Medical bills can place a heavy burden on your finances, even if you have comprehensive health insurance. With rising healthcare costs, finding a way to manage these expenses smartly is essential. For some, turning to credit cards can be a practical solution to spread payments over time, take advantage of rewards, or benefit from special financing offers.
To help guide you, we’ve assessed the best credit cards for medical expenses in 2025. These options cater to various financial needs, whether you’re looking for 0% APR offers, cashback rewards, or cards tailored for healthcare costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the top options—and how to decide which one works best for you.
Why Use a Credit Card for Medical Expenses?
Before we get into the list, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of using credit cards for medical bills.
Advantages:
- 0% APR Offers allow you to spread out payments interest-free if you pay off the balance within the promotional period.
- Rewards Points and Cashback can provide value for expenses you’d already need to pay.
- Ease of Use gives you a flexible payment method to use immediately when faced with an unexpected medical bill.
Risks:
- High APRs after a promo period can result in significant debt if you don’t pay off the balance quickly.
- Credit Utilization may impact your credit score if the medical expense is sizable.
Consider these factors carefully before deciding to pay for medical bills with a credit card.
5 Best Credit Cards for Medical Expenses
1. Best for 0% APR
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- Intro APR: 0% for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 17.24%–28.99% variable APR).
- Annual Fee: $0
- Standout Feature: The longest introductory 0% APR on the market, ideal for managing large medical expenses over time.
Why It’s Great for Medical Expenses
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card eliminates interest payments for nearly two years, giving you the breathing room necessary to pay off high medical bills. However, it doesn’t offer rewards, so it’s best if your main goal is minimizing upfront costs.
Watch Out For:
The balance transfer fee of 3%–5% can quickly add up if you’re transferring existing debt.
2. Best for Drugstores
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Rewards Rate:
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 19.49%–28.24% variable APR).
- Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great for Medical Expenses
For routine healthcare costs—like picking up prescriptions—the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is perfect. Plus, it combines cashback rewards with interest-free payment options for the first 15 months.
Pro Tip:
Pair this card with a Chase checking account to maximize cashback benefits.
3. Best for Walgreens Purchases
Bilt Mastercard®
- Rewards Rate:
- 2X points on Walgreens-branded products.
- Additional 100 Bilt points on eligible prescription refills at Walgreens.
- Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great for Medical Expenses
If Walgreens is your go-to pharmacy, the Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn extra points while covering regular healthcare needs. Plus, you can redeem rewards for travel, dining, or other experiences.
Pay Attention To:
There’s no introductory APR, so make sure you can pay off balances monthly if needed.
4. Best for Consistent Cashback
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Rewards Rate:
- 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
- Intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 19.24%–29.24% variable APR).
- Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great for Medical Expenses
If you’re looking for simplicity, this card provides consistent cashback on all medical-related transactions, whether it’s a doctor visit or therapy session.
Bonus:
No cap on rewards means it can handle large medical expenses without limiting your potential earnings.
5. Best for Medical Purchases
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
- Rewards Rate:
- 3% cash back on gas and drugstore purchases.
- 2% cash back on medical expenses (e.g., doctor visits, dentists, optometrists).
- Welcome Bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on qualifying balance transfers (then 20.99%–29.99% variable APR).
- Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great for Medical Expenses
This card is designed specifically for medical-related costs, providing additional cash back when you pay for doctor and pharmacy visits. It’s also one of the few medical-focused cards available for consumers.
Extra Perks:
Every new card opened contributes to a donation to the AARP Foundation, making it a socially conscious choice.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Medical Expenses
When deciding between cards, consider the following questions:
- How much do I need? Cards with long 0% APR offers are ideal for handling significant bills.
- Do I value rewards or savings? If rewards matter, opt for cashback or points-earning cards. If savings are more important, prioritize low APR options.
- Where do I spend the most? Select a card that matches your habits, such as drugstore-heavy rewards for prescription purchases.
Tips for Managing Medical Expenses with a Credit Card
Using a credit card responsibly is essential, especially when dealing with medical costs. Here are some quick tips:
- Pay on Time: Avoid missed payments to prevent late fees or increased interest rates.
- Plan for the APR Deadline: Set a timeline to pay off balances before the interest kicks in.
- Utilize Rewards Strategically: Redeem earned rewards to offset other everyday expenses.
- Check for Hidden Fees: Be mindful of balance transfer or foreign transaction fees.
Take Control of Your Financial Health!
Managing medical expenses can be daunting, but the right credit card can ease the burden, offering flexibility, rewards, and even paying down your debt with no interest.
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