Should You Pay Medical Bills With a Credit Card?
Putting medical bills on a rewards card
Most providers accept cards, and a large bill can help hit a welcome-bonus minimum spend while adding purchase protections. The catch is the same as any big charge: it only makes sense if you pay it in full. Carrying a medical balance at a typical card APR quickly costs more than the rewards are worth. See paying big bills with a credit card.
Beware deferred-interest medical cards
Medical credit cards such as CareCredit often advertise no interest if paid in full within a promo period, but they use deferred interest: miss the payoff date by a dollar or a day and they charge interest back-dated to the original purchase date, on the entire amount. This is very different from a true 0 percent offer, and it catches many people.
Usually a better option
Hospitals and providers very often offer interest-free payment plans, and many will negotiate or reduce a bill if you ask. A provider payment plan at zero interest beats both carrying a card balance and a deferred-interest card. Use a rewards card only if you can pay it off, and explore the provider plan first. Compare with buy now, pay later for other financing.
Frequently asked questions
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