![](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/4Q7dIFlMYU-tfn9tnibqiGBnoiDDoZonsAT76-Om-44WBv4cwTulMr1sa8UVlsdrMKvq8MuHYECrJf8oLOplglOOfkkyXX8bSQRG7XIVm8hYgyEWAx3t1o7yhlT_S2LGmngSzHR-GxiyDtJh6RFp5Po\")
When a family pursues gestational surrogacy to welcome a new baby into the world, they begin a life-changing journey that brings significant joy coupled with a host of financial considerations.
The average process of using a gestational surrogate can cost anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000 from beginning to end. This guide provides a cost breakdown through each stage of the journey. Use this information to better understand your family’s options for loans, payments, and financing every step of the way.
Browse a specific section by clicking on the quick links below:
Gestational surrogacy is an ideal fertility option when a couple or individual needs assistance from another party to carry and deliver their baby. Surrogacy is a pathway to parenthood often chosen by the following people:
A couple or individual may also opt for gestational surrogacy for many other reasons, including personal, emotional, and physical concerns.
The process of surrogacy can be expensive. It involves the hopeful parents and the designated surrogate, a fertility clinic, several medical professionals, and legal experts.
Here’s a brief overview of those expenses:
If you use a surrogacy agency, you can expect to compensate the organization for services like:
Average cost: $15,000 to $30,000
Before the process begins, a surrogate undergoes medical, psychological, and fertility tests and screenings to determine a healthy candidacy for pregnancy. These fees differ depending on several factors, including:
Average cost: $30,000 to $60,000
Surrogacies require the services of a fertility clinic to facilitate conception. Fertility clinics offer multiple procedures to support a healthy gestational surrogacy, such as:
Because each surrogacy journey differs from another, these costs can vary widely.
Average cost: $10,000 - $20,000
Medical care, transportation, maternity clothing, dietary support and supplements, and all other pregnancy-related fees are often paid for entirely by the soon-to-be parents. There is no standardized range for surrogate support costs, as these figures differ for each pregnancy.
Average cost: Fluctuates, often paid monthly
Gestational Surrogacy laws differ in each state, but many families seek pre-birth orders and contracts before their journey to establish the baby’s legal parentage or to facilitate an adoption after the birth. Professional legal counsel helps all parties in gestational surrogacy to protect their rights and outline the terms of the agreement in full.
Average cost: $5,000 - $15,000
Regarding insurance coverage, only a policy under which the surrogate is insured provides surrogacy-related benefits or reimbursements. If applicable, couples and individuals may be asked to pay for a surrogate’s monthly insurance premiums or compensate them for any associated taxes and fees.
Average cost: $500 - $1,000 per month
The total cost of gestational surrogacy can be well outside the budget of the average couple or individual. Fortunately, there are several ways to finance the surrogacy process and help a broader range of families realize their dreams of having a baby.
From traditional lines of credit to specialized loans, the expecting parent(s) may qualify for financing to fund their surrogacy journey.
Financing can include:
In addition to saving money for the gestational surrogacy itself, intended parents can find ways to save money by locating low or 0% APR surrogacy loans, choosing cost-effective gestational surrogacy services, and making frugal lifestyle choices.
Some future parents look to crowdfunding sources to raise funds for their gestational surrogacy, while others organize and host community fundraising events. Fundraising with a future family in mind can also involve monetizing a hobby or asking friends and family for donations to ease the overall financial burden.
Fertility grants can be incredibly beneficial, and Resolve.org has a comprehensive list of grants offering between $1,000 and $10,000 to intended parents.
Many fertility grants come with usage restrictions, and some have specific eligibility requirements that may or may not apply to your family’s circumstances. Thoroughly research your options to find a grant suited to your needs.
There are many pathways to securing financial support and security to grow your family. If you’re considering gestational surrogacy, contact Future Family today to learn more about our financing options or prequalify for a loan.
Our Future Family qualified fertility coaches, and nursing care team offer additional assistance in your gestational surrogacy journey. Get in touch to find out how we can provide your family with education, medical, and emotional support and guidance.
We know selecting a clinic can be a major decision early in your fertility journey and ensuring you find one that's right based on your needs is important. There are questions surrounding treatment options, location, pricing and payment plans– among several other emotional and mental stressors. We are excited to share Future Family CareMatch, a new search and discovery feature to help individuals and couples early in their journey find the fertility clinic that best suits their needs.
