The Care Credit card is a popular payment method that cardholders can use for health, wellness, and personal care purchases. Many people wonder if they can use their Care Credit card on Amazon to pay for eligible items.
Unfortunately, Amazon does not accept Care Credit as a valid payment method in 2022. However, there are some alternative payment options you can use on Amazon that are similar to Care Credit. There are also many other major retailers that do accept Care Credit if you want to use your card elsewhere.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using Care Credit on Amazon, including:
- Why Amazon doesn‘t accept Care Credit
- What payment methods you can use on Amazon instead
- Where you can use a Care Credit card
- What you can buy with a Care Credit card
- Helpful tips and advice
Let‘s dive in!
Why Doesn’t Amazon Accept Care Credit?
Amazon has not provided an official reason as to why Care Credit is not accepted as a payment method on their platform.
However, the most likely explanation is that Amazon does not carry enough qualifying Care Credit purchases to justify accepting the card.
Care Credit can only be used to pay for purchases related to health, wellness, and personal care. This includes things like:
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Veterinary care
- Baby supplies
- Personal care items
Since the majority of products sold on Amazon are general consumer goods – not healthcare and wellness-related – there is less incentive for Amazon to go through the process of integrating Care Credit as a payment option.
Essentially, the volume of Care Credit eligible purchases on Amazon is too low for it to be worth the effort of setting up the payment system.
What Payment Can I Use on Amazon Similar to Care Credit?
Although Amazon doesn‘t accept Care Credit itself, there are some other payment options you can use on Amazon that are similar:
1. Amazon Store Card
One of the closest alternatives to Care Credit is the Amazon Store Card. This credit card can only be used on Amazon.com to finance purchases, similar to how Care Credit can only be used for health and wellness expenses.
The Amazon Store Card offers 5% back on all Amazon purchases for Prime Members. There is also the option for special financing on purchases over $149 for 6 to 24 months.
So if you want a credit card specifically to buy items on Amazon, the Amazon Store Card provides flexible financing options akin to Care Credit.
2. Amazon Secured Card
Another option is the Amazon Secured Card. This functions more like a traditional credit card, with the ability to earn rewards and buy from merchants outside of Amazon. However, it is a "secured" card, meaning you have to make a refundable security deposit to open the account.
The Amazon Secured Card offers 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods for Prime members. So while not healthcare specific like Care Credit, it does provide a way to finance Amazon purchases on credit.
3. Amazon Business Line of Credit
If you have an Amazon business account, you may qualify for an Amazon Business line of credit. This functions similarly to the Amazon Store Card by allowing you to finance business purchases on Amazon without an annual fee.
So if you have business health and wellness expenses, the Amazon Business line of credit can act as a substitute for Care Credit in a limited business context.
4. Amazon Reload
Amazon Reload is a service that lets you use cash to load money into your Amazon Balance and pay for orders. You can fund your reload account with as little as $1 at a time.
This offers a way to budget spending on Amazon without needing a credit card. While not exactly the same as Care Credit‘s financing, Amazon Reload does provide an alternative payment workflow.
5. SNAP EBT (Limited)
Amazon accepts SNAP EBT (food stamps) as a payment method for groceries on Amazon Fresh and at Whole Foods locations in participating states. This can help subsidize costs for essential food and vitamins that might otherwise be Care Credit eligible.
However, SNAP EBT is limited to food-only purchases, so it doesn‘t cover medical supplies, medications, or other Care Credit approved expenditures. But it does offer a way to reduce personal care costs for low-income households.
Where Can I Use a Care Credit Card Instead?
Fortunately, there are plenty of major retailers that accept Care Credit as a payment method both online and in stores. Some top options include:
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Walmart – Care Credit is accepted at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam‘s Club. You can use it to buy health and personal care items, over-the-counter medicines, baby supplies, and more.
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Walgreens – Most Walgreens locations accept Care Credit in-store or online for pharmacy, clinic, and retail purchases. Use it to pay for prescription medications, contacts, hearing aid batteries, and eligible items.
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Rite Aid – You can use your Care Credit card at Rite Aid stores nationwide to purchase pharmacy prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, health supplies, and personal care products.
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CVS – Care Credit is accepted for pharmacy, health, beauty, and personal care purchases on CVS.com and at participating CVS Pharmacy locations. Not all locations accept Care Credit, so check ahead.
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Duane Reade – Many Duane Reade pharmacies take Care Credit both online and in-store. Verify acceptance at your local branch first before shopping.
You can also use Care Credit at a wide variety of veterinary clinics, dentist offices, optometrists, specialty healthcare providers, and retailers selling medical equipment. Always call or check online to confirm Care Credit acceptance before using your card.
What Can I Buy With a Care Credit Card?
Care Credit cards can be used to pay for a wide variety of health, wellness, and personal care expenses. According to Synchrony Bank, some of the most common eligible purchases include:
- Prescription eyewear
- Contact lenses
- Laser vision correction
- Hearing aids and exams
- Dental procedures
- Orthotic treatment
- Obesity treatment
- Fertility treatment
- Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
- Veterinary care and pet medications
- Medical equipment rentals
- Primary care visits
- Specialist services
- Mental health services
- Lab tests and imaging
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Medical transportation
- Home healthcare
- Insulin pumps
- Nebulizers
- Sleep therapy supplies
- Compression stockings
- Massage therapy
- Urgent care visits
Care Credit can also be used to pay for many pharmacy and personal care purchases, such as:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- First aid supplies
- Family planning and contraceptives
- Skin care
- Dental care
- Shaving supplies
- Hair regrowth products
- Incontinence products
- Infant formula and baby care
Review your cardholder agreement or contact Synchrony Bank to verify which expenses are eligible for your specific Care Credit account. There are some limitations around which healthcare providers and retailers accept Care Credit financing.
Tips for Using Your Care Credit Card
If you have a Care Credit card, here are some helpful tips to make the most of it:
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Activate your card ASAP – Call the number on the sticker on your card to activate it and set a PIN. This allows you to use it right away.
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Create an online account – Set up your online account on the Care Credit website or app to easily manage your account.
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Understand the terms – Carefully review your credit agreement so you know your limit, APR, payment due dates, etc.
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Use mobile pay – Link your Care Credit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. to conveniently use your phone to pay.
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Create payment alerts – Set up alerts to be notified of your monthly statement and payment due date via email or text.
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Pay on time – Care Credit charges high deferred interest rates if you don‘t pay your full balance by the due date.
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Check your benefits – See if your Care Credit card comes with extra perks like dental or vision discounts.
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Notify of changes – Update your contact info with Care Credit if you move or get a new phone number.
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Ask about discounts – Some healthcare providers may offer a discount for paying with Care Credit, so ask ahead.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, Amazon does not currently accept Care Credit cards directly as a payment method. This is likely because Amazon does not offer enough eligible health and wellness purchases to justify setting up Care Credit as a payment option.
However, Amazon does offer alternative credit cards and financing options you can use for your Amazon purchases instead. And there are many major retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and more that accept Care Credit in-store or online.
So while Care Credit can‘t be used on Amazon itself, you have plenty of other places you can use your card for healthcare, pharmacy, vision, dental, personal care shopping and more. Just be sure to activate your card, understand the terms, and pay your bill on time to avoiddeferred interest fees.
I hope this guide gives you clarity on how you can (and can‘t) use your Care Credit card for all your household shopping needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
