Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
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A good plan is the key to success for many things in life, including your personal finances. But, no matter how excellent the plan, some things simply defy planning — like medical emergencies.
And, while having a healthy emergency savings can be enough to buffer a few medical bills, a single trip to the emergency room can easily wipe out even the most robust savings account.
While many medical offices offer financing through medical credit card accounts, a regular, open-loop credit card may provide an even better deal for those who can qualify. Let’s take a look at some of our top picks for the best medical credit cards out there today. We’ll dive into cards specifically for medical expenses and take a look at other cards that, while not designed specifically for medical bills, may be worth considering.
Although dedicated medical credit cards can be useful for short- and long-term financing, the deferred interest they typically use can end up being expensive if you have even a portion of your balance left over.
A better option, for those who can qualify, may be an open-loop card with a 0% intro-APR offer. The best deals provide at least 15 months of 0% financing on new purchases, with no deferred interest. If you have a balance at the end of the promotional period, interest will start accruing on that portion only.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.8/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate 0% intro APR credit cards based on the length of the promotional rate, the regular APR, annual and other fees, and approval rates. Offers are compared to similar cards to evaluate overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our experts rate 0% intro APR credit cards based on the length of the promotional rate, the regular APR, annual and other fees, and approval rates. Offers are compared to similar cards to evaluate overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
4.8/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate 0% intro APR credit cards based on the length of the promotional rate, the regular APR, annual and other fees, and approval rates. Offers are compared to similar cards to evaluate overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
New Offer! Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back with Preferred Rewards. The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first-year bonus.
No annual fee.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Depending on your credit and needs, you may be able to find a good financing deal on a rewards credit card. This could help you earn cash back, points, or miles on your medical bills, which can help take a little of the edge off high-priced procedures, especially when paired with an intro-APR deal.
Just remember not to charge more than you can pay off in a reasonable amount of time. While any balance remaining after your promotional period expires won’t be subject to deferred interest, it will start accruing interest at the regular purchase rate, which will likely be at least 15% or more.
Best Rewards Credit Cards for Paying Medical Bills
While there are many situations in which getting a good financing deal on your medical bills is the main concern, patients who can pay off their medical bills right away will have other priorities. Namely, scoring the best rewards on their necessary medical expenses.
Since we couldn’t find any credit cards that have a dedicated bonus category for medical purchases, you may want to simply use your favorite rewards card. Or, make the most of a big bill by using it to get closer to the spending requirement for a new card’s signup bonus.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate cash back credit cards based on earning rates, fees, signup bonuses, promotional APRs, and reward redemption value. We also compare similar cards to determine overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our experts rate cash back credit cards based on earning rates, fees, signup bonuses, promotional APRs, and reward redemption value. We also compare similar cards to determine overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount
Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 90 seconds. No annual fee.
Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Our experts rate cash back credit cards based on earning rates, fees, signup bonuses, promotional APRs, and reward redemption value. We also compare similar cards to determine overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Of course, the key to turning a signup bonus into big savings is to ensure you don’t wind up paying interest fees on your purchases — especially since cards with big bonuses tend to forgo intro-APR offers.
This means interest charges begin on any purchases you carry past your due date after just one billing cycle. So, make sure you actually have the funds on hand to repay your purchases before you start charging your way to a signup bonus spending requirement.
Best Balance Transfer Offers for Existing Medical Expenses
While intro-APR offers and emergency savings accounts can do a lot to prevent a future problem from turning into debt, what about your past medical expenses? If you have current credit card debt that’s sitting around accruing interest at a high rate, you may want to consider a balance transfer.
By transferring a balance from a card with a high rate to one with a lower rate, you can save on interest fees. And, if you have at least good credit, you may qualify for a credit card that offers an intro-APR deal on balance transfers that can drop your interest rate to 0%.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 17.24% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
The main downside to balance transfers is that most credit cards will charge a balance transfer fee. Transfer fees typically range from 3% to 5% of the total transferred amount and are charged by the card to which you are transferring your balance.
Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to transfer a balance up to the card’s credit limit, and that the balance transfer fee will be added to the balance, reducing the total amount you can transfer.
Best Credit Cards Specifically for Medical Expenses
Dedicated medical credit cards are very similar to store credit cards in how they operate. Primarily, medical credit cards are closed-loop, meaning they can typically only be used for medical purchases with a single provider.
Additionally, the financing deals offered through medical cards, like those offered by most store cards, tend to operate with deferred interest. This means that you’ll need to pay off your full financed amount before the end of your financing period to avoid interest fees.
If any amount of your balance remains when your offer expires, you’ll be charged interest on the entire financed amount, not just the part that’s left. For those who can pay off their balance before the deadline, however, these cards may be worthwhile.
The CareCredit card provides short- and long-term financing for a variety of medical bills, from chiropractic to urgent care, and the application process can be done directly online. Zero-interest financing plans are available with terms of 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, depending on purchase (and creditworthiness).
Special 0% financing of 6, 12, 18, or 24 months depending on your purchase
No interest if paid within promotional period
Longer-term plans available with low interest rates
If you need longer than 24 months to pay off your medical purchase, you may qualify for CareCredit longer-term financing for 24-, 36-, 48- or 60-month terms at a reduced interest rate. These plans require fixed monthly payments.
The AccessOne MedCard provides both 0% and low-rate financing, depending on the amount you need to finance and your personal credit profile. However, the site states that all credit types are welcome, and you won’t be turned down due to poor credit.
Special 0% or low-interest financing, depending on your needs and credit
No minimum credit score to qualify
Does not report to credit bureaus
Long-term plans with 0% interest will have higher monthly payments. For a lower monthly payment, you can obtain a low-interest loan. There are also plans for partial financial assistance, high deductibles, and catastrophic balances.
is an in-office medical credit card applied for with your provider. It’s offered by a range of medical services practices, including dental, hearing aid, eye surgery, and veterinary offices.
Special financing plans with fixed monthly payments allow you to pay over time
Plans have competitive APRs
Revolving credit line
While the card promotes “competitive APRs,” the lack of 0% financing makes it less-than-ideal for large medical costs, as even low interest fees can add up quickly. If you can’t qualify for a 0% financing deal elsewhere, however, this could be a good option.
(The information related to Wells Fargo Health Advantage has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)
Manage Your Medical Bills with the Right Card
Although a good plan can make all the difference in a great many situations, some of life’s little surprises defy planning and prediction.
If you’re faced with unexpected medical bills, your credit card may be a useful tool for financing your medical expenses, particularly if you can qualify for a good intro-APR offer.
However, avoid making purchases with your credit cards that you can’t repay in a reasonable amount of time. Interest fees can add up quickly, turning a medical emergency into a financial one before you know it.
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CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.