Scratchpay is a financial service designed to help people cover out-of-pocket medical costs, particularly in veterinary care. It was founded in 2016 by Caleb Morse and John Keatley and operates under the parent company Scratch Financial, Inc. Headquartered in Los Angeles, it has grown rapidly, raising over $100 million in funding and forming partnerships with banks like WebBank and Green Dot Bank.
Today, Scratchpay is accepted at more than 11,000 medical facilities across the United States and is used for everything from emergency vet bills to elective cosmetic procedures.
A Closer Look at Scratchpay’s Purpose
Scratchpay began with a clear mission. Many pet owners found themselves struggling to pay for emergency veterinary care, which is often expensive and rarely covered by insurance. Scratchpay stepped in to fill that gap, offering financing plans that could be approved quickly and without the kind of credit checks that shut many people out.
Over time, the platform expanded to include other types of medical care like dental work, chiropractic visits, vision correction, dermatology, and fertility services. While the focus remains heavily on veterinary costs, it now serves a broader audience seeking help with unexpected or large healthcare bills.
How the Application Process Works
The process to apply for Scratchpay is intentionally simple. You can apply through their website or the Scratch Plans app. It takes about two minutes and does not involve a hard credit check, so your credit score won’t take a hit just for checking your rate.
After entering basic information, users receive an instant decision. If approved, the funds go directly to the medical provider. This makes the experience seamless for both the customer and the clinic. You won’t get the money yourself. Instead, Scratchpay pays the provider and sets up your repayment plan.
Sometimes, identity verification is required. If you fail to provide a government-issued ID or other requested information, your application could be closed. However, you’re free to reapply later.
Understanding the Payment Plans
Scratchpay offers several options ranging from six months to five years. Some plans come with 0 percent interest for a limited time. Others include fixed interest rates based on your credit profile.
Your monthly payment depends on the plan length, interest rate, and loan amount. For example, a $10,000 loan paid over 12 months at 5.99 percent interest would result in monthly payments just over $860. The same loan over 24 months at a 13.99 percent interest rate would cost less each month but more overall.
There are no prepayment penalties, no hidden fees, and no deferred interest. However, if you make a late payment or miss one, interest can stack up. So it’s important to stay on top of the schedule.
One thing users often overlook is that Scratchpay loans are tied to the facility where you apply. If your pet needs emergency care somewhere else, you’ll need to start the application process over again.
Managing Your Loan and Payments
Once approved, you can manage everything through the app or website. You can sign up for autopay, reapply for new loans, update your information, and track your balance. The Scratch Plans app also helps users find clinics that accept Scratchpay.
For clinics, the platform integrates with their systems to make billing easier. Clinics can send digital invoices and text-to-pay links directly to patients. This is a big help for medical offices trying to reduce friction at checkout.
The app also assigns interest rates using a merit-based system. That means it tries to offer the best possible rate based on your creditworthiness without punishing you for just applying.
What Customers Are Saying
Scratchpay’s reputation online is mixed. On the one hand, there are glowing reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, where the company holds a high rating. Many pet owners say the service helped them afford life-saving treatments. They describe the application process as fast and easy, and they praise the zero-interest plans when paid off on time.
On the other hand, more critical reviews appear on platforms like PissedConsumer, where users complain about unclear loan terms, technical issues with the app, and poor customer service. Some say they thought they were signing up for a six-month zero-interest plan but ended up in a 12-month plan with high interest rates.
There are also complaints about the app’s performance. Users have reported trouble logging in, problems receiving verification codes, and delays in payment processing. These may seem like technical hiccups, but when money is involved, they can cause real stress.
Several users expressed frustration with not being able to use their approved loan across different providers, especially in emergencies. This restriction can be a real downside when timing and flexibility are critical.
Behind the Scenes: Company Culture and Operations
Scratchpay seems to operate in a fast-paced environment that rewards self-starters. Employee reviews from Glassdoor show a company with little formal structure and rapid growth. While some employees thrive in that kind of environment, others have called out leadership issues, particularly around communication and integrity. That lack of internal stability may contribute to some of the service-related problems customers experience.
Still, Scratchpay’s increasing web traffic and overall customer growth suggest that more people are turning to the platform in times of need. The company is clearly doing something right, even if it still has kinks to work out behind the scenes.
Is Scratchpay Legit?
Yes, Scratchpay is a legitimate financial service. The company is registered with the National Mortgage Licensing System under NMLS ID 1582666. It works with trusted banking partners, including WebBank for loan issuance and Green Dot Bank for special savings accounts targeted at pet owners.
But legitimacy does not always guarantee satisfaction. Users should always review terms carefully before committing to any loan. Look out for the actual interest rate, the repayment schedule, and any potential fees for late payments. If something seems off, contact support and get clarification in writing before you sign.
Final Thoughts
Scratchpay offers a real solution to a widespread problem. Medical bills—especially those for pets—can arrive out of nowhere and cost thousands of dollars. Most people aren’t prepared to pay that all at once. Scratchpay makes care more accessible by spreading those costs out over time.
Its ease of use, no-hard-check application, and 0 percent financing options are a huge plus for many users. But like any financial product, it’s not perfect. Some users have had issues with unclear terms, software bugs, and spotty customer service.
If you’re thinking of using Scratchpay, go in with your eyes open. Make sure you understand what you’re signing up for and confirm everything with your provider. When used wisely, it can be a helpful tool to manage surprise expenses and avoid putting off important care for you or your pet. But like any tool, it works best when handled carefully.