject to a promotional offer.

Although you might receive  each month, it can be common for credit cards to have several types of balances at the same time.¹ For example, your card could have three separate balances for your purchases,  and cash advances.¹ Your credit card statement may separate the balances, list each one's APR and tell you how much of the balance is subject to the APR.²

If the card issuer offers you a promotional APR on your purchases, your new purchases could become part of a promotional purchase balance. Your statement may list the promotional balance alongside its APR. Balances from previous purchases could still be part of the regular purchase balance, unless the offer applies to them as well.

Some credit cards might have different promotional offers for purchases and balance transfers. In that case, you could have a promotional purchase balance and a promotional balance transfer balance on your card. Promotional offers are less common for cash advances.

Promotional Balance vs. Regular Credit Balance

Your credit card's regular balances are any of the balances that don't currently have a promotional rate. You could have regular purchase, balance transfer and cash advance balances, and your card's terms will dictate each balance's APR.

Promotional balances are part of a promotional financing offer, and they can work differently depending on the offer's terms. Your promotional balances may have deferred interest, a temporarily lower APR or a special payment plan. These types of offers can make it easier to minimize interest after making large purchases that you want to pay off over time.

For instance, you might want to finance the cost of a cosmetic procedure that your health insurance doesn’t cover. Or, you unexpectedly find yourself at the emergency vet after your dog breaks into your chocolate stash.

Some payment solutions offer promotional financing options that allow you to pay for these types of out-of-pocket expenses over time. With a deferred interest offer, you won’t pay interest on the promotional balance if you pay off that balance within a promotional period. However, if you don’t pay off that balance within the promotional period, interest that has been accruing since the purchase date will be charged to your account and you will be responsible for paying that interest. Alternatively, you might receive a reduced APR if you agree to make fixed monthly payments during a promotional period.

Eligibility, qualifying purchases and the specifics of the offers could vary, so be sure to read the terms closely.

The Importance of Conditions and Terms

Reviewing the terms and conditions of the financing agreement is important for understanding when and how much you’ll have to pay. With  offering promotional financing, some of the important terms you’ll want to look for include:

• Eligible purchases. Review the terms to see which purchases qualify for the promotional financing. For example, with the , the promotional financing options available can vary depending on what the healthcare practice offers. There is a minimum purchase amount for promotional financing offers.

• Promotional period. Each promotional financing offer can have a limited promotional period. Find out how long the period lasts and what happens once it ends.

• Promotional APR. If your promotional balance has a promotional APR, learn what the APR will be, when it’s applied to your balance and when it could end.

• Minimum payments. You will have to make  to keep your account in good standing and avoid late payment fees.

• How your payments get applied. Card issuers may split your payments and apply different amounts to your various balances. Generally, they can choose how they want to apply the minimum monthly payment and then must apply additional amounts to the balance with the highest APR. However, this may change during the last two billing cycles before a promotional period ends.³

Tips to Manage Your Promotional Balance

It can be easier to budget for large expenses when you pay off a bill over time. However, don't assume your credit card's minimum monthly payments will repay the entire promotional balance before the promotional period ends.

Here are two approaches worth considering:

• Even automatic payments over the promotional period. Figure out the monthly payment that will pay off the promotional balance before the promotional period ends. Set up automatic payments for that amount.

• Automatic payments with something extra. A more cautious approach is to set up automatic payments that will pay off the promotional balance a month or two early. The larger payments might be more difficult to manage right now, but you’ll have a little wiggle room in case unexpected expenses pop up.

In either case, if you use the card for additional purchases, you'll want to make larger payments to cover those transactions and stay on track.

Once the promotional period ends, your promotional balance may become a regular balance. If you had an offer with deferred interest, all the interest that was accruing on your promotional balance since the purchase date will be added to your regular balance if you have not paid the promotional balance in full by the end of the promotional period. To avoid the interest charges, you need to pay off the promotional balance during the promotional period.

Look for Promotional Offers When Financing Large Purchases

Promotional financing can be helpful when you're paying off balances over time. When you use one of these offers, the qualifying transactions become part of a promotional balance. Before accepting an offer, review the credit card’s terms to learn how the offer works and make a plan for paying off the promotional balance. Keep in mind that promotional financing cannot be applied to an existing balance.

Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. Get the care you want or need with easy, flexible financing options that allow you to pay for out-of-pocket expenses over time.* Use our Acceptance Locator to  near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the  to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Louis DeNicola is a freelance writer who specializes in consumer credit, finances and fraud. He has several credit-related certifications and works with many lenders, publishers, credit bureaus, Fortune 500s and fintech startups.

*Subject to credit approval.

The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.

© 2025 Synchrony Bank.

Sources:

¹ “Credit card contract definitions,” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Updated February 10, 2023. Retrieved from:  

² "Credit cards," MyCreditUnion.gov. Updated February 4, 2025. Retrieved from: 

³ “I got a credit card promising no interest for a purchase if I pay in full within 12 months. How does this work?” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Updated February 2, 2024. Retrieved from: 

Promotional financing offers can help you pay for large purchases over time — and potentially save big on interest charges. To maximize the benefits, it's important to understand how the terms and timelines work.

Written by 

Posted November 14, 2025

Promotional financing offers can help you save money if you’re making a purchase and paying off the balance over time. The promotions generally offer either deferred interest if you pay in full within the promotional period or reduced interest on eligible purchases. Learn more about the different types of offers and what you may want to look for in the fine print.

What Types of Promotional Financing Offers Are Available?

 on credit cards might come in several forms:

• Deferred interest. Interest accrues on eligible purchases, but it is deferred and won’t be charged if you pay your promotional balance in full within the promotional period. If you don’t, interest is charged from the purchase date.

• Reduced APR with fixed monthly payments. Your purchase may receive a lower, promotional APR, and you make fixed monthly payments. These fixed payments are designed to pay off the promotional balance within the promotional period. This structure can help make managing your finances easier.

The specific pros and cons vary, but all the offers have a “promotional period” that eventually ends. Understanding what the timeline is for your promotion and knowing if anything changes when the promotional period ends are important to successfully managing promotional financing.

Understanding the Promotional Period

Each promotion might have its own promotional period. You might want to think of breaking this down into three important points:

1. Start. The beginning of the promotional period, which may be when you accept an offer or make a purchase. Review the offer’s terms and your billing statement for details. If your promotion has “deferred interest” or you have an intro APR that will end, figure out what your optional equal monthly payments might be. Then decide whether you’ll want to pay more than the required minimum each month in order to pay your balance in full during or before the end of the promotional period.

2. Midpoint. You may want to review your progress and make sure you’re on track to pay off your promotional balance before the promotional period ends. Consider whether you want to increase your monthly payment.

3. End. What happens at the end of the promotional period depends on the type of offer. With deferred interest promotional financing, if you don’t pay your promo balance in full within the promo period, you’ll be charged interest retroactively back to the purchase date. This interest will be added to your account when the promo period ends. You can avoid this by making a “balloon payment” before the end if necessary. With an intro APR offer, you may be charged interest on your remaining balance after your promotional period ends. And with Reduced Interest with Fixed Monthly Payments, if you make the required monthly payment shown on your billing statement, you’ll pay your promotional balance in full within the promo period. If you miss a payment or pay late, you may be charged a fee but you won’t be charged additional interest.

Real-World Examples of Promotional Financing

Promotional financing offers can feel a little abstract until you see them in action. Here are three fictitious, but realistic, examples of how someone might use a promotional financing offer.

Veterinary care with a deferred interest promotional financing offer

Emma rushes her pup Clive to the emergency vet after he starts acting odd during their morning walk. He’s OK, but the total bill comes out to $1,200. Emma uses her CareCredit credit card, which offers promotional financing with no interest if paid in full within six months.* Interest will be charged to her account from the purchase date if the promotional balance is not paid in full within the promotional period, and minimum monthly payments are required.

Even though the required minimum monthly payment on her billing statement is lower, Emma chooses to pay $200 each month to make sure she pays off the entire balance during the six-month promotional period.

Dental procedure with a reduced interest rate promo

Mike decides it’s finally time to get an implant to replace his missing tooth. He’s looking forward to his new smile, but he’s not looking forward to paying $4,500 — and that’s after dental insurance. After comparing several offers available with the CareCredit credit card, he narrows in on two options with a reduced APR and fixed monthly payments.** He could choose to pay $225 a month for 24 months with a reduced APR of 17.90% or $137 a month for 48 months with a reduced APR of 19.90%.