Future Family CareMatch is designed to help you find the best clinic for you based on your needs. You can search by city and zip code to find a comprehensive list of care centers in your area. Additionally, you can find important information about clinics such as treatments offered, treatment pricing, and payment options available. If you find a clinic that is a good match, you can connect with them directly with a few quick clicks or find contact information to reach out to them directly. CareMatch highlights Future Family partner clinics in the area and those that offer our new one-of-a-kind 0% APR loan. Finding and researching clinics used to involve digging through several websites, scanning pages of online reviews and cold-calling front desks. Now, this important information is just a few clicks away!
Our mission with this new feature is to remove some of the research stress so you can focus on taking the steps to achieving your family goals. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Find your CareMatch today! https://CareMatch.FutureFamily.com
If you’re ready for a fertility loan, get pre-approved today. Applicants can be pre-approved in 90 seconds, and this process does not impact your credit score. Starting a family should not have to be stressful, and we want to help take the load off of the process. Learn more at futurefamily.com.
","url":"https://blog.futurefamily.com/find-the-fertility-clinic-that-meets-your-needs-with-future-family-carematch/","uuid":"28a2a4d0-ee4c-468b-a52b-3e7a8dce1b22","page":null,"codeinjection_foot":null,"codeinjection_head":null,"codeinjection_styles":null,"comment_id":"63f54fb54d9ede0001b8176a"}},{"node":{"id":"Ghost__Post__5f45427ed2596d0001a2239e","title":"Paying For IVF: Your Complete Guide","slug":"whats-the-best-way-to-pay-for-ivf","featured":true,"feature_image":"https://d2otz9izzt81os.cloudfront.net/2020/08/iStock-1152209563.jpg","excerpt":"Paying for IVF takes time and research. This complete guide reduces the pressure by comparing several ways to pay for IVF. Learn more from Future Family.","custom_excerpt":"Paying for IVF takes time and research. This complete guide reduces the pressure by comparing several ways to pay for IVF. Learn more from Future Family.","created_at_pretty":"Aug 25, 2020","published_at_pretty":"Jan 25, 2023","updated_at_pretty":"Mar 08, 2024","created_at":"2020-08-25T09:55:26.000-07:00","published_at":"2023-01-25T10:32:00.000-08:00","updated_at":"2024-03-08T14:39:49.000-08:00","meta_title":"Paying for IVF: Your Complete Guide | Future Family","meta_description":"Paying for IVF takes time and research. This complete guide reduces the pressure by comparing several ways to pay for IVF. Learn more from Future Family.","og_description":null,"og_image":null,"og_title":null,"twitter_description":null,"twitter_image":null,"twitter_title":null,"authors":[{"name":"Jean-Marc Ly","slug":"jean","bio":null,"profile_image":null,"twitter":null,"facebook":null,"website":null}],"primary_author":{"name":"Jean-Marc Ly","slug":"jean","bio":null,"profile_image":null,"twitter":null,"facebook":null,"website":null},"primary_tag":{"name":"IVF","slug":"ivf","description":null,"feature_image":null,"meta_description":null,"meta_title":null,"visibility":"public"},"tags":[{"name":"IVF","slug":"ivf","description":null,"feature_image":null,"meta_description":null,"meta_title":null,"visibility":"public"},{"name":"Fertility Financing","slug":"fertility-financing","description":null,"feature_image":null,"meta_description":null,"meta_title":null,"visibility":"public"},{"name":"Fertility Loans","slug":"fertility-loans","description":null,"feature_image":null,"meta_description":null,"meta_title":null,"visibility":"public"},{"name":"Financing","slug":"financing","description":null,"feature_image":null,"meta_description":null,"meta_title":null,"visibility":"public"},{"name":"Getting Started","slug":"getting-started","description":null,"feature_image":null,"meta_description":null,"meta_title":null,"visibility":"public"}],"plaintext":"The average cost of IVF in the U.S., including everything from medication to\ndoctor’s visits, is around $18,000. \n\nUnlike saving for a house, a wedding, or even college, IVF is usually an\nunexpected expense people are not financially prepared to handle. Studies show\n[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/parenting/fertility/fertility-treatment-cost-access.html#:] \nthe biggest barrier to starting IVF is financing.\n\nFortunately, there are options available to pay for IVF, so you can move forward\nwith your dream of starting a family.\n\nLet's take a look at how paying for IVF works and how payment methods compare to\na personal fertility loan with Future Family. As a team, we’re focused on making\nfertility treatment affordable and accessible while serving as a guiding\nresource to help you make the right decision. \n\n\nBrowse a specific category by clicking on any of the quick links below:\n\nPaying for IVF: Your Complete Guide\n * Why is IVF Not Fully Covered By Insurance?