How To Finance Expensive Dental Treatments In Australia: No Credit Check BNPL Options Explained

Dental care in Australia is largely accessed through private clinics. At the same time, patients typically pay for their treatments using private health insurance or government support schemes. However, not everything is covered by bulk billing. As a result, many people face significant out-of-pocket expenses. Even those with private health insurance are not fully protected. They often have to cover substantial gap payments on top of their monthly insurance premiums.

Owing to unstable finances, many Australians are hesitant to book appointments. Instead, they delay visits for as long as they can. And when they finally go, they often request only the bare minimum in treatments. Ultimately, this is an attempt to avoid the shock of high medical bills.

This is why flexible payment options have become increasingly popular. In fact, 43% of respondents reported using BNPL services to pay for a range of products and services—including dental care—making it easier to manage expenses without upfront financial strain.

BNPL services go beyond just helping customers afford necessities. According to new research by AFIA, conducted by BIS Oxford Economics and RFI Global, the BNPL sector contributed $22.9 billion to the Australian economy. In addition to this, it helped sustain nearly 150,000 local jobs in the past financial year.

As of July 2024, 59% of both Gen Z and Gen Y Australians reported using BNPL services in the past six months. Source: Statista

Between 2023 and 2029, the BNPL market is projected to nearly double, increasing from $11.29 billion to an estimated $20.39 billion.
Source: Redsearch

With such a significant impact, what exactly are BNPL services, and how can you get affordable dental treatments with BNPL? Let’s take a deeper look and explore them further.

What is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)?

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) allows customers to purchase products and services without paying the full amount upfront. Instead, it enables them to spread out the cost in fixed installments rather than upfront.

While BNPL might seem like a new trend, it actually has roots in the classic ‘lay-by’ system. Traditionally, lay-by required customers to pay in two or three installments, only receiving their goods once the full amount was covered. Although BNPL has provided ease to customers as they get their items right away. Then, they make payments to the BNPL provider instead of the store. This key shift makes BNPL a more immediate and flexible option for shoppers.

However, the psychological ease of deferred payments can lead to overlooking the total cost of their purchases. Without careful budgeting, customers may find themselves juggling multiple installment plans. Therefore leading to financial strain and potential debt accumulation. Responsible spending is key to making BNPL a truly beneficial tool.

To better understand BNPL, consider this example:

Jake needs a dental implant, but the procedure costs $5,000—a significant expense to cover upfront. Instead of postponing his treatment, he chooses BNPL or a flexible payment plan, making his dental care more affordable.

Here’s how his payment plan will look:

• Total Cost: $5,000
• BNPL Option: 12 months, $416.667/month
• Interest: 0% to low interest, depending on the provider

With this option, Jake gets the care he needs now while managing payments comfortably over time.

How BNPL is Transforming Dental Care

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services help bridge this gap by allowing individuals to receive the care they need immediately while spreading payments over time.

Let’s break it down in the table below for better clarity:

Benefits to Patients
Immediate Access to Care – Patients no longer have to delay necessary treatments due to financial constraints. With BNPL, they can initiate procedures without worrying about upfront costs.
Manageable Payments – Instead of paying a large sum at once, BNPL allows patients to divide the cost into smaller, interest-free installments, making it easier to budget.
No Major Financial Hurdles – Unlike traditional financing methods, BNPL offers a hassle-free way for patients to pay over time, making dental treatments more attainable.
Less Financial Stress – Patients can focus on their health rather than worrying about immediate payments. Moreover, they can receive comprehensive treatment instead of opting for only the bare minimum.

BNPL offers significant advantages, but with multiple financing options available, choosing the right one is essential. Patients must consider factors like affordability, approval criteria, and flexibility before committing. Here’s a quick guide to making an informed choice:

How to Choose the Right Dental Financing Option

1. Assess Your Budget – First, determine how much you can comfortably afford to pay each month without financial strain.

2. Check Approval Requirements – Some financing options require a credit check, while others offer more accessible approval criteria.

3. Compare Interest Rates & Fees – Look for plans with low or 0% interest and be mindful of additional fees like late payment charges.

