How Smile Generation Payment Plans Work and What Happens If You Miss a Payment
What Smile Generation payment is and how it gets taken from your account
Smile Generation is a dental discount plan that charges a monthly membership fee, usually between $80 and $200 depending on which plan you choose. The company pulls this fee from your bank account on the same day each month using ACH (Automated Clearing House) — the same electronic system that handles most recurring bills. You authorize this withdrawal when you sign up, and Smile Generation keeps that authorization on file for as long as your membership stays active.
The payment comes out as a debit to your checking account, just like a subscription or utility bill. Smile Generation does not charge interest or late fees the way a credit card does, but if your account does not have enough money when the withdrawal is scheduled, your bank will either reject it or charge you an overdraft fee. Once you are enrolled, the company sends you a confirmation email with your membership details and the exact date your first payment will be withdrawn.
Unlike dental insurance, Smile Generation does not pay dentists on your behalf. Instead, you pay the monthly membership fee and then receive a discount card that you show at participating dental offices. The dentist applies the discount at the time of your visit, and you pay the reduced rate out of pocket. The membership covers routine visits, cleanings, and exams at no extra cost beyond your monthly fee, but major work like crowns or root canals still costs money — you just get a percentage off.
Key Takeaways
- Smile Generation charges a monthly fee through ACH withdrawal from your bank account, and the exact date is set when you enroll.
- If your account lacks funds on the withdrawal date, your bank will reject the payment or charge an overdraft fee — Smile Generation does not charge late fees.
- Stopping the payment requires you to cancel your membership directly with Smile Generation, not through your bank.
- If a payment fails, contact Smile Generation to update your bank details or reschedule the withdrawal before your membership is suspended.
- You can view your payment history and membership status in your Smile Generation online account or by calling their customer service line.
How to find your payment date and update your bank account information
Your Smile Generation membership fee is withdrawn on the same date every month. You can find this date by logging into your Smile Generation account online or by calling their customer service number, which is printed on your membership card. If you need to change the withdrawal date — for example, to align it with when you get paid — contact Smile Generation directly. They can move your payment date within the same billing cycle, though the change may not take effect until your next billing period.
If you have changed banks, moved to a new checking account, or need to update your payment method, log into your account and select the payment or billing section. You will be asked to enter your new bank routing number and account number. Smile Generation will verify the account before the next withdrawal. If you do not update your information and a payment fails, your membership may be suspended until the payment goes through or you contact the company to resolve it.
What happens if a payment fails or bounces
When Smile Generation attempts to withdraw your monthly fee and your bank rejects it — usually because your account does not have enough funds — the company will typically try again within a few days. If the second attempt also fails, Smile Generation will send you an email or letter notifying you that your payment could not be processed. At this point, your membership is usually suspended, meaning you cannot use your discount card at participating dentists until the payment goes through.
You have a few options to fix this. You can log into your account and update your bank information if the problem was an old or incorrect account number. You can also contact Smile Generation's customer service to make a one-time payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Once the payment clears, your membership is reactivated immediately. If you do not resolve the failed payment within 30 days, Smile Generation may cancel your membership entirely, and you would need to re-enroll if you want to continue.
Your bank may also charge you an overdraft fee when Smile Generation's withdrawal is rejected — this is separate from any action Smile Generation takes. Check your bank account and contact your bank if you see an overdraft charge; some banks will reverse one overdraft fee per year if you ask.
How to pause or stop your Smile Generation membership
If you want to stop the monthly payments, you must cancel your Smile Generation membership directly with the company. Simply stopping the ACH payment through your bank will not cancel your membership — Smile Generation will keep trying to collect the fee, and your account will eventually be sent to collections if the debt is not resolved. To cancel, log into your account online, call customer service, or visit a participating Smile Generation dental office and ask to speak with a representative.
When you cancel, Smile Generation will confirm the cancellation date and stop charging your account after that date. Some plans allow you to pause your membership for a set period (usually 30 to 90 days) rather than cancel outright, which means you can resume without re-enrolling. Ask about this option when you contact the company. Your discount card will stop working once your membership ends, so plan any dental visits you need before the cancellation takes effect.
How ACH withdrawal works and why timing matters
ACH is an electronic system that moves money between bank accounts. When you authorize Smile Generation to charge your account, you are giving the company permission to initiate a debit — a pull of money from your account to theirs. This is different from a credit card charge, where you are pushing money out. With ACH, Smile Generation controls when the money is pulled, and your bank processes it on the date scheduled.
ACH withdrawals typically take one to two business days to clear. If you know a Smile Generation payment is coming on the 15th and you do not have funds until the 16th, the withdrawal may still fail because the bank processes it before your deposit arrives. To avoid this, make sure your account has enough money at least one day before your scheduled payment date. If you get paid on the same day as your Smile Generation payment, ask Smile Generation to move your payment date to a few days later in the month.
Disputing a Smile Generation charge you did not authorize
If you see a Smile Generation charge on your bank statement that you did not authorize, or if you cancelled your membership but the company kept charging you, contact your bank first. Explain that the charge was unauthorized or that you cancelled the service. Your bank can file a dispute on your behalf, which is called a chargeback. The bank will investigate and may reverse the charge while they look into it.
At the same time, contact Smile Generation directly with proof of your cancellation request or evidence that you did not authorize the charge. Keep copies of emails, cancellation confirmations, or notes from phone calls. If Smile Generation charged you after you cancelled, they should refund the unauthorized charges once you provide proof. If the company does not respond or refuses to refund, your bank's dispute process will protect you — most banks side with the customer when a recurring charge continues after cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Smile Generation payment date?
Yes. Contact Smile Generation customer service and ask to move your payment date. They can usually change it to any day of the month, though the change may not take effect until your next billing cycle. This is useful if your payment date falls before you get paid.
What happens if I stop the ACH payment through my bank instead of cancelling with Smile Generation?
Smile Generation will keep trying to collect the fee, and your account will eventually be reported to a collections agency. You must cancel directly with Smile Generation to stop the charges permanently. Blocking the payment at your bank does not cancel your membership.
Will Smile Generation refund me if I cancel mid-month?
Refund policies vary by plan and how long you have been a member. Contact Smile Generation to ask about refunds for the current month. Some plans offer prorated refunds if you cancel early in the billing cycle, while others do not refund any portion of the month.
How do I know if my Smile Generation payment went through?
Log into your Smile Generation account online to view your payment history and current membership status. You can also check your bank statement to see the withdrawal. If you do not see a charge and your membership is still active, contact Smile Generation to confirm your payment method is correct.
Can I use my Smile Generation card at any dentist?
No. Smile Generation only works at participating dental offices. Before your first visit, search the Smile Generation website or call customer service to find dentists in your area that accept the plan. Not all dentists participate, so confirm before you schedule an appointment.