Healthcare costs in the U.S. keep rising, putting pressure on individuals and families. From emergency visits to routine dental care, medical bills can add up fast even with insurance.
The right credit card for medical expenses can ease that burden. Instead of using a high-interest card or tapping into savings, consider a medical credit card or one that offers cash back on healthcare spending.
With benefits like 0% intro APR and rewards at drugstores and clinics, the best cards offer both financial flexibility and long-term value.
When choosing a credit card for healthcare spending, it’s essential to look for features that align with your financial goals and medical needs:
- Low or 0% interest rates for large medical bills
- Cash back or points on medical, dental, or pharmacy purchases
- Widespread acceptance at hospitals, dental clinics, and specialist offices
- Flexible repayment options to avoid debt traps
With medical debt affecting nearly 40% of U.S. adults, according to recent studies, understanding how to use credit cards wisely is critical. Pairing the right card with tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs or FSAs can further optimize savings, while avoiding high-interest traps.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for medical expenses in the USA (2025), helping you find the right option whether you’re planning a procedure, covering an emergency, or simply looking to earn rewards on routine care.
Why Choose Medical Credit Cards?
Medical credit cards USA 2025 are made to help you manage rising healthcare costs. They work well for hospital bills, dental care, vision, and other health-related expenses.
Many offer 0% APR medical credit card deals. This lets you pay off large bills over time without paying interest, if paid within the promo period. That’s perfect for planned procedures or sudden emergencies.
Some cards are also rewards credit cards for healthcare. They give you cashback or points on drugstore, clinic, or pharmacy purchases. Unlike regular cards, these are more tailored to medical financing needs.
You can also find CareCredit alternatives with better terms and more flexible repayment plans.
Choosing the best credit card for medical expenses depends on your needs like low interest, rewards, or long-term financing.
Explore our list of the best credit cards for dental expenses, credit cards for out-of-pocket medical costs, and more to find your perfect fit.
5 Best Credit Card for Medical Expenses in the USA (2025)
1. Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® is one of the best credit cards for managing medical expenses in 2025. This card offers 3% cash back on essential categories like healthcare, dental care, and even veterinary services. Whether you're paying for a doctor's visit, a dental procedure, or pet care, this card helps you save while spending.
The fixed APR is based on your credit score, which means you can avoid fluctuating interest rates. It’s a smart choice if you want more control over your finances during medical emergencies or planned treatments.
Another great perk? There’s no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals. Unlike many rewards cards, you can earn cash back without paying extra fees each year.
This card is ideal for people who want to earn rewards on necessary spending. It also works well for those who want to finance medical bills while earning cash back at the same time.
If you’re looking for a credit card for healthcare costs, the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® gives you rewards, stability, and flexibility. Apply today to start earning cash back on your health-related purchases.
Key Highlights of Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
- 3% Cash Back on: Health-related expenses (medical, dental, vision), Home improvements, Auto-related purchases
- 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
- No Annual Fee. Keep more of your rewards
- Fixed APR- Rates range based on creditworthiness (no surprises)
- Flexible Monthly Payments: Turn purchases into predictable installments
- No Prepayment Penalties: Pay off your balance early with no extra fees
- Fully Digital Access – Manage your account via mobile or desktop
- Security Features: Real-time alerts, zero liability for unauthorized purchases
- Direct Deposit to Bank or Apply Toward Balance: Choose how you redeem your cash back
2. AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays
The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays is one of the top credit cards for medical expenses in 2025, especially for seniors and individuals who regularly visit pharmacies and clinics. It offers 2% cash back on a wide range of medical-related purchases, including doctor visits, dental care, and more.
You’ll also earn 3% cash back at drugstores, which makes it perfect for covering prescriptions, OTC medications, and other wellness needs. Whether you're managing routine health expenses or stocking up on essentials, this card helps you save.
The card comes with a competitive variable APR based on your credit profile. Plus, there’s no annual fee, so you can enjoy the rewards without any yearly cost.
It’s also a great fit for anyone looking to earn rewards on essential purchases without complicating their budget.
The AARP Mastercard is designed to support healthy living and smart spending. It works well for retirees and those with regular healthcare needs.