\n * 5 Ways on How To Pay for IVF and What to Consider * Credit Cards\n * Savings\n * 401K/Retirement Account\n * Fertility Treatment\n Grants\n * Fertility Treatment Loan\n \n \n * Is an IVF Loan an Option for Me?\n * How Can I Make IVF Cheaper?\n * Future Family Fertility Loans\n * Do you have to pay again if IVF fails?\n * Learn More about How Future Family Can Help\n\nWhy Is IVF Not Fully Covered by Insurance?\nIVF and fertility treatments are rarely fully covered by private insurance or\nMedicaid plans. Unfortunately, these treatments are not considered medically\nnecessary\n[https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/coverage-and-use-of-fertility-services-in-the-u-s/#:~:text=Many%20fertility%20treatments%20are%20not,others%20(e.g.%2C%20IVF).] \nby some insurance companies. \n\nBut currently, there are 17 states\n[https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/insurance-coverage-for-infertility-laws.aspx] \nthat require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for fertility treatment.\nThis only guarantees some procedures and medications will be covered. Every\nstate carries its own limitations. \n\nSpeak with your insurance provider to see what is covered. For any remaining\nout-of-pocket costs, you can look into five payment options.\n\n5 Ways on How To Pay For IVF and What to Consider for Each\nEach fertility payment option has pros and cons. These advantages and\ndisadvantages will weigh differently, depending on your financial situation. We\nencourage you to read each carefully to make the best choice for yourself and\nyour future family.\n\nCredit Cards\nStudies report\n[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220705005107/en/Future-Family-Announces-0-Interest-Rate-Financing-For-Fertility-Treatments] \nthat over 85% of people pay for fertility treatments with a credit card.\n\nCredit cards are a popular option because of their convenience and speed. It’s\nalso an easy option for those who may not qualify for a loan.\n\nBut high-interest rates can make this an expensive choice in the long run: \n\n * Most credit cards have an average interest rate of 20%. A high rate causes\n more of your money to go toward paying off interest rather than your\n fertility treatment.\n * Some people consider charging their IVF treatments on credit cards that offer\n an introductory 0% interest rate for the first year. Using this type of card\n can be a great solution if you can pay the total balance off that first year.\n However, it's best to research the interest rate after the year is up, as it\n can jump substantially, potentially to 20% or higher. \n * The average American consumer has access to roughly $31,000\n [https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/what-is-the-average-credit-limit-for-americans/] \n in credit between all their credit cards. Since this amount is close to the\n actual cost of IVF/fertility treatment, putting the fall balance can increase\n an individual’s credit utilization and negatively impact their credit score.\n * Credit card points or rewards can help cover some costs but rarely the full\n amount. Consider that points are depreciating assets—they lose value over\n time. Roughly 40% of Americans\n [https://www.thestreet.com/investing/70-of-americans-have-free-money-theyre-not-using] \n have points they didn't use in the last year.\n\nOverall, credit cards are a good option for ongoing, smaller purchases, but\nheightened credit card use can hurt your credit score. It’s crucial to do your\nresearch and ensure you can handle the interest rates before swiping.\n\nSavings\nSaving money for IVF is a very sound way to pay for IVF because there is no\ninterest rate. A savings account contains accessible money you can apply to your\ntreatment immediately without worrying about a monthly payment or a hit to your\ncredit.\n\nHowever, suppose you are dipping into your rainy day savings account. In that\ncase, you may be jeopardizing your financial health if an emergency or\nunexpected expense pops up (e.g., a leaky roof or car troubles).\n\nIVF is one of the few life choices with a specific fertility timeline\n[https://www.wfae.org/post/im-running-out-time-pandemic-halted-appointments-charlotte-fertility-practices#stream/0]\n, which may not match your savings timeline. It can be challenging to save\n$18,000 or more for IVF if you need to start fertility treatments in the\nupcoming months.\n\n401(k) or Retirement AccountIt is always tempting to borrow money from your\n401(k) to pay for IVF.\n\nThe CARES Act\n[https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-answers] \nallows individuals to take funds from a 401(k) without the 10% surcharge tax if\nCOVID-19 has affected them financially.