Best Countertop Financing Platforms in 2026
Countertop financing platforms let homeowners pay for their countertop projects in monthly installments while you receive the full project payment upfront (minus a dealer fee). The average countertop project costs $3,000-$6,000 - a price point where monthly payment options increase close rates by 20-30% and boost average order values by 15-25%.
TL;DR
- GreenSky is the most established home improvement financing platform with the widest dealer network
- Hearth is purpose-built for contractors and offers the easiest dealer enrollment
- Financing increases close rates by 20-30% and average ticket by 15-25%
- Dealer fees range from 2-15% depending on the promotional plan offered
- 0% APR promotions have higher dealer fees (8-15%) but close the most sales
- You get paid in full within 1-3 business days after the customer is approved
- No financial risk to you - the financing company assumes the credit risk
Evaluation Criteria
| Factor | Weight | What We Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Approval rates | 25% | Percentage of applicants approved |
| Dealer fees | 25% | Cost to the fabricator per financed sale |
| Customer experience | 20% | Application ease, speed, payment options |
| Dealer tools | 15% | Integration, training, marketing support |
| Plan variety | 15% | Promotional options, term lengths, credit tiers |
1. GreenSky - Best Overall for Home Improvement
GreenSky is the dominant financing platform in home improvement, partnering with thousands of contractors nationwide. Its brand recognition with homeowners and broad plan menu make it the default choice for most fabrication shops.
Pricing: Dealer fees 2-15% per transaction (varies by plan) Free Trial: Free to join (application required)
Key Features
- Plan Menu: 0% APR for 12-60 months, reduced APR plans, and deferred interest options.
- Fast Approval: Customers apply on their phone and get a decision in under 60 seconds.
- High Approval Rates: Approves borrowers across a wide credit range (typically 60-70% approval).
- Dealer Portal: Track applications, funded loans, and commission reports.
Pros
- Largest home improvement financing network
- High approval rates
- Wide plan variety for different customer profiles
- Fast funding (1-3 business days)
Cons
- Dealer fees on 0% APR plans are high (8-15%)
- Application process changed ownership (Goldman Sachs to Pagaya)
- Minimum monthly volume may be required
- Some plans have annual fees for customers
Best for: Shops wanting the broadest financing options and highest customer approval rates.
2. Hearth - Best for Easy Contractor Enrollment
Hearth was built specifically for home service contractors. Enrollment takes minutes, and the platform lets you offer financing from multiple lenders through one application - so if one lender declines, another may approve.
Pricing: Free to join | Dealer fees 2-12% per transaction Free Trial: Free (no monthly fees)
Key Features
- Multi-Lender: Customer applies once, gets offers from multiple lenders simultaneously.
- Contractor-Focused: Dashboard, training, and marketing designed for trades.
- Pre-Qualification: Soft credit check shows estimated terms without impacting credit score.
- Payment Link: Send a financing application link via text or email during the sales conversation.
Pros
- Multi-lender approach increases approval rates
- No monthly fees or minimums
- Pre-qualification builds customer confidence
- Easy text/email application links
Cons
- Individual lender terms vary
- Customer may receive different rates than expected
- Less brand recognition than GreenSky
- Dealer fees vary by lender
Best for: Shops wanting the easiest enrollment and multi-lender options without monthly commitments.
3. Synchrony Financial - Best for Branded Payment Cards
Synchrony offers branded payment cards (like a "Home Design Credit Card") that customers can reuse for future home improvement purchases. For shops wanting repeat business, the card keeps your brand in the customer's wallet.
Pricing: Dealer fees 3-12% (plan dependent) Free Trial: Application required
Key Features
- Branded Card Program: Customers receive a card branded to your business or the home improvement category.
- Promotional Financing: 0% APR for 6-24 months on purchases over set thresholds.
- Repeat Use: Customers can use the card for future projects without reapplying.
- Large Credit Lines: Typical approvals range from $3,000-$25,000+.
Pros
- Branded card encourages repeat business
- Large credit lines cover premium projects
- Promotional financing drives sales
- Strong consumer brand recognition
Cons
- Application process more involved than Hearth
- Card program setup takes time
- Minimum volume requirements may apply
- Higher complexity than simple financing links
Best for: Shops wanting a branded payment card that encourages repeat customer spending.
