Is Financing Available for Countertops?
Quick Answer
Countertop financing options make premium materials accessible to more homeowners.
Yes - multiple financing options exist for countertop projects. The most common are: 0% promotional credit cards (best for projects under $5,000 you can pay off within 12-18 months), home equity loans or HELOCs (best for larger renovation budgets with the lowest interest rates), personal loans (quick approval, no home equity required), and fabricator-offered payment plans (increasingly common through third-party lenders like GreenSky, Synchrony, or Hearth). Most fabricators expect 50% down with the balance at installation, but many now offer payment plans that spread the cost over 6-60 months.
TL;DR
- 0% APR credit cards work well for projects under $5,000 (pay off within promo period)
- Home equity loans/HELOCs offer the lowest rates (6-9%) but require equity and take 2-4 weeks to close
- Personal loans are fast (2-7 day approval) with rates of 7-18% depending on credit
- Many fabricators offer financing through third-party platforms like GreenSky or Synchrony
- "Same as cash" plans let you pay 0% interest if paid within 6-18 months
- Financing a countertop as part of a larger kitchen renovation simplifies the process
- Average countertop project runs $3,000-$8,000 - right in the sweet spot for most financing options
- For fabricators: offering financing can increase close rates by 15-25%
Financing Options Compared
| Option | Typical APR | Approval Time | Best For | Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% promo credit card | 0% for 12-21 months, then 18-27% | Instant-7 days | Under $5,000, good credit | Credit limit |
| Home equity loan | 6-9% fixed | 2-4 weeks | Large renovations ($10K+) | Based on equity |
| HELOC | 6-9% variable | 2-4 weeks | Ongoing renovation projects | Based on equity |
| Personal loan | 7-18% | 2-7 days | Quick funding, no equity | $2,000-$50,000 |
| Fabricator financing (GreenSky/Synchrony) | 0-15% | Same day | Any project, applied at point of sale | $1,000-$65,000 |
| "Same as cash" plan | 0% if paid in full by deadline | Same day | Disciplined payers, 6-18 month term | $1,000-$25,000 |
| Contractor installment plan | 0% (informal) | Immediate | Small projects, trusted relationships | Varies |
Option 1: 0% Promotional Credit Cards
How It Works
Apply for a credit card with a 0% introductory APR period (typically 12-21 months). Charge the countertop project to the card and pay it off in equal monthly payments before the promotional period ends.
Math Example
- Project cost: $5,000
- Promo period: 18 months at 0% APR
- Monthly payment: $278/month
- Total interest paid: $0
The catch: If you don't pay off the full balance before the promo period ends, most cards retroactively charge interest on the original balance at 18-27% APR. On $5,000, that could mean $900-$1,350 in surprise interest.
Best For
- Projects under $5,000
- Homeowners with good credit (700+ score for the best cards)
- People who are confident they'll pay the balance in full before the promo ends
Cards Commonly Used for Renovations
Look for cards with:
- 15+ months at 0% APR
- No annual fee
- High enough credit limit for your project
- Cash back or rewards on the purchase
Option 2: Home Equity Loan or HELOC
How It Works
Borrow against the equity in your home. A home equity loan gives you a lump sum at a fixed rate. A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) gives you a revolving credit line at a variable rate.
Math Example
- Project cost: $8,000 (as part of a larger kitchen renovation)
- Loan term: 10 years at 7.5% fixed
- Monthly payment: $95/month
- Total interest paid: $3,400 over 10 years
Best For
- Larger renovation budgets ($10,000+)
- Homeowners with significant equity
- Those who want the lowest interest rate
- Projects that include countertops as part of a full kitchen remodel
Considerations
- Closing costs: 2-5% of the loan amount ($160-$400 on $8,000)
- Approval time: 2-4 weeks, which may delay your project start
- Risk: Your home is the collateral - defaulting could lead to foreclosure
- Tax benefit: Interest may be deductible if used for home improvement (consult a tax professional)
Option 3: Personal Loan
How It Works
An unsecured loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender. No home equity required. Fixed monthly payments over a set term.
Math Example
- Project cost: $5,000
- Loan term: 3 years at 10% APR
- Monthly payment: $161/month
- Total interest paid: $804
Best For
- Homeowners without significant equity
- Renters getting countertops for an investment property
- Quick funding needs (2-7 day approval)
- Mid-range project costs ($3,000-$15,000)
Where to Apply
- Banks and credit unions (often lowest rates for existing customers)
- Online lenders (LightStream, SoFi, Marcus, Prosper)
- Peer-to-peer lending platforms
Option 4: Fabricator-Offered Financing
How It Works
Many countertop fabricators partner with third-party lending platforms to offer financing directly at the point of sale. The homeowner applies during the sales process and gets approved (or denied) within minutes.