\n\nHowever, most financial experts advise against borrowing from a 401(k) for two\nmain reasons: \n\n * By borrowing money against your retirement savings, you now have to earn\n money, pay taxes, and then return the funds (plus interest) to the account.\n When you withdraw it later, you may have to pay income tax again, defeating\n the purpose of having a tax-deferred account.\n * You're selling your investments when you borrow money from your 401(k). If\n any of those investments rise in value, you no longer have access to the\n profits or the compounding power.\n\nUnless you’ve exhausted most other resources, such as emergency accounts or\nother easily accessible forms of savings, borrowing funds from your retirement\naccount isn’t a great option.\n\nFertility Treatment Grants\nThere are more fertility grants available today than ever. Resolve.org, the\nwebsite of the National Infertility Association\n[https://resolve.org/what-are-my-options/making-infertility-affordable/infertility-treatment-grants-scholarships/]\n, has a great round-up of grants to help people fund their fertility treatments. \n\nMost fertility grants offer between $1,000 and $10,000, which can be a\ntremendous help toward the overall IVF cost. Check if your grant covers\nmedication and other related expenses that can add up fast.\n\nKeep in mind that most grants: \n\n * Have specific qualifications, from location to an income cap to being\n evaluated by a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. These\n requirements often require additional research to find a grant for your\n specific circumstances. \n * Are limited to a certain number of individuals. Organizations like Parental\n Hope Family Grant and The Fertility Foundation of Texas award grants once or\n twice each year rather than awarding them year-round. Thus, you would need to\n factor these grant timelines into your treatment schedule.\n\nFertility Treatment Loan\nA fertility loan is borrowed funds used to pay for a portion or all of your\nfertility treatment. The amount, terms, and conditions of a loan typically\ndepend on your credit score. The higher your score, the more easily you can\nqualify for a low-interest IVF loan.\n\nA loan is an excellent solution for a bigger one-time investment, like IVF or a\nnew car. The interest rate is usually lower with fixed monthly payments over a\nspecific amount of time, which means there are no financial surprises.\n\nAt Future Family [http://www.futurefamily.com/], we believe the smart way to\ncover costs is a personal fertility loan, allowing you to start your treatments\nimmediately. Personal fertility loans have much lower interest rates than most\ncredit cards, typically between 0.00% and 17.00%.\n\nIs an IVF Loan an Option for Me?\nMaking financial trade-offs and saving for IVF is ideal. But we understand that\nmay not be possible, depending on your circumstances. For those eager to pursue\nIVF with minimal savings, financing your fertility treatment may be the best\noption.\n\nWhether you can get a loan for IVF generally depends on the following:\n\n * Your credit score\n * Your income level\n\nWe recommend gathering all the relevant information before taking out an IVF\nloan. This process may include:\n\n * Reaching out to your healthcare insurance company to determine if you qualify\n for any fertility coverage.\n * Calculating how much you’ll have to spend on the treatment total (depending\n on how much your insurance will cover). Keep in mind that a large patient\n population may need one IVF egg retrieval but could need multiple embryo\n transfers. Embryo transfer cycles are significantly cheaper than a full IVF\n cycle, which includes egg retrieval.\n\nIf you take out a loan, you want to ensure you can pay it off. Consider your\nother debts, cost-of-living expenses, and savings. Use these considerations to\nhelp you assess whether you can realistically take on an IVF loan.\n\nHow Can I Make IVF Cheaper?\nThe cost of IVF isn’t negotiable, as it’s based on the treatments needed to\nincrease your chances of conceiving and carrying a pregnancy. But to make sure\nyour IVF loan covers everything, Future Family works with you and your fertility\nclinic to determine the exact amount your whole IVF treatment will cost. We take\ninto account any necessary treatments like medication or genetic testing\n[/what-is-covered-in-an-ivf-loan/]. \n\nBy taking a more thorough approach to the estimation process, we help reduce the\nrisk of unexpected additional costs. You can go to your fertility clinic or\npharmacy for treatment without worrying about payment arrangements.