4. Mosaic - Best for Premium Projects
Mosaic focuses on larger home improvement projects ($10,000+), making it suitable for premium countertop installations and full kitchen remodels.
Pricing: Dealer fees 3-10% Free Trial: Dealer application required
Key Features
- High Loan Amounts: Approvals up to $75,000 for large projects.
- Longer Terms: 5-20 year repayment options for premium projects.
- Solar/Home Improvement Focus: Built for larger investments with good rates.
- Fast Funding: Dealer payments within 1-2 business days of project completion.
Pros
- High approval amounts for premium work
- Longer repayment terms reduce monthly payments
- Competitive rates for well-qualified borrowers
- Fast dealer funding
Cons
- Minimum project sizes may apply
- Less suitable for smaller ($2,000-$4,000) projects
- Approval rates lower than GreenSky for lower credit
- Focused on larger projects
Best for: Shops doing premium countertop projects averaging $8,000+ or full kitchen remodels.
5. PayPal Pay Later - Best for Quick Online Transactions
PayPal's Pay Later options (Pay in 4 and Pay Monthly) work for shops that sell countertops through a website or take deposits online. No dealer enrollment needed - it's built into PayPal.
Pricing: Standard PayPal transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30) Free Trial: Available to any PayPal business account
Key Features
- Pay in 4: Customers split purchases into 4 interest-free biweekly payments.
- Pay Monthly: Monthly payment plans for purchases $199+.
- No Enrollment: If you accept PayPal, Pay Later is already available.
- Instant Decision: Customer sees payment options at checkout.
Pros
- No additional enrollment or fees beyond PayPal
- Customers already trust PayPal
- Works for deposits and smaller purchases
- Zero dealer fees beyond standard PayPal rates
Cons
- Pay in 4 limited to $1,500
- Monthly plans have lower limits than dedicated platforms
- Not designed for contractor-style financing
- Customer needs a PayPal account
Best for: Shops collecting deposits or partial payments through online invoicing.
6. Service Finance Company - Best for Low Dealer Fees
Service Finance offers competitive dealer fee structures, particularly on standard (non-promotional) financing plans. For shops where margin protection is the priority, their fee schedule is attractive.
Pricing: Dealer fees 1.5-9% (varies by plan) Free Trial: Dealer application required
Key Features
- Low Dealer Fees: Standard plans carry 1.5-5% fees, among the lowest in the industry.
- Multiple Plans: 0% APR, reduced APR, and standard rate options.
- Fast Application: 60-second decisions on mobile or in-store.
- Training Support: Financing sales training for your team.
Pros
- Some of the lowest dealer fees available
- Multiple plan options
- Good training and support
- Fast approvals
Cons
- Smaller lender (less brand recognition)
- Approval rates slightly lower than GreenSky
- Limited marketing materials
- May require minimum volume
Best for: Margin-conscious shops that want to offer financing without heavy dealer fees.
7. In-House Payment Plans - Best for Full Control
Some fabrication shops offer their own payment plans - typically 2-4 installments over the project timeline (deposit, template, fabrication, installation). No financing company involved.
Pricing: Free (but you assume the credit risk) Free Trial: N/A
Key Features
- Custom Terms: Set your own payment schedule tied to project milestones.
- No Dealer Fees: 100% of the payment comes to you.
- Simplicity: No applications, credit checks, or third-party involvement.
- Flexibility: Adjust terms per customer if needed.
Pros
- Zero fees or commissions
- Complete control over terms
- No customer credit check (which some customers prefer)
- Simple to implement
Cons
- You assume all credit risk (non-payment)
- Tying up capital in unpaid balances
- No consumer protection for the customer
- Manual payment tracking
Best for: Shops comfortable with credit risk that want maximum margin on financed sales.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Dealer Fee | Approval Rate | Max Amount | Speed | Best Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GreenSky | 2-15% | 60-70% | $65,000 | 60 sec | 0% APR 12-60mo |
| Hearth | 2-12% | 55-70% | $100,000 | 60 sec | Multi-lender |
| Synchrony | 3-12% | 55-65% | $25,000+ | 2-5 min | Branded card |
| Mosaic | 3-10% | 50-60% | $75,000 | 2-5 min | Long-term loans |
| PayPal | 2.9% | Varies | $1,500-$10,000 | Instant | Pay in 4 |
| Service Finance | 1.5-9% | 50-60% | $50,000 | 60 sec | Low-fee plans |
| In-House | 0% | 100% (your risk) | Your limit | Instant | Custom terms |
How Financing Increases Your Revenue
Higher Close Rates
A $4,500 countertop quoted as "$4,500 due at completion" closes 25-35% of the time. The same project quoted as "$4,500 or $125/month for 36 months" closes 35-45% of the time. The monthly payment reframes the decision.