Common Platforms
| Platform | Typical Terms | How It Works for the Customer |
|---|---|---|
| GreenSky | 0-12% APR, 6-144 months | Apply online or in-shop; instant decision |
| Synchrony | 0-17% APR, 6-60 months | Apply online; same-as-cash options available |
| Hearth | Varies by lender (marketplace model) | Multiple offers from different lenders |
| Wisetack | 0-24% APR, 3-60 months | Apply via text/email link from fabricator |
| Acorn Finance | Varies (marketplace model) | Multiple prequalified offers, soft credit check |
Benefits for Homeowners
- Apply and get approved during the sales visit
- No need to shop for a separate loan
- Multiple term lengths available
- "Same as cash" options often available (0% if paid within 6-18 months)
Benefits for Fabricators
- Customers can say "yes" immediately instead of delaying to arrange financing
- Higher average job value (customers are more willing to upgrade material or add scope)
- Close rate increases by an estimated 15-25% when financing is offered
- The fabricator gets paid in full by the lender - no collections risk
Option 5: "Same as Cash" Promotional Plans
How It Works
The fabricator (through a lending partner) offers 0% interest if the balance is paid in full within a set period - typically 6, 12, or 18 months. If the balance isn't paid in full by the deadline, interest accrues retroactively from the purchase date, often at 20-27%.
Math Example (Paid On Time)
- Project cost: $4,500
- Term: 12 months same-as-cash
- Monthly payment: $375/month
- Total interest paid: $0
Math Example (Not Paid On Time - $1,000 remaining balance)
- Remaining balance at month 12: $1,000
- Retroactive interest: Applied to the original $4,500 at 24% APR
- Interest charge: $1,080 added to your balance
The retroactive interest is the major risk. If you're not confident you can pay the full balance by the deadline, a fixed-rate personal loan may be a safer (and ultimately cheaper) choice.
Typical Countertop Project Costs and Monthly Payments
| Project Scope | Total Cost | 12-Month 0% Plan | 36-Month at 10% | 60-Month at 8% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom vanity | $1,500-$3,000 | $125-$250/mo | $48-$97/mo | $30-$61/mo |
| Standard kitchen | $3,000-$6,000 | $250-$500/mo | $97-$194/mo | $61-$122/mo |
| Kitchen + island | $5,000-$10,000 | $417-$833/mo | $161-$323/mo | $101-$203/mo |
| Kitchen + 2 baths | $6,000-$12,000 | $500-$1,000/mo | $194-$387/mo | $122-$243/mo |
| Full renovation package | $8,000-$15,000 | $667-$1,250/mo | $258-$484/mo | $162-$304/mo |
Tips for Choosing the Right Option
If your project is under $3,000: A 0% credit card or same-as-cash plan is the simplest option. Monthly payments are manageable and you avoid loan fees.
If your project is $3,000-$8,000: Fabricator financing or a personal loan offer the best balance of convenience and cost. Compare the fabricator's financing terms against a personal loan to see which is cheaper.
If your project is over $8,000 (full kitchen renovation): A home equity loan or HELOC gives you the lowest interest rate. The longer approval process is acceptable since the renovation takes time to plan anyway.
If your credit score is below 650: Options narrow. GreenSky and some fabricator financing platforms accept lower credit scores but at higher interest rates. A credit union personal loan may offer better terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do most fabricators offer financing?
Increasingly yes. About 30-40% of US fabricators now offer some form of financing through third-party platforms. Larger shops and those focused on residential direct-to-consumer work are more likely to offer it.
Can I finance just the countertops if I'm paying cash for the rest of my renovation?
Yes. Countertop financing is independent of how you pay for other renovation work. You can finance the countertops while paying cash for cabinets, tile, and painting.
Does applying for countertop financing affect my credit score?
Most fabricator financing platforms do a soft credit pull for prequalification (no credit impact). A hard inquiry occurs when you formally apply and accept the loan, which may temporarily lower your score by 5-10 points.
What credit score do I need for 0% financing?
Most 0% promotional credit cards require 700+ credit score. Fabricator-offered 0% same-as-cash plans through GreenSky or Synchrony typically require 650+. Below 650, you'll likely be offered financing at a higher interest rate.
Can I pay off the loan early?
Most countertop financing options have no prepayment penalties. Check the specific terms of your loan, but early payoff is almost always allowed and saves you interest.
Is it worth financing countertops?
If it allows you to get the material you want now rather than settling for a cheaper option, financing can make sense - especially at 0% promotional rates. Paying high interest (15%+) to finance countertops is rarely a good financial decision.
How does fabricator financing work from the fabricator's side?
The fabricator partners with a lending platform. When a customer applies and is approved, the lender pays the fabricator in full (minus a merchant fee of 2-8%). The customer then makes payments to the lender. The fabricator gets paid promptly without collections risk.
Can I use financing for just the deposit?
Usually no - fabricator financing covers the full project cost. You wouldn't finance the deposit and pay the balance separately. The loan covers everything, and the fabricator draws from the loan as work is completed.
Help Your Customers Finance Their Dream Kitchen
For fabricators: offering financing at the point of sale increases close rates and average job value. SlabWise integrates with financing platforms so customers can apply while reviewing their quote - removing the "I need to figure out how to pay for it" objection.
Start your 14-day free trial to convert more quotes into signed contracts.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Home equity loan guidelines and consumer data
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Kitchen renovation financing trends
- GreenSky, Synchrony, Hearth - Merchant and consumer financing program details
- Federal Reserve - Consumer credit interest rate data
- Bankrate - Personal loan and credit card rate comparisons
- Home improvement industry data on financing adoption rates