\n\nFuture Family Fertility Loans\nFuture Family IVF plans are dedicated to not only saving you money but lowering\nyour IVF-related stress [/how-a-future-family-loan-lowers-ivf-related-stress/]. \n\nFuture Family’s membership includes: \n\n * Bill Pay Management: Your payment specialist at Future Family handles all\n your bills—from medication to clinic appointments. You can make your monthly\n loan payment each month via the convenient bill pay management platform.\n * Personal Fertility Coaching and Care Team: Future Family members receive\n access to a nurse help desk, where they can schedule a time to talk to a\n fertility coach to answer any additional questions about fertility treatments\n or medication. \n\nFuture Family’s Fertility Coaches are registered nurses with years of experience\nin fertility healthcare and have helped thousands of women through IVF and egg\nfreezing. Get to know our nursing care team\n[/q-a-with-future-familys-nursing-care-team/].\n\nWhat Is the Typical Duration of an IVF Loan?\nFertility loans typically offer 12-, 24-, and 36-month repayment timelines. At\nFuture Family, our median term is closer to 60, keeping monthly payments lower\nand allowing patients to spread the repayment over a longer period.\n\nFuture Family loans also have no prepayment penalty. If you want to pay a\nholiday bonus toward your principal, you can do that directly through the\nbilling platform.\n\nDo You Have to Pay Again If IVF Fails?\nThe answer to this question depends on the fertility clinic or lender. Some\nclinics offer full or partial refunds to eligible patients if IVF treatment is\nunsuccessful. Others provide advantages, such as directly applying any unused\nfunds to the principal loan amount to shorten the loan term and reduce the total\ninterest.\n\nLearn More about How Future Family Can Help\nIn the end, you have to make the financial decision that works best with your \nlife and financial situation.\n\nIf you have questions or would like more information about how Future Family can\nprovide a fertility loan for your specific needs, please feel free to email us\nat financing@futurefamily.com. Or, prequalify for a loan\n[https://app.futurefamily.com/apply/sign-up?utm_medium=blog] at Future Family.\nPrequalification takes two minutes.","html":"The average cost of IVF in the U.S., including everything from medication to doctor’s visits, is around $18,000.
Unlike saving for a house, a wedding, or even college, IVF is usually an unexpected expense people are not financially prepared to handle. Studies show the biggest barrier to starting IVF is financing.
Fortunately, there are options available to pay for IVF, so you can move forward with your dream of starting a family.
Let's take a look at how paying for IVF works and how payment methods compare to a personal fertility loan with Future Family. As a team, we’re focused on making fertility treatment affordable and accessible while serving as a guiding resource to help you make the right decision.
Browse a specific category by clicking on any of the quick links below:
IVF and fertility treatments are rarely fully covered by private insurance or Medicaid plans. Unfortunately, these treatments are not considered medically necessary by some insurance companies.
But currently, there are 17 states that require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for fertility treatment. This only guarantees some procedures and medications will be covered. Every state carries its own limitations.
Speak with your insurance provider to see what is covered. For any remaining out-of-pocket costs, you can look into five payment options.
Each fertility payment option has pros and cons. These advantages and disadvantages will weigh differently, depending on your financial situation. We encourage you to read each carefully to make the best choice for yourself and your future family.
![](\"https://d2otz9izzt81os.cloudfront.net/2023/01/FF-Blog_BestWaytoPayforIVF-ComparissonTable-02.png\")
Studies report that over 85% of people pay for fertility treatments with a credit card.
Credit cards are a popular option because of their convenience and speed. It’s also an easy option for those who may not qualify for a loan.
But high-interest rates can make this an expensive choice in the long run:
Overall, credit cards are a good option for ongoing, smaller purchases, but heightened credit card use can hurt your credit score. It’s crucial to do your research and ensure you can handle the interest rates before swiping.
Saving money for IVF is a very sound way to pay for IVF because there is no interest rate. A savings account contains accessible money you can apply to your treatment immediately without worrying about a monthly payment or a hit to your credit.
However, suppose you are dipping into your rainy day savings account. In that case, you may be jeopardizing your financial health if an emergency or unexpected expense pops up (e.g., a leaky roof or car troubles).
