LASIK Financing Options: Payment Plans and Medical Credit

LASIK Financing: Making Surgery Affordable

Because LASIK is not covered by health insurance, most LASIK centers partner with medical financing companies to allow patients to spread the cost over monthly payments. Financing options range from 0% APR promotional periods (where you pay no interest if the balance is paid within the promotional window) to standard installment loans with interest rates of 14–27% APR. The right choice depends on your credit profile, how quickly you can repay, and what options your LASIK provider accepts.

Before financing, also consider using pre-tax FSA or HSA funds to reduce your effective cost — see LASIK insurance and FSA/HSA for details. Financing should be used for the remainder after any pre-tax benefit is applied.

CareCredit for LASIK

CareCredit is the most widely accepted medical credit card in the U.S. and is accepted at the majority of LASIK centers. It offers several promotional financing plans specifically for healthcare expenses:

• 6-month, 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month deferred interest plans at 0% if the balance is paid in full within the promotional period
• 24-month, 36-month, 48-month, and 60-month reduced APR plans at fixed rates (typically 14.90–17.90% APR)
• Available to patients with good to excellent credit (typically 640+ FICO score)
• Apply online in minutes; decisions are often instant

Important CareCredit warning: deferred interest plans retroactively charge all accumulated interest on the original purchase amount if the balance is not paid in full before the promotional period ends. This "deferred interest" structure differs from true 0% interest and can result in surprise charges of hundreds of dollars. Set up automatic payments to ensure full payoff before the deadline.

Alphaeon Credit

Alphaeon Credit is a medical credit card specifically designed for elective healthcare procedures, including LASIK. It is accepted at many ophthalmology and LASIK practices. Like CareCredit, Alphaeon offers promotional financing periods (6, 12, 18, and 24 months) with deferred interest. Standard APR after the promotional period is typically 26.99%. Alphaeon may be more accessible to applicants with moderate credit who are declined for CareCredit.

In-House Financing Plans

Some LASIK centers offer their own installment payment plans, which may not require a third-party credit check. In-house plans vary widely — some are true 0% interest installment agreements, while others include an administrative fee. Benefits of in-house financing include simplified application, no hard credit inquiry, and the flexibility to negotiate terms directly with the practice. Ask your LASIK center specifically what financing they offer in addition to CareCredit and Alphaeon.

Understanding 0% APR Promotions: What They Really Mean

True 0% APR (as opposed to deferred interest) means you pay no interest regardless of when within the loan term you pay off the balance. These are less common for LASIK financing but can be found through some credit unions, employer benefit programs, or specialty medical lenders. Deferred interest plans (the most common) are marketed as "0% for 12 months" but will charge all accumulated interest retroactively if the balance is not fully paid by the deadline. Always read the fine print to determine whether a plan is true 0% APR or deferred interest.

Monthly Payment Examples

Total Cost	12-Month (0% promo)	24-Month (0% promo)	36-Month (14.9% APR)	60-Month (17.9% APR)
$4,000	$333/mo	$167/mo	$139/mo	$101/mo
$5,000	$417/mo	$208/mo	$173/mo	$126/mo
$6,000	$500/mo	$250/mo	$208/mo	$152/mo
$7,000	$583/mo	$292/mo	$243/mo	$177/mo
$8,000	$667/mo	$333/mo	$277/mo	$202/mo

36-month and 60-month payments are estimates based on fixed APR; actual payments depend on lender terms and credit profile.

What to Watch For When Financing LASIK

• Confirm whether the plan is true 0% APR or deferred interest before signing
• Calculate total cost including interest for any plan with APR charges
• Ensure the financing covers the total quote including all pre- and post-operative fees
• Use pre-tax FSA/HSA funds first, then finance only the remainder
• Consider whether a 0% APR credit card from your bank offers a longer promotional window

For a long-term perspective on LASIK value vs ongoing glasses and contact lens costs, see is LASIK worth it and LASIK vs contacts cost comparison.