Repair financing
Affordable options for major repairs
Synchrony CarCare credit + private pay plans. Most approvals same day. 0% APR for 12-18 months on qualifying repairs. We help when major repairs would otherwise force a difficult choice.
Synchrony CarCare credit
The dedicated automotive financing program
0% APR for 12 months on $300+ purchases
Most common offer. Pay off within 12 months at 0% APR. Apply during your service appointment or in advance. Approval typically takes 60 seconds.
0% APR for 18 months on $1,500+ purchases
Premium offer for larger repairs. Pay off within 18 months at 0% APR. Same easy application process. Especially useful for transmission, engine, or major brake work.
Standard 14.9-29.9% APR if not paid in promotional period
If you can’t pay off within the promotional period, standard APR applies. Make a payment plan that ensures you finish within the promo period to avoid this.
Use anywhere Synchrony is accepted
Card works at most auto repair shops nationwide + auto parts stores (NAPA, AutoZone, Advance Auto). Useful if you travel + need emergency repair elsewhere.
Application process — 60 seconds
Apply via tablet during your appointment, or in advance via website. We don’t see your credit details, only approval status. Approval based on credit score + income + recent application history.
Credit score requirements
Approvals at 580+ FICO with stable income. Higher promotional offers (18-month 0%) typically require 650+. Subprime credit may still get approved with smaller credit limit + standard APR.
Private payment plans
When Synchrony isn't right
Repairs $1,000-$3,500 — installment plan
We can structure payment plan: 50% at completion + 25% at 30 days + 25% at 60 days. Vehicle stays with you. Payment via credit card or ACH. Most customers complete within 90 days.
Repairs $3,500+ — escrow arrangement
Larger repairs: 25% at agreement + 25% at parts arrival + 50% at completion. Or alternative structures based on your situation. We’ll work with you.
Repairs requiring quick turnaround
Trip-stranded repairs, won’t-start emergencies. We’ll work to get you driving + arrange payment over time. Sometimes credit cards are right; sometimes installment is right. Honest discussion.
Insurance + warranty payments
If repair is covered by insurance (collision, comprehensive) or third-party warranty (extended service contract), we’ll work directly with insurer/warrantor for payment. Reduces what you pay out of pocket.
Parts-arrived-but-not-installed credit
Sometimes major repairs are estimated but customer can’t do all of it now. We can install critical parts now + leave others for next visit. Honest scoping.
Genuine financial-hardship cases
Single mom with stranded vehicle. Senior on fixed income. Veteran in difficulty. We’ve worked out hundreds of arrangements. Email/talk to Mike or Tim Bennett directly. We try.
When to choose what
Synchrony vs. private plan
Synchrony if you have credit history
FICO 580+ with stable income. 0% APR promotional periods are valuable. Application is fast. Use the card elsewhere too. Most customers with credit history choose this.
Private plan if credit is challenging
Synchrony declined? Recent bankruptcy? We can often work out private plan. Higher down payment may be required (50% typical). Discuss honestly with us; we’ll find a way if there’s a way.
Insurance if collision-related
Collision repair: insurer pays directly typically. We work with State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, USAA, Progressive. Direct billing in most cases. You pay deductible.
Warranty if covered
Manufacturer warranty + extended service contract + aftermarket warranty. We work with most warrantors directly. You pay diagnostic fee (sometimes refunded) + deductible (sometimes).
Cash if affordable
Most cost-effective path. No interest, no payment terms, no credit application. ~70% of our repairs paid via credit/debit/cash same-day.
Consult before deciding
We’ll discuss options for major repairs. Sometimes the cheapest option (cash) is right; sometimes financing extends repair affordability while preserving cash for other needs. Honest discussion.
The financing process
From estimate to driving
- 1Receive estimateWritten estimate after diagnostic. Includes parts + labor + tax. We discuss whether financing makes sense for your situation.
- 2Apply for Synchrony (60 sec)Apply via tablet, online, or phone. 60-second decision. If approved, we proceed with repair + Synchrony pays the shop direct + you pay Synchrony over time.
- 3Or arrange private planIf you prefer or Synchrony declines: discuss private plan with Mike or Tim. Down payment typical, balance over agreed schedule. Documented in writing.
- 4Repair + paymentWork begins after approval. We complete repair. You take vehicle. Synchrony pays us; you pay Synchrony. Or you pay per private plan agreement. Vehicle stays with you regardless of payment status (we’re not a hostage shop).
Apply for Synchrony
60-second application
What you'll need
Name, address, date of birth, SSN (last 4 digits), monthly income, employment info. Basic info; takes 2-3 minutes to fill out.
Soft vs. hard credit pull
Pre-qualification = soft pull (no impact). Full application = hard pull (1-5 point dip, recovers 1-2 months). We can do soft pull first to estimate likelihood of approval.
Approval decision time
60-90 seconds typical. Sometimes longer for borderline applications. We’ll know whether you’re approved before you leave the shop (or before you start the appointment).
Credit limit + promotional offer
Approved with credit limit + applicable promotional offer. Limits typically $500-$5,000 first time. Repeat customers may be offered higher limits over time.
How to use
After approval, charge eligible repair to Synchrony card (we’ll process). Pay Synchrony over agreed time. If you finish within 0% APR period, no interest. Pay before due date to avoid late fees.
Customer service
Synchrony customer service: 1 (866) 396-8254 (24/7). Manage account at synchrony.com. We can help with general questions but specific account questions go to Synchrony.
Financing questions
What customers ask
- Yes for most customers — 0% APR promotional periods are genuinely 0% if you finish within the promo. Standard APR (14.9-29.9%) is high if you don’t finish in time. The math works strongly in your favor if you can finish; it works against you if you can’t.