4. Look at Repayment Flexibility – Choose a plan that allows you to adjust the repayment schedule to fit your financial situation.

5. Verify Coverage with Your Dentist – Most importantly, ensure the financing provider is accepted at your dental clinic before applying.

6. Read the Fine Print – Lastly, carefully review all terms to avoid hidden fees, penalties, or unexpected charges.

Once you've figured out the best way to finance your dental care, you can explore BNPL and other financing options. To make things easier, we've put together a helpful list for you.

Popular BNPL Providers for Dental Care in Australia

1. Plenti

Plenti offers personal loans tailored for dental procedures, providing patients with the financial flexibility to manage treatment costs. With competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms, Plenti ensures that quality dental care remains accessible to everyone.

Key Features:

• Flexible Loan Amounts - Patients can borrow up to $50,000, accommodating various dental treatment needs.​

• Customizable Loan Terms - Loan terms may range from 1 to 7 years. So patients can choose repayment schedules that suit their financial situations without feeling pressured by rigid deadlines.

• Fast Funding - Approved funds can be disbursed in as little as 24 hours, expediting access to dental care.​

• No Early Repayment Fees - Patients can make additional payments or repay the loan early without penalties.​

2. Zip Money

For dental procedures costing between $1,000 and $10,000, Zip Money provides a BNPL solution with more extended repayment options. This service caters to patients seeking to finance more significant dental treatments. ​

Key Features:

• Higher Credit Limits – Patients can finance treatments up to $10,000, which is ideal for major dental work.

• Interest-Free Period – Zip Money offers an initial interest-free period, but after that, a 19.9% annual interest rate applies.

• Establishment and Monthly Fees – There is a one-time setup fee starting from $25, plus a $6 monthly account fee, so costs can add up over time.

• Flexible Repayment Plans – Patients can customize their repayment schedules to suit their financial needs.

3. Payright

Payright offers tailored payment plans for dental treatments, ensuring patients can access care without immediate financial strain. Flexible repayment options help individuals manage costs more conveniently. ​

Key Features:

• High Financing Limits – Patients can get up to $10,000, helping cover costly dental treatments.

• Extended Repayment Terms – Repayment periods go up to 36 months, with options for fortnightly or monthly payments.

• Customizable Payment Schedules – Patients can modify payment dates and amounts, as long as they meet the minimum monthly payment.

• Associated Fees – Fees include a one-time establishment charge ($0–$89.95), a $3.50 monthly fee, a $2.95 processing fee, and potential late payment charges (up to $12.95).

Alternative or Similar Financing Options for Dental Care

1. Credee

With Credee, patients get dental payment plans in Australia with no credit check. This does not work the traditional way. Instead, it enables patients to pay in manageable chunks for dental procedures. Ultimately this ensures that dental care remains both affordable and accessible.

Key Features:

• No Credit Checks – Credee eliminates the hassle of traditional credit evaluations, making dental services accessible to a broader range of patients.

• High Approval Rates – With a 97% approval rate, Credee makes dental care more accessible. Patients get fast approval, allowing them to proceed with treatment without unnecessary delays.

• Flexible Repayment Terms – Patients can spread the cost of treatment over time with a payment plan that fits their budget. This ultimately removes financial stress and ensures they don’t have to postpone essential dental care.

• Automated Reminders – Credee sends timely reminders, helping patients stay on track effortlessly while avoiding late fees or service disruptions.

2. Afterpay

Afterpay is a popular BNPL service in Australia, and it also caters to dental care. By breaking treatment costs into four interest-free installments, Afterpay ensures that patients can access care without financial strain.

Key Features:

• Interest-Free Installments – Patients can split their treatment costs into 4 equal payments, which means they can receive care now and pay over time without interest.

• No Fees for Timely Payments – As long as patients make their payments on time, they won’t incur any extra fees, making it a budget-friendly option.

• Spending Limits – The maximum spending limit for dental services is $1,400. While this may not cover extensive procedures, it still helps with routine or minor treatments.

3. Pretty Penny

Pretty Penny is a financing provider that offers personal loans for medical and dental expenses in Australia. It helps patients cover the cost of treatments by providing unsecured loans with flexible repayment terms, allowing them to pay over time instead of upfront.

