Bilt Credit Card for Medical Bills: Does It Offer Rewards?

Medical expenses are a growing concern for millions of Americans. With rising healthcare costs and unpredictable emergencies, many are searching for financial tools to ease the burden. Credit cards with rewards programs can be a smart way to offset some of these expenses—but does the Bilt Credit Card fit the bill?

Understanding the Bilt Credit Card

The Bilt Credit Card has gained attention for its unique rewards structure, particularly for rent payments. But how does it perform when it comes to medical bills? Let’s break down its features to see if it’s a viable option for healthcare expenses.

Key Features of the Bilt Credit Card

• No Annual Fee – Unlike premium travel cards, Bilt doesn’t charge an annual fee, making it accessible.
• Rewards on Rent – The card’s standout feature is earning points on rent payments without transaction fees.
• Flexible Redemption – Points can be used for travel, statement credits, or even transferred to partner loyalty programs.
• Cell Phone Protection – A lesser-known perk that could indirectly benefit those managing medical expenses.

Does Bilt Offer Rewards on Medical Bills?

The short answer: Yes, but not exclusively.

Unlike specialized medical credit cards (e.g., CareCredit), Bilt doesn’t offer bonus rewards for healthcare spending. However, it does earn 1x point per dollar on all purchases, including medical bills. While this isn’t as lucrative as category-specific bonuses, it’s still a way to accumulate rewards on unavoidable expenses.

Comparing Bilt to Other Cards for Medical Expenses

| Credit Card | Rewards on Medical Bills | Annual Fee | Notable Perks |
|-------------|--------------------------|------------|---------------|
| Bilt Mastercard | 1x points | $0 | Rent rewards, transfer partners |
| CareCredit | Deferred interest (if paid in full) | $0 | Medical financing |
| Amex Blue Cash Preferred | 1% cash back | $95 | 6% on groceries, 3% on transit |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5% cash back | $0 | Flat-rate rewards |

If your primary goal is maximizing rewards on medical bills, a flat-rate cash-back card might be better. However, if you’re already using Bilt for rent, adding medical expenses to your spending can help accumulate points faster.

How to Maximize Bilt Rewards for Healthcare Costs

Since Bilt doesn’t offer bonus categories for medical bills, here’s how to optimize your rewards:

1. Pair with a High-Yield Savings Account

• Use Bilt for medical bills, then pay off the balance immediately to avoid interest.
• Combine rewards with interest earned from a savings account for better financial efficiency.

2. Leverage Transfer Partners

• Bilt points can be transferred to airlines like American Airlines or hotels like Hyatt.
• If you travel frequently, redeeming points for flights or stays can offset other expenses.

3. Use Bilt’s No-Transaction-Fee Advantage

• Some medical providers charge fees for credit card payments. Since Bilt has no foreign transaction fees, it could be useful for overseas treatments.

The Bigger Picture: Medical Debt in America

Medical debt is a crisis affecting 1 in 5 U.S. households. While rewards cards won’t solve systemic issues, they can provide minor relief. Here’s why Bilt might still be a consideration:

Rising Healthcare Costs

• Hospital stays, prescriptions, and specialist visits are becoming unaffordable.
• Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be staggering.

The Role of Credit in Healthcare

• Many patients turn to credit cards when savings fall short.
• Cards like Bilt offer a way to earn something back rather than just accumulating debt.

Potential Downsides of Using Bilt for Medical Bills

Before relying on Bilt for healthcare expenses, consider these drawbacks:

1. Low Rewards Rate

• 1x points is standard but pales in comparison to cards offering 2-5% cash back on all purchases.

2. Interest Charges

• If you carry a balance, high APRs (up to 20%+) could negate rewards.

3. Limited Medical-Specific Benefits

• No deferred interest or special financing like CareCredit.

Alternative Strategies for Managing Medical Bills

If Bilt isn’t the best fit, here are other approaches:

Negotiate Payment Plans

• Many hospitals offer interest-free installment plans.

Use an HSA/FSA

• Tax-advantaged accounts are ideal for medical expenses.

Consider a 0% APR Card

• Cards like the Citi Simplicity offer 0% intro APR periods, allowing time to pay off large bills.

Final Thoughts: Is Bilt Worth It for Medical Expenses?

The Bilt Credit Card isn’t the most powerful tool for medical bills, but it’s not useless either. If you’re already using it for rent, adding healthcare spending can help accumulate points faster—just don’t expect specialized rewards. For those focused solely on medical costs, a cash-back card or CareCredit may be more effective.

Ultimately, the best strategy depends on your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you choose Bilt or another card, the key is using credit wisely to avoid compounding debt in an already stressful situation.