IVF is one of the few life choices with a specific fertility timeline, which may not match your savings timeline. It can be challenging to save $18,000 or more for IVF if you need to start fertility treatments in the upcoming months.
It is always tempting to borrow money from your 401(k) to pay for IVF.
The CARES Act allows individuals to take funds from a 401(k) without the 10% surcharge tax if COVID-19 has affected them financially.
However, most financial experts advise against borrowing from a 401(k) for two main reasons:
Unless you’ve exhausted most other resources, such as emergency accounts or other easily accessible forms of savings, borrowing funds from your retirement account isn’t a great option.
There are more fertility grants available today than ever. Resolve.org, the website of the National Infertility Association, has a great round-up of grants to help people fund their fertility treatments.
Most fertility grants offer between $1,000 and $10,000, which can be a tremendous help toward the overall IVF cost. Check if your grant covers medication and other related expenses that can add up fast.
Keep in mind that most grants:
A fertility loan is borrowed funds used to pay for a portion or all of your fertility treatment. The amount, terms, and conditions of a loan typically depend on your credit score. The higher your score, the more easily you can qualify for a low-interest IVF loan.
A loan is an excellent solution for a bigger one-time investment, like IVF or a new car. The interest rate is usually lower with fixed monthly payments over a specific amount of time, which means there are no financial surprises.
At Future Family, we believe the smart way to cover costs is a personal fertility loan, allowing you to start your treatments immediately. Personal fertility loans have much lower interest rates than most credit cards, typically between 0.00% and 17.00%.
Making financial trade-offs and saving for IVF is ideal. But we understand that may not be possible, depending on your circumstances. For those eager to pursue IVF with minimal savings, financing your fertility treatment may be the best option.
Whether you can get a loan for IVF generally depends on the following:
We recommend gathering all the relevant information before taking out an IVF loan. This process may include:
If you take out a loan, you want to ensure you can pay it off. Consider your other debts, cost-of-living expenses, and savings. Use these considerations to help you assess whether you can realistically take on an IVF loan.
The cost of IVF isn’t negotiable, as it’s based on the treatments needed to increase your chances of conceiving and carrying a pregnancy. But to make sure your IVF loan covers everything, Future Family works with you and your fertility clinic to determine the exact amount your whole IVF treatment will cost. We take into account any necessary treatments like medication or genetic testing.
By taking a more thorough approach to the estimation process, we help reduce the risk of unexpected additional costs. You can go to your fertility clinic or pharmacy for treatment without worrying about payment arrangements.
Future Family IVF plans are dedicated to not only saving you money but lowering your IVF-related stress.
Future Family’s membership includes:
Future Family’s Fertility Coaches are registered nurses with years of experience in fertility healthcare and have helped thousands of women through IVF and egg freezing. Get to know our nursing care team.
Fertility loans typically offer 12-, 24-, and 36-month repayment timelines. At Future Family, our median term is closer to 60, keeping monthly payments lower and allowing patients to spread the repayment over a longer period.
Future Family loans also have no prepayment penalty. If you want to pay a holiday bonus toward your principal, you can do that directly through the billing platform.
The answer to this question depends on the fertility clinic or lender. Some clinics offer full or partial refunds to eligible patients if IVF treatment is unsuccessful. Others provide advantages, such as directly applying any unused funds to the principal loan amount to shorten the loan term and reduce the total interest.
In the end, you have to make the financial decision that works best with your life and financial situation.
If you have questions or would like more information about how Future Family can provide a fertility loan for your specific needs, please feel free to email us at financing@futurefamily.com. Or, prequalify for a loan at Future Family. Prequalification takes two minutes.
The average IVF cycle costs around $20,000 between treatment and medication, a daunting financial load for prospective parents without insurance coverage. Over half of those IVF patients opt to pay with a credit card, according to a recent survey. It’s easy, convenient, and charging that big of an expense can translate to a bunch of bonus points or miles for cardholders. But while racking up all those rewards can seem tempting, there are some important financial implications to consider before simply swiping the plastic.
![](\"https://d2otz9izzt81os.cloudfront.net/2022/12/avery-evans-RJQE64NmC_o-unsplash.jpg\")
Rewards programs are a major draw for any consumer shopping for a new credit card. After all, earning tens of thousands of points can translate to free flights, hotel stays and gift certificates. But in reality, nearly 70% of card holders are sitting on unused points, miles or cash-back rewards, and 40% haven’t used any in the last year. People embarking on fertility journeys are less likely to spend on point-friendly purchases like vacations, and more likely to save for major life expenses such as a bigger home and childcare – which points are unlikely to make a dent in.
