Must Have Credit Cards for Pet Owners

By Olivia Wright •  Updated: 07/27/22 •  4 min read
Filed under: Credit Cards

The love that you get from your furry loved one may be priceless, but pet ownership, in general, can be extremely expensive. While millions of Americans own pets, financial service company Synchrony discovered that nearly 50% have underestimated how much it actually costs to own a pet.

In general, it costs between $20,000 and $55,000 to look after a dog its whole life, while cat owners need to budget for $15,000 to $45,000 for the same period. Because it isn’t cheap, it’s important to look for some financing options for your pets — starting with credit cards.

What Are the Advantages of Using Credit Cards for Your Pets?

Now that you understand the lifetime cost of pet ownership, you’ll need to prepare yourself for rainy days. This means you’ll need to make use of different strategies that can safeguard your ability to pay for your pet’s expenses.

While credit cards may seem like a harbinger of debt for other people, our article titled ‘Why Are Credit Cards More Convenient Than Debit Cards?‘ emphasizes that by using this financing option in a responsible manner it can help you pay for expenses, and even earn rewards. Unlike debit cards, credit cards can offer you pet insurance or even cash back incentives for every purchase that you make for yourself and your pet. In addition, having a credit card ensures that you can pay for veterinary procedures if you need to on a whim.

4 Credit Cards That Are Great for Pet Owners

 

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

No credit history? No problem! You can still have room for your pet’s expenses, even if you’re just starting to build your credit.

Young pet owners that have zero to limited credit can use the Capital One Platinum credit card to pay for their pet’s needs while establishing their credit history. This starter card may have a low credit line, but if you prove that you’re a trustworthy pet and card owner, you can be considered for higher credit in as little as six months.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Want a credit card that’s approved by a celebrity and a celebrity pet?

General pet care services and supplies can cost a lot especially if you want to treat your furry loved one. As such, actress Regina King and her cute puppy have demonstrated the importance of having the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, which can ensure that you are ready for your pet’s everyday needs. The credit card is ideal for consumers who want to be prepared for any eventuality, particularly because it offers zero annual fees and 2% cashback for every purchase that you make for your furry friend.

Synchrony Bank CareCredit Card

Pets are part of the family, so why not get a card that covers both your needs?

Medical bills are some of the biggest expenses for pet owners, so it’s better to have a credit card that can back you up during health emergencies. The CareCredit card is described by Sound Dollar as a credit card that you can use for medical and dental expenses for both humans and pets. This particular credit card is useful for covering large emergency and unexpected veterinary medical costs, but it’s important to keep in mind that it can only pay for medical expenses that aren’t included in your pet’s medical insurance.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa Card

If you are worried about your credit card bill, you can soften the blow by getting a low-cost credit card.

Pet medical expenses can be difficult to pay for in just one month, which is why Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa Card allows users to pay back expenses in 24 to 60 months. The low-cost credit card also provides a fixed rate with equal monthly payments, so you won’t need to worry about increasing interest rates. This way, your pet’s annual medical examinations and unexpected procedures will feel lighter on your wallet.

 

Final Thoughts

A credit card may be the best way to stay prepared for emergencies and unexpected costs for your pet. By picking the right credit card for you and your pet’s needs, you can make sure that you’re covering all your bases, and maybe even enjoying some perks along the way.

Olivia WrightOlivia Wright

Olivia Wright

Olivia Wright is a freelance writer and researcher, with an interest in finance and economics. She is passionate about her work and aims to keep people up-to-date and well-informed on the latest trends. When she’s not working on a new piece, Olivia enjoys taking her pug Shelby on a walk around their neighborhood.