Key Features:

• Simple & Streamlined Process – The application process is straightforward, minimizing paperwork and approval delays so patients can access financing quickly.

• Competitive Interest Rates – Pretty Penny offers affordable interest rates, making dental treatments more manageable without excessive costs.

• Customizable Repayment Options – Patients can choose repayment plans that suit their budget, with terms extending up to 7 years for greater financial flexibility.

• Unsecured Loan Options – Borrow between $2,000 and $70,000 without the need for collateral, ensuring patients can cover everything from minor treatments to major dental procedures.

Dentist Payment Plans vs. BNPL: Which One Is Better?

Dentist Payment Plans	BNPL
Customizable Repayment Terms – Payment plans can be tailored based on treatment cost and budget, making them suitable for a wide range of procedures.	Instant Approval – Quick eligibility checks allow patients to access treatment without lengthy application processes.
Third-Party or In-House – Payment plans are managed directly by the dental clinic, or third-party financing providers. So patients can choose them accordingly.	Widespread Availability – Many dental clinics accept BNPL, giving patients more choices on where to receive care.
Flexible Terms - Flexible terms and clear payment breakdowns prevent unexpected charges or hidden fees.	Interest-Free Periods – Some BNPL providers offer zero-interest plans if payments are made within a specific timeframe.
Longer Repayment Periods – Suitable for major dental procedures, with extended repayment options to ease financial strain.	Short-Term Commitment – Ideal for smaller dental expenses, allowing patients to clear balances faster without long-term financial obligations.
No Impact on General Spending – Focused solely on dental care, ensuring the cost is managed without affecting other purchases or financial obligations.	Convenient Digital Payments – You can easily manage them through mobile apps, enabling quick access to payment tracking and reminders.

Which One Is Right for You?

• If you prefer structured, long-term payment flexibility, a dentist’s payment plan may be the better choice.

• If you need instant approval and short-term repayment, BNPL could be a convenient alternative.

In Conclusion

Both Dentist Payment Plans and BNPL make dental care more affordable and accessible. While BNPL offers quick approvals and interest-free options, dentist payment plans provide structured, long-term flexibility. Patients can choose based on their needs—whether they prefer manageable monthly payments, no credit checks, or extended repayment terms. However, it’s essential to compare options carefully. Some plans may work better for routine treatments, while others are ideal for more extensive procedures. By exploring both BNPL and dentist payment plans, patients can find a solution that ensures they get the care they need without financial stress.

FAQs

1. Can I Pay the Dentist With Credee?

Credee is one of the best dental financing options in Australia. You can pay your dentist with flexible payment plans that do not require a credit check.

2. Can I Pay Later at the Dentist?

Yes, you can opt for dentist payment plans to receive treatment on time and pay in installments over time. This makes dental care more accessible without the stress of upfront costs.

3. How Can I Fix My Teeth if I Don’t Have Money?

If you can’t afford dental care upfront, you can explore Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans, which let you pay in installments. Other options include government dental programs, community clinics, or financing plans offered by dental providers. These solutions help you get the care you need without immediate financial strain.

4. Can I Get New Teeth on a Payment Plan?

You can pay for a new tooth implant through dental payment plans in Australia.

5. Are There No Credit Check Dental Payment Plans in Australia?

Several dental payment plans in Australia do not require a credit check, making treatments more accessible. Credee allows patients to get necessary dental care without worrying about traditional credit approvals.

6. How To Find a Dentist With a Payment Plan Near Me?

Search online for BNPL-friendly dental clinics or call to ask about financing options.

7. How Is BNPL Different From Credit Card?

Both BNPL and credit cards allow deferred payments, but BNPL splits a single purchase into fixed installments, often interest-free. In contrast, credit cards offer a revolving credit line for multiple purchases, usually with ongoing interest if the balance isn’t paid in full.

8. Can I Get BNPL for Dental Care Without a Credit Check?

Yes, you can get BNPL for dental care without a credit check through providers like Credee. Credee approves 97% of patients, allowing them to access treatment immediately and pay in manageable installments—without traditional credit evaluations.