Frequently Asked Questions

ScratchPay is a flexible payment solution that allows you to pay for veterinary care over time. We offer payment plans from 3 to 24 months with options for 0% interest financing. Over 15,000 veterinary clinics across the United States accept ScratchPay.

Whether your pet needs emergency surgery, routine dental care, or ongoing treatment, ScratchPay helps you manage the cost with manageable monthly payments.

ScratchPay is specifically designed for veterinary care, offering several advantages:

• No impact on credit score for eligibility check
• Faster approval process (5 minutes vs. days)
• More lenient approval criteria
• Fixed payment plans with no surprises
• 0% interest options available
• No prepayment penalties

Over 15,000 veterinary clinics nationwide accept ScratchPay, including:

• General practice veterinarians
• Emergency and critical care hospitals
• Specialty and referral centers
• Dental veterinary clinics
• Mobile vet services

Use our clinic finder tool to locate participating clinics near you.

Most applicants receive an approval decision within 5 minutes. Our streamlined automated process provides instant decisions so you can get your pet the care they need immediately.

No, checking your eligibility uses a soft credit inquiry that will NOT impact your credit score. Only you can see this inquiry on your credit report - it's completely invisible to other lenders.

A hard credit inquiry (which can affect your score) only occurs if you decide to accept an offer and move forward with financing.

To apply for ScratchPay, you'll need:

• Valid government-issued ID (driver's license or state ID)
• Social Security Number or ITIN
• Active checking account
• Mobile phone number or email address
• Proof of income (pay stub, bank statement, or tax return)

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

ScratchPay considers more than just your credit score! We look at multiple factors including:

• Income and employment history
• Banking history and account activity
• Overall financial responsibility
• Past payment behavior

Many customers who have been denied by traditional lenders are approved by ScratchPay. We're committed to helping pet parents access the care their pets need.

Yes! We encourage you to apply before your appointment. Getting pre-approved means:

• You'll know your credit limit in advance
• Less stress at the vet's office
• Faster checkout process
• You can focus on your pet, not paperwork

Your approval is valid for 90 days, so you can apply anytime before your scheduled appointment.

ScratchPay offers flexible payment plans to fit your budget:

• 3 months - Pay off quickly with higher monthly payments
• 6 months - Often available with 0% interest*
• 12 months - Balance affordability and total cost
• 18 months - Lower monthly payments for larger expenses
• 24 months - Smallest monthly payments available

*0% interest plans are subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.

Interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness and chosen payment plan:

• 0% APR - Available for qualified applicants on select short-term plans
• 9.99% - 29.99% APR - Standard rates for most approved customers

You'll see your exact rate and total payment amount before accepting any offer. There are no hidden fees or surprises.

Absolutely! You can pay off your balance at any time with NO prepayment penalties or fees. If you receive a bonus, tax refund, or just want to pay extra, you're free to do so.

Many customers choose to make extra payments to save on interest and become debt-free faster.

ScratchPay is transparent about all costs:

• Application Fee: $0
• Annual Fee: $0
• Prepayment Penalty: $0
• Late Payment Fee: May apply if payment is more than 15 days late
• Returned Payment Fee: May apply for insufficient funds

We'll always show you the total cost of your financing before you accept.

Using ScratchPay is simple:

1. Get approved online (before or during your visit)
2. Receive your approval notification via text/email
3. Show your approval to the vet's front desk
4. The clinic verifies your approval (takes 30 seconds)
5. Your pet receives care immediately
6. Sign your payment agreement
7. Make convenient monthly payments

ScratchPay can be used for virtually any veterinary service:

• Emergency care and urgent visits
• Surgeries (orthopedic, soft tissue, emergency)
• Dental procedures and cleanings
• Diagnostic testing (X-rays, ultrasounds, bloodwork)
• Cancer treatment and chemotherapy
• Prescription medications
• Routine wellness exams
• Vaccinations and preventive care
• Specialist consultations

Yes! Once you have an active ScratchPay account, you can use it multiple times at any participating clinic, as long as you stay within your approved credit limit.

If you need additional financing beyond your current limit, you can apply to increase your credit line or open a new payment plan.

Making payments is easy and convenient:

• Automatic Payments: Set up auto-pay from your checking account (recommended)
• Online Portal: Log in to make one-time or recurring payments
• Mobile App: Download our app for payment management on the go
• Phone: Call our customer service to make a payment

Payments are typically due on the same day each month. You'll receive reminder notifications before each payment is due.

If your application isn't approved, you have several options:

• Try applying with a co-applicant who has stronger credit
• Wait 30 days and reapply (if your financial situation improves)
• Check if your vet offers other payment plan options
• Ask about CareCredit or other veterinary financing
• Consider a personal loan from your bank

We'll send you a letter explaining the reason for denial, which can help you address any issues for future applications.

Life happens, and we understand. If you miss a payment:

• Grace period of 15 days before late fees apply
• We'll send reminder notifications
• Contact us immediately if you're having trouble - we can often help
• Late payments may be reported to credit bureaus
• Multiple missed payments could affect future financing