Payment Plans for Dental Procedures: What You Should Know

Payment plans like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) have become incredibly popular across Australia—offering convenience, flexibility, and a way to manage purchases without upfront costs. As many would have seen, as of 10 June 2025, significant changes have come into place that every consumer should be aware of. At Vogue Dental Studios, we are committed to ethical, patient-centered care. It is important for us to keep you informed with your payment plan options.

Whether you're signing up for a cosmetic treatment, shopping online, or financing a bigger purchase, here's what you should know before choosing a payment plan.

Until recently, BNPL products operated in a regulatory grey zone. But now, under changes to the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP), BNPL providers are officially recognized as credit lenders. 

This means:

• BNPL must follow licensing rules
• Providers need to comply with responsible lending obligations
• Consumers now have access to complaint handling via AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority)

So before signing up, make sure you determine clearer disclosures, stronger protections, and the ability to escalate issues if something goes wrong.

Many BNPL products now fall under a new legal category: the Low Cost Credit Contract (LCCC). These are designed to protect consumers while keeping payment plans affordable.

Key things to know about LCCCs:

• The total loan or credit amount must be $2,000 or less
• Fees are capped to: 1) $200 in the first year, 2) $125 per year after that, 3) Late fees capped at $10 per month

You’ll still receive contract information upfront, and suitability assessments may be required to ensure the loan is right for your situation

Think of LCCCs as BNPL with a legal safety net.

When you apply for a payment plan, you might undergo a credit inquiry—but not all credit checks are the same. Please note that a credit inquiry is just another way of saying a credit check. 

• Hard inquiry: Performed when you apply for credit. It can affect your credit score slightly and stays on your record for up to five years.
• Soft inquiry: A background check that does not affect your credit score—commonly used for pre-approvals or eligibility checks.

Some BNPL providers may now conduct soft or modified credit checks under the new laws. This means your financial situation may be reviewed to ensure the plan is suitable for you, especially if you're borrowing close to or over $2,000.

If you’ve used humm or seen it offered at checkout, it’s helpful to know the company behind it.

Once Credit Pty Ltd is the licensed credit provider that powers humm—one of Australia's most prominent BNPL and payment plan providers. It operates under an Australian Credit Licence and is fully regulated by ASIC.

They offer:

• Interest-free instalment options
• Larger limit plans for bigger purchases (for example, health, home, or dental services)
• BNPL options compliant with the new LCCC standards

Once Credit Pty Ltd ensures that humm products are delivered within the new legal framework—providing transparency, affordability, and access to complaint resolution through AFCA.

Before signing up for any payment plan, it’s important to do your research. Make sure the provider is properly licensed under Australian credit laws and find out whether they perform a credit check—and if so, whether it’s a soft or hard inquiry. Take time to understand the full cost of the plan, including any monthly or late fees, and ensure that the repayments are manageable for your budget. As a consumer, you now have stronger rights under the new BNPL regulations, including access to external dispute resolution through AFCA if something goes wrong. Choosing a reputable provider, such as humm through Once Credit Pty Ltd, can give you confidence that your plan is regulated, transparent, and aligned with your financial well-being.

By understanding how payment plans work—and what the new rules mean for you—you can make smarter, safer choices about how to manage your purchases.

Understanding your treatment

It’s so important to understand what treatment you want to proceed with along with what treatment you are proceeding with. Know your treatment and what you are signing up for. 

Understanding the pricing 

A written quote is essential to know what you’re up for when it comes to pricing and to avoid any hidden fees and costs. An itemized quote ensures that the clinic you have chosen is fully transparent. And make sure you watch out for optional extras.

Do your research and know your dentists’ credentials 

Doing extensive research on your chosen dentist ensures they are fully qualified, in a reputable clinic and has substantial, real patients before-and-after’s. 

Know what you’re signing up for

We don’t believe in signing up on day one. Decisions should be made after doing thorough research with adequate time to process the information provided. 

Trust your Gut

If something feels off—like not seeing a dentist during your consultation or if you feel pressured to sign up straight after your appointment. We always recommend that patients avoid vague answers, rushed decisions, and heavy sales tactics. Always advocate for yourself. 

Investing in your smile is a powerful, life-changing decision—and it deserves to be made with clarity, confidence, and care. With the new regulations around payment plans, consumers now have stronger protections and more transparency than ever before. By understanding your treatment, knowing your financial options, and doing your due diligence when choosing a provider, you can feel empowered to make informed choices that support both your smile and your financial well-being. Take your time, ask questions, and always trust your gut—because your smile is worth getting right.

Written By

Intan Nobury

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An appreciator of art, novels and high intensity sports. With a passion for work and a dangerous addiction to tea.