Key Highlights of Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa
- 3% Cash Back on: Medical expenses (doctor visits, dental care, vision care), Home, auto, and everyday categories
- 1% Cash Back on: All other purchases
- Fixed APR: Based on creditworthiness, No variable rate surprises
- $0 Annual Fee: Keep all your rewards, No hidden costs
- Flexible Monthly Payments: Turn purchases into fixed monthly installments, Helps manage large medical bills
- No Prepayment Penalty: Pay off your balance early with no extra charges
- Cash Back Redemption Options: Apply directly to your balance Or send as direct deposit to your bank
- Easy Account Management: Full access via mobile app or online, Real-time purchase alerts and security features
- Security: $0 fraud liability, EMV chip protection
3. CareCredit: A Smart Way to Pay for Medical & Wellness Costs
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for U.S. residents who need help managing out-of-pocket medical expenses. It's accepted by over 250,000 healthcare providers across the United States including dentists, eye doctors, cosmetic specialists, chiropractors, and even veterinarians.
For Americans dealing with high medical bills, CareCredit offers a 0% APR promotional period for 6 to 24 months. This is a great option if you need to finance procedures like braces, LASIK, or pet surgeries. Just make sure you pay off the full balance within the promotional period. If you don’t, deferred interest applies—and it’s high, often over 26%.
There’s no annual fee, and you can apply online and get a quick credit decision. CareCredit can be used repeatedly for different procedures as long as you stay within your credit limit.
It’s ideal for U.S. patients who can budget and pay off their balance on time. If used responsibly, it can help manage health expenses and even build credit.
Key highlights of CareCredit
- Use for dental, vision, cosmetic, veterinary, and other medical services.
- Pay no interest if paid in full within 6 to 24 months (on qualifying purchases).
- Keep costs low with no yearly maintenance charges.
- Accepted at over 250,000 healthcare providers nationwide.
- Finance elective procedures not covered by insurance.
- Apply online or in-office with quick credit decisions.
- Use it again and again for future healthcare needs.
- If not paid off in time, interest (26%+) applies retroactively.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited: Earn Cash Back on Health & Everyday Spending
Chase Freedom Unlimited is a popular cash back credit card for U.S. users. It’s a great choice for covering everyday medical and wellness expenses. You’ll earn 3% cash back at drugstores, including on prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) meds, and wellness items. Plus, earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases—with no spending limits.
The card comes with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable APR applies. This makes it helpful for managing larger expenses without paying interest upfront.
There’s no annual fee, so it’s easy to keep long term. You can also earn a welcome bonus after spending a certain amount in the first 3 months (check current offer).
This card is ideal for U.S. users who want flexible rewards and savings on daily health and wellness purchases. Use it at pharmacies, online drugstores, or grocery stores with pharmacy sections.
key highlights of the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card:
- Great for those who want to earn cash back on daily purchases without worrying about rotating categories.
- Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)
- Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Reimburses up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable passenger fares if your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, or other covered situations .
- Protects you from unauthorized charges.
- Get 3% cash back on purchases at drugstores, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
- Earn 3% cash back on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services .
- Earn 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
5. Citi Diamond Preferred Card
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is one of the best credit cards for managing medical bills in 2025. It offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers. You also get 0% APR for 12 months on purchases. This makes it perfect for consolidating medical debt or financing large healthcare expenses without interest for a long time.
There is no annual fee, which helps keep costs low while you focus on your health. If you've had a surgery or unexpected hospital bill, this card gives you time to pay it off without worrying about interest.
You can use it to pay off high-interest credit cards or healthcare bills. It's also a good fit if you're facing expensive treatments like dental work or emergency care.
The Citi Diamond Preferred is accepted anywhere that takes Mastercard. It’s not a rewards card, but it’s designed for people who want to save on interest and lower their monthly payments.
Key features of the Citi Diamond Preferred Card
- Enjoy 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers.
- Ideal for paying off existing medical debt or high-interest credit cards.
- Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Get 0% APR for 12 months on new purchases.
- Perfect for financing medical procedures, prescriptions, or other large healthcare costs.
- Keep more money in your pocket.
- There’s no yearly charge to use this card.
- After intro periods, variable APR ranges from 17.99% – 28.74%, depending on your credit.
- Customize your payment due date.
- Set up auto-pay and alerts to avoid late fees.
- Manage your card easily via the Citi Mobile® App.
- Access your account, set spending limits, and track payments.
- $0 liability protection for unauthorized charges.
- Contactless payment and virtual card number for online safety.
Final Thoughts
The best credit cards for medical bills in 2025 offer more than just convenience.
They combine rewards, low interest rates, and flexible payment options to help manage healthcare costs.
Whether it’s ongoing treatment or a one-time surgery, the right card can ease your financial stress.
Look for features like 0% APR medical credit card offers, cashback on healthcare purchases, and wide acceptance at clinics or hospitals.
Always compare before you apply.
Choose the medical credit cards USA 2025 that match your health needs and financial goals.
The right choice can save you money and protect your credit.