<div id="readability-page-1"><div> Bread Financial did not respond to MarketWatch's request for comment about Alphaeon, its medical credit card offered by Comenity. 3 questions to ask yourself before using a medical credit card Can I pay this off before the deferred-interest promotional period ends? This is arguably the most important question. Medical credit cards really only offer significant savings if you can pay off the balance before interest charges start. If you can't pay it off before that time period ends, experts say, it's smart to seek out a different way to finance the cost. Are there any mistakes on my bill? The transfer of your debt from the doctor's office to a bank means the provider is removed from any future billing disputes, which can make it difficult to negotiate payment terms or correct errors. So before agreeing to use a medical credit card, make sure your bill is accurate. What other financing options do I have? Before resorting to a medical credit card, ask the provider for financial assistance or a direct payment plan, experts say. Financial-assistance forms can be daunting, Kelmar said, but nonprofits like Dollar For exist to help people apply for discounts and debt forgiveness from hospitals. Negotiating can be a helpful tool to bring costs down as well. Look for the Medicare rate, or the amount that Medicare reimburses providers for specific services, Kelmar suggests, and ask your provider if you can pay the lower rate. It's not guaranteed that your doctor will agree, but you won't know unless you ask. &#34;If you are having to pay cash or you're feeling like you need a credit card, ask them what they can do to bring down that price,&#34; she said. Community Catalyst and PIRG partnered to create a guide to understanding medical bills that has useful information about patient rights, insurance and financing. What personal-finance issues would you like to see covered in MarketWatch? We would like to hear from readers about their financial decisions and money-related questions. You can fill out this form or write to us at readerstories@marketwatch.com. A reporter may be in touch to learn more. MarketWatch will not attribute your answers to you by name without your permission. -Genna Contino This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones &amp; Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. <pre></pre> (END) Dow Jones Newswires 09-27-25 1043ETCopyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones &amp; Company, Inc.</div></div>

Medical credit cards, like Alphaeon from Bread Financial, can provide financial relief but come with risks. Key considerations include ensuring the balance can be paid off before interest accrues, verifying billing accuracy, and exploring alternative financing options. Experts recommend negotiating costs and seeking financial assistance before opting for a medical credit card. Community Catalyst and PIRG have created a guide to help patients understand their rights and financing options. MarketWatch encourages readers to share their personal finance questions for future coverage.

Medical credit cards offer a lifeline for -2-