LabCorp offers payment plans through third-party financing, not directly through the lab itself
LabCorp does not run its own payment plan program. Instead, when you owe a balance after a lab test, LabCorp works with CareCredit, a medical credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, to let you spread payments over time. You can also pay your LabCorp bill through standard methods—debit, credit, or bank account—and some healthcare providers who ordered your test may have their own payment arrangements that cover the lab portion of your bill.
The key difference: LabCorp itself is not the lender. CareCredit is a separate financial product that LabCorp accepts. If you want to use a payment plan, you need to either already have a CareCredit card or open one at the time of payment.
Key Takeaways
- LabCorp accepts CareCredit, a medical credit card, which offers promotional financing periods (often 6, 12, or 24 months interest-free depending on the purchase amount).
- You must open a CareCredit account yourself—LabCorp does not create one for you, though you can apply during checkout on their bill payment page.
- If your healthcare provider ordered the test, ask whether they have payment plans that cover lab costs; some do, and those may be easier than opening a new credit account.
- LabCorp also accepts standard credit cards and bank account payments, which do not spread the cost but may offer rewards or other benefits through your own bank.
How CareCredit works with LabCorp
When you receive a bill from LabCorp, you can choose CareCredit as your payment method on their website or by phone. If you do not already have a CareCredit card, you can apply for one during the payment process. Synchrony Bank (the issuer) makes a decision in seconds to minutes, and if approved, you can use the card immediately to pay your LabCorp balance.
CareCredit offers promotional interest rates depending on the amount you charge. A purchase under $200 might may have access to for 6 months interest-free; larger amounts may may have access to for 12, 18, or 24 months interest-free. After the promotional period ends, any remaining balance accrues interest at CareCredit's standard rate (which varies but is typically in the high teens to low 20s as an annual percentage rate). You can avoid interest entirely by paying off the full balance before the promotional period expires.
The catch: CareCredit is a credit card, not a true payment plan. You are borrowing money and must make at least the minimum monthly payment. If you miss a payment, it damages your credit score just like any other credit card.
Paying LabCorp without a credit card or new account
If you do not want to open CareCredit or any new credit account, you can pay LabCorp directly using a debit card, credit card you already own, or a bank account transfer. None of these methods spread the cost—you pay the full balance at once—but they avoid taking on new debt.
To pay, log into your LabCorp account online, call their billing department, or visit a LabCorp patient service center in person. LabCorp's website shows a "Pay My Bill" option where you enter your account number or date of birth to locate your balance. Payment typically posts within one to two business days.
If you genuinely cannot pay the full amount and do not want to use CareCredit, contact LabCorp's billing department directly. Some locations may work with you on a payment arrangement, though this is not may provide and depends on the amount owed and your specific situation. LabCorp does not advertise a formal hardship program the way some hospitals do.
When your healthcare provider may cover the lab cost
If your doctor, urgent care clinic, or hospital ordered the LabCorp test, ask whether the provider has a payment plan that includes lab work. Many medical practices and health systems have their own financing options or payment arrangements that cover all charges, including the lab portion. This route often avoids opening a new credit account and may offer terms specific to your provider's policies.
Some providers use their own in-house payment plans (you pay them, and they pay LabCorp). Others work with financing companies similar to CareCredit but may have different terms or promotional periods. A few providers write off small balances or offer discounts for uninsured or low-income patients. The only way to know is to ask your provider's billing office before or immediately after your test.
What happens if you do not pay a LabCorp bill
LabCorp does not withhold future test results if you owe money—your doctor can still access your results. However, the unpaid balance will be reported to collection agencies if it remains unpaid for several months (typically 90 to 180 days, depending on LabCorp's policy). Once in collections, the debt appears on your credit report and can damage your credit score for up to seven years.
A collections account also means you may receive calls or letters from a debt collector, and the collector may sue you to recover the debt (though this is less common for smaller medical bills). Paying the balance, even partially, stops the collection process and prevents further damage to your credit.
Comparing your payment options at LabCorp
| Payment Method | Spreads Cost Over Time | Requires New Account | Interest Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Yes (6–24 months interest-free, then interest accrues) | Yes | High if balance not paid before promo period ends |
| Debit or credit card (full payment) | No | No | None |
| Bank account transfer (full payment) | No | No | None |
| Provider's payment plan | Possibly (depends on provider) | Depends on provider | Depends on provider |
| Direct arrangement with LabCorp billing | Possibly (not may provide) | No | None if informal; depends if formal plan exists |
How to apply for CareCredit during LabCorp checkout
When you log into your LabCorp bill payment account online, select CareCredit as your payment method. You will be directed to Synchrony Bank's application page. Fill in your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income information. Synchrony makes a decision in real time—you will see whether you are approved or declined before you finish the transaction.
If approved, your new CareCredit card number appears on screen, and you can use it immediately to pay your LabCorp bill. The physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If declined, you can try again after 30 days, or you can choose a different payment method to pay LabCorp now.
Keep in mind that applying for CareCredit triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your credit score by a few points. If you are denied, multiple applications in a short time can compound the damage. Apply only if you are reasonably confident you will be approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a payment plan directly with LabCorp without using CareCredit?
LabCorp does not advertise a direct payment plan program. Your best option is to contact their billing department and ask whether they can work with you on an informal arrangement. Some locations may agree, but there is no may provide. Your provider's billing office is more likely to have a formal payment plan that covers lab costs.
What if I am denied for CareCredit?
If Synchrony Bank denies your application, you can pay LabCorp in full using a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. You can also ask LabCorp's billing department whether they offer any other options. Reapplying for CareCredit within 30 days is not recommended, as multiple applications lower your credit score further.
Does LabCorp charge interest if I pay in installments without CareCredit?
LabCorp itself does not charge interest on unpaid balances. However, if you use a credit card to pay and carry a balance on that card, your card issuer will charge interest. If you set up an informal payment arrangement with LabCorp's billing department, ask whether interest applies—most do not, but confirm in writing.
Will using CareCredit hurt my credit score?
Opening a CareCredit account triggers a hard inquiry, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. Using the card and paying on time actually helps your score over time. Missing payments or carrying a high balance damages your score significantly, so only open CareCredit if you are confident you can pay it off within the promotional period.
Can I use a payment plan if I have insurance?
Yes. Insurance covers part of your lab test, and you are responsible for your copay or coinsurance. That out-of-pocket amount is what you can pay through CareCredit or another method. Ask your insurance company and LabCorp what your exact responsibility is before you choose a payment method.