The fixed monthly payments and specific timeline make it easier for Mike to budget for the purchase and understand his total cost. He can choose between paying less interest with the shorter offer or making lower monthly payments with more time to pay.

Covering home maintenance with a 0% APR intro offer

Jane’s water heater gives out, and her partner is the only fan of cold showers. She finds a good replacement that qualifies for several energy-efficient rebates and tax credits, but it’s still going to cost her $2,000 to buy and install. Jane opens a new credit card with an introductory 0% APR offer on purchases during a nine-month promotional period.

She pays down the balance during the promotional period, knowing that any remaining balance will accrue interest based on the card’s standard APR once the promotional period ends.

What Happens If You Miss the Promotional Period End Date?

It’s important to track the promotional period’s timeline when you use a promotional financing offer.

With deferred interest financing offers, like Emma’s, interest accrues on the promotional balance from the purchase date. If you don’t pay the promotional balance in full by the promo period end date, the accruing interest is added to your balance. You’ll need to repay the remaining balance plus the interest.

With promotional financing with a reduced APR and fixed monthly payments, like Mike’s, the required monthly payment includes interest and is designed to pay the promo balance in full within the promotional period. However, you could make additional payments if you want to save on interest by paying the promo balance early.

With intro APR offers, like Jane’s, the promotional balance accrues interest at the reduced APR during the promotional period. If you don’t pay off the card’s balance before the promotional period ends, any remaining balance on your card will start to accrue interest at the card’s standard APR.

No matter the type of offer, review the terms to see what happens if your payment is late. In some cases, the card issuer may be allowed to charge you a late fee or end the promotional period early.

Maximizing Benefits by Paying in Full Within the Promotional Period

The main benefits of promotional financing offers are the option to pay for large purchases over time and to potentially pay less interest than you would, based on the credit card’s standard APR, or even no interest at all.

To make the most of promotional financing offers, be sure to make your required minimum monthly payments to avoid  and potentially hurting . But beware that with some types of promo financing, making only the required minimum payment each month might not be enough to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.

To calculate how much you’ll have to pay monthly with a deferred interest or 0% APR offer, divide the balance by the number of months in your promotional period. You could then set up automatic payments for that amount to keep yourself on track.

If you have an offer with fixed monthly payments, you could also try to pay off the balance early to decrease how much interest you pay overall. It’s not always easy, but you could look for ways to cut back on nonessential expenses and put those savings toward your account balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Promotional Financing

People often ask about how promotional financing offers work. Here are some quick answers to common questions.

How do you find the end of your promotional period?

This information is on your receipt, and it is also on your billing statement. You could also call the credit card issuer if you have questions.

What can you do if you can’t make a payment?

Contact your credit card issuer immediately if you think you won’t be able to make your next minimum monthly payment. Explain the situation and see if the card issuer has a hardship program or options that could help make your payments more manageable.

Can you adjust your payment amount midway during a promotion?

With a credit card, you can always make more than the required minimum monthly payment. Contact your card issuer to inquire about other options.

Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. Get the care you want or need with easy, flexible financing options that allow you to pay for out-of-pocket expenses over time.*** Use our Acceptance Locator to  near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the  to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Louis DeNicola is a freelance writer who specializes in consumer credit, finances and fraud. He has several credit-related certifications and works with many lenders, publishers, credit bureaus, Fortune 500s and fintech startups.

*No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. For New Accounts as of 5/30/2024: Purchase APR 32.99%. Penalty APR 39.99%. Min Interest Charge $2. CareCredit Rewards Mastercard: Cash APR 32.99% and 4% Fee ($10 min). Bal Trans APR 32.99% and 5% Fee ($5 min). Foreign Trans Fee 3%.Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

**Interest will be charged on promo purchases at a reduced APR from the purchase date. Fixed monthly payments are required until paid in full and will be calculated as follows: on 24-month promotions – 4.9876% of initial promo purchase amount; on 48-month promotions – 3.0377% of initial promo purchase amount. The fixed monthly payment will be rounded up to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. For New Accounts as of 5/30/2024: Purchase APR 32.99%. Penalty APR 39.99%. Min Interest Charge $2. CareCredit Rewards Mastercard: Cash APR 32.99% and 4% Fee ($10 min). Bal Trans APR 32.99% and 5% Fee ($5 min). Foreign Trans Fee 3%. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

***Subject to credit approval.

The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.

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