⚡ Quick Answer
Choose CareCredit: You need the largest provider network (275K) or your provider only accepts CareCredit.
Choose Cherry: You want no deferred interest trap and soft credit check. Better for cosmetic/dental.
Comparison Table
| Feature | CareCredit | Cherry | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred Interest | Yes ⚠️ | No ✅ | Cherry |
| Credit Check | Hard | Soft | Cherry |
| Provider Network | 275,000 | 10,000+ | CareCredit |
| Max Amount | Varies | $50,000 | Cherry |
| Best For | All healthcare | Cosmetic/Dental | Depends |
| Our Rating | 4.0 | 4.5 | Cherry |
⚠️ The Deferred Interest Trap
CareCredit's biggest issue is deferred interest:
If you don't pay the FULL balance before promo ends, you owe ALL back interest at 26.99% APR. Cherry has NO deferred interest—you only pay interest on what you owe.
Bottom Line
Cherry wins for consumer-friendly terms (no trap, soft check). CareCredit wins only if you need their massive network or your provider doesn't accept Cherry.