Higher Average Order Value
When customers can pay monthly, they trade up. The customer who would choose Level 2 granite at $3,800 instead picks Level 4 quartzite at $5,200 because the monthly difference is only $40. Shops report 15-25% higher average tickets with financing available.
The Dealer Fee Math
You pay a 10% dealer fee on a $5,000 financed sale = $500 cost. But without financing, the customer might have chosen the $3,800 option (or gone to a competitor). The $500 fee is offset by the $1,400 revenue increase plus the deal you might have lost entirely.
How to Present Financing
Always Show the Monthly Payment
Include monthly payment options on every quote alongside the full price. Let the customer choose - don't assume their payment preference.
Pre-Qualify Before Pricing
Have customers pre-qualify (soft credit check, no impact) before presenting options. This tells you their budget range and prevents awkward conversations about declined applications.
Train Your Sales Team
Salespeople uncomfortable with financing won't offer it. Train them on the application process, common objections, and how to present monthly payments naturally.
Don't Lead with Financing
Lead with the project value - the beautiful countertop that transforms their kitchen. Introduce financing when discussing pricing: "For this project, many of our customers choose the monthly payment option. Would you like to see what that looks like?"
FAQ
How does countertop financing work?
The customer applies through the financing platform. If approved, they agree to monthly payments. The financing company pays you the full project amount (minus dealer fee) within 1-3 business days. The customer repays the financing company over time.
What credit score do customers need?
Most platforms approve customers with scores of 640+. Some (GreenSky, Hearth with multi-lender) can approve down to 580. Approval rates across all applicants typically range from 50-70%.
How much are dealer fees?
Standard financing plans: 2-5%. 0% APR promotional plans: 8-15%. The higher the promotional benefit to the customer, the higher your dealer fee.
Do I receive full payment upfront?
Yes. Most platforms fund dealers within 1-3 business days after project completion or customer acceptance. Some allow progress funding on larger projects.
Is there risk to my business?
Minimal. The financing company assumes the credit risk. If the customer doesn't pay their monthly bill, that's between them and the lender. You've already been paid.
Should I offer 0% APR financing?
0% APR is the strongest sales tool but carries the highest dealer fee (8-15%). Offer it as an option alongside standard financing. Many customers will choose 0% APR, but some will prefer a lower rate with lower payments.
Can I pass the dealer fee to the customer?
Technically yes (by raising your prices), but be careful. Some financing agreements prohibit surcharging financed customers. Check your dealer agreement terms.
How do I handle financing for partial projects?
For deposits, use PayPal Pay Later or in-house installments. For the full project, use traditional financing platforms. Some platforms allow partial financing (customer pays deposit, finances the balance).
What if a customer's financing application is declined?
Offer alternatives: a different lender (Hearth's multi-lender approach), a co-signer, in-house payment plan, or a scope reduction to fit their budget.
Do I need a special license to offer financing?
No. You're not lending money - the financing company is. You're referring customers to a licensed lender. Most platforms handle all compliance requirements.
How do I track financed vs. cash sales?
Your financing platform dashboard shows all financed transactions. Tag these sales in your shop management system (SlabWise, Moraware) for P&L analysis of net revenue after dealer fees.
Close More Sales with Better Payment Options
While financing platforms help customers afford premium countertops, SlabWise helps you quote those projects in 3 minutes flat. Pair fast quoting with financing and you have a sales process that converts. Start your 14-day free trial.
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Sources
- GreenSky - Dealer Program Documentation and Statistics
- Synchrony Financial - Home Improvement Financing Report 2025
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Consumer Financing Study
- Hearth - Contractor Financing Benchmark Data
- Remodeling Magazine - Consumer Payment Preferences Survey
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Home Improvement Lending Data
- Harvard Business Review - Payment Options and Purchase Decisions