Scratchpay Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Scratchpay vet financing
Everything you need to know about Scratchpay vet financing
Scratchpay is a veterinary payment plan service that helps pet owners afford vet care by offering financing from $500 to $5,000. The process is simple:
Scratchpay vet payment plans help you spread the cost of veterinary care over time instead of paying everything upfront.
Scratchpay offers financing amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000 for veterinary care. Your approved amount depends on several factors:
Most pet owners are approved for between $1,000 and $3,000 with scratchpay financing. You can apply for the specific amount you need for your pet's veterinary care.
No, applying for Scratchpay will NOT affect your credit score. The initial application uses a soft credit check (soft inquiry) which does not impact your credit.
However, if you are approved and choose to accept the loan, Scratchpay will perform a hard credit inquiry to finalize your application. This hard inquiry may cause a small, temporary decrease in your credit score (typically 5-10 points).
You can safely check if you qualify for scratchpay for pets without any risk to your credit score.
Most Scratchpay applications receive an instant decision within 60 seconds. The entire application process takes less than 5 minutes to complete online.
In rare cases where additional verification is needed, you may receive a decision within 1-2 business days. But the majority of scratch pay applications are approved immediately, allowing you to use your financing at the vet right away.
To qualify for scratchpay vet financing, you must meet these basic requirements:
Scratchpay considers applications from people with all credit types, including those with fair or bad credit. While requirements are flexible, you'll need to demonstrate ability to repay the loan.
Yes, you can apply for Scratchpay with bad credit. Scratchpay considers applications from people with all credit types, including those with less-than-perfect credit scores.
While applicants with better credit profiles may receive lower interest rates (potentially 0% APR), many pet owners with bad credit are still approved for scratch pay financing. Your rate will be higher (possibly up to 36% APR), but you can still access the funds you need for veterinary care.
Scratchpay evaluates more than just your credit score, including your income and employment stability.
Scratchpay for pets can be used for virtually any veterinary service, including:
Scratchpay vet financing covers dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Over 32,000+ pet owners have been approved for Scratchpay financing across the United States. These pet parents have used Scratchpay for:
Join thousands of satisfied pet owners who have successfully financed their pet's care with Scratchpay's flexible payment plans.
Scratchpay APR (Annual Percentage Rate) ranges from 0% to 36% depending on several factors:
Your exact rate also depends on the loan amount and payment term you choose. The average scratchpay customer receives around 15-25% APR. You'll see your specific rate after your application is approved, before you accept the offer.
Your first Scratchpay payment is typically due 30 days after your veterinary visit. After that, you'll make fixed monthly payments on the same day each month until your balance is paid off.
For example, if you use your scratch and pay financing on January 15th, your first payment would be due around February 15th.
Scratchpay offers convenient payment options including automatic bank withdrawals (ACH) or manual payments through their online portal. Setting up autopay ensures you never miss a payment.
Yes! You can apply for Scratchpay completely online through their website or mobile app. The entire application process takes just 5-10 minutes and can be completed from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
You can apply from home before your vet visit, or even from the vet's office if you need emergency financing. The online application is available 24/7, making it convenient to apply whenever you need it.
Most Scratchpay applications are approved instantly or within a few minutes. The approval process typically takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish.
In some cases, additional verification may be required which could take up to 24 hours. However, the vast majority of applicants receive an immediate decision and can use their financing right away.
If your Scratchpay application is denied, you'll receive an explanation of why. Common reasons include insufficient income, too many recent credit inquiries, or not meeting the basic requirements.
You can reapply after 30 days, especially if your financial situation improves. Alternatively, you might consider other pet financing options like CareCredit, getting a co-signer, or asking your vet about payment plans.
Yes! Scratchpay allows you to pay off your loan early with no prepayment penalties. If you pay off your balance before the term ends, you'll save money on interest charges.
You can make extra payments at any time through your Scratchpay account online. Any additional payments go directly toward reducing your principal balance, which means less interest paid over time.
Scratchpay does not charge application fees, origination fees, or prepayment penalties. The only cost is the interest rate (APR) on your loan, which varies based on your credit profile.
However, if you miss a payment, there may be late fees. It's important to make your payments on time to avoid any additional charges. Setting up autopay can help ensure you never miss a payment.
Yes! You can use Scratchpay financing for multiple pets. If you have more than one pet that needs veterinary care, you can apply for separate loans for each pet or include multiple pets in one larger loan amount.
Keep in mind that you'll need to qualify for the total loan amount requested. If you have an existing Scratchpay loan, this will be considered when applying for additional financing.
If your veterinarian doesn't currently accept Scratchpay, you have a few options. You can ask your vet to sign up with Scratchpay - it's free for them to join and easy to set up.
Alternatively, you might consider using the funds for veterinary services at a different clinic that does accept Scratchpay, or explore other pet financing options like CareCredit, Vetcor, or traditional personal loans.
If your pet's treatment ends up costing more than initially expected, you can apply for an increased loan amount. However, this is treated as a new application and requires approval.
It's best to estimate on the higher end when first applying to avoid needing to reapply. Your vet can usually provide an estimate range for procedures, so consider applying for an amount toward the higher end of that estimate.
You can make Scratchpay payments through their online portal or mobile app. Payment options include automatic bank withdrawal (ACH), debit card, or manual payment each month.
Setting up autopay is the easiest way to ensure you never miss a payment. You can also make extra payments or pay off your loan early at any time without penalties.
If you miss a Scratchpay payment, you may be charged a late fee and your credit score could be negatively affected if the payment is more than 30 days late.
If you know you'll have trouble making a payment, contact Scratchpay customer service as soon as possible. They may be able to work with you on a solution. Setting up autopay can help you avoid missed payments entirely.
Yes! Scratchpay can be used for preventive care including annual checkups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and wellness exams. You can use Scratchpay for any veterinary service accepted by your clinic.
Scratchpay is a payment plan, not insurance. Unlike pet insurance which requires monthly premiums and has waiting periods, Scratchpay provides immediate financing when you need it. There's no monthly premium - you only pay when you use it.
Many pet owners use both: pet insurance for long-term coverage and Scratchpay for immediate expenses or costs not covered by insurance.
Scratchpay does not publicly disclose a specific minimum credit score requirement. They consider various factors beyond just credit score, including income and banking history. Many applicants with fair or limited credit have been approved.
Yes! You can apply for Scratchpay before your vet appointment to know your available credit limit in advance. This can provide peace of mind, especially for planned procedures or expected high costs.
To apply for Scratchpay, you'll need:
Yes, you can have multiple active Scratchpay plans at the same time, subject to your approved credit limit. Each veterinary visit can be a separate plan if needed.
Absolutely! Scratchpay is ideal for emergency veterinary care. The application process takes just minutes, and you can apply right from the emergency vet clinic. Many emergency vets accept Scratchpay.
Your existing Scratchpay payment plan remains active regardless of which vet you visit. You continue making payments as scheduled. If your new vet accepts Scratchpay, you can use it there for future visits too.
Yes! Scratchpay can be used for prescription medications purchased through your veterinarian. Some veterinary pharmacies also accept Scratchpay. Check with your vet or pharmacy to confirm acceptance.
You can contact Scratchpay customer service through:
Apply now to see your personalized options, or learn more about how the process works.