And unfortunately, credit card points tend to lose value over time, due to inflation and companies charging more miles or points for the same flight or hotel.
While there is some variation between cards, the average credit card point is only worth about 1 cent. So even though all those rewards may look appealing, choosing to pay for fertility treatment with a credit card purely for the points is often penny wise, but pound foolish.
Credit cards come with variable interest rates. As of November 2022, the average credit card rate in America was a whopping 22.40%. By comparison, most personal fertility loans, such as those provided by Future Family, offer fixed rates ranging from 0% to 17.99% depending on factors including the borrower’s income and credit score.
Here’s how that difference in interest rate might translate to your monthly bill on a total cost of $20,000 repaid over 60 months:
| \n | Credit Card | \nPersonal Fertility Loan | \n
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | \n22.40% | \n5.99% | \n
| Monthly Payment | \n$557 | \n$387 | \n
So, in this scenario, over the 5 years of paying down the cost of treatment, you will spend over $10,000 more in interest by paying with a credit card versus taking out a loan. And how many points did that $20,000 charge earn? Given the one cent conversion rate previously mentioned, only around $200 worth– a drop in the bucket compared to that excess expense.
And while some cards offer a tempting 0% introductory APR, their rates usually skyrocket after the first year, sometimes as high as 25% APR. So if you don’t have a concrete plan to pay off your bill in 12 months or less, you’ll be hit with some serious interest costs in year 2 and beyond!
There are a myriad of considerations when determining how to finance fertility treatment, but ultimately, the promise of a bunch of reward points shouldn’t be the deciding factor. For a deeper dive on paying for IVF with a credit card versus a loan, check out this article.
If you’re interested in pursuing an IVF loan, see if you prequalify today. Applicants can be pre-approved within two minutes, and this process does not impact your credit score.
If you have any questions, please contact financing@futurefamily.com.
If you’re stuck on this, you’re not alone. How to pay for IVF is a big and complex question many prospective parents face. After all, the financial side of fertility treatment is a significant part of the process, and roughly 75% of people do not have IVF coverage.
As a trusted fertility lending expert, we want to offer you helpful insights—not only to help you find a practical and realistic solution to cover your costs but also to make your entire IVF journey less stressful and more joyful.
Learn the key differences between paying for IVF with a credit card versus a loan—and what the better option might be for you in the long run.
The average cost of one IVF cycle typically ranges from $10,000–$15,000. These values do not include medication costs, which can be anywhere from $5,000–$8,000.
Making financial trade-offs and saving for IVF is ideal. But we understand this may not be possible, which is why many people look into credit cards and loans.
There are five key areas to consider when choosing between credit cards and loans.
Credit cards typically come with variable interest rates, meaning the interest fluctuates depending on the market.
For example, the Federal Reserve has been pushing interest rates higher amid its battle against inflation. When the Fed hikes rates, credit card interest rates tend to move with it.
Though some credit card companies offer appealing promotional rates in the beginning, those rates typically jump to onerous heights (20% or higher). Bear that in mind as you weigh your options.
Fertility loans generally come with fixed interest rates ranging from 0.00%–17.99%. Though the Federal Reserve push also impacts fixed interest rates, a fixed rate you’ve locked in will not change for the loan’s entire term. So in the long run, this might prove more advantageous in terms of cost and stability.
The fixed interest rate for your loan depends on various factors such as:
You are usually required to make a monthly payment to keep your credit account in good standing. Making the minimum payment every cycle ensures you don’t carry incur:
Keep in mind, credit card issuers continue to charge interest until your balance is paid in full. So even though making minimum payments ensures good standing with creditors, it also prolongs the payment timeline (sometimes by several years).
Your monthly payment depends on the loan amount you qualify for, and the interest rate. For instance:
Each average payment Future Family provides covers a portion of your principal and interest. Our median payment term is 60 months—this allows payments to be smaller and spread out over a longer period of time. There is also no prepayment penalty.
Have a holiday bonus you want to pay toward the principal? You can do that directly on Future Family’s website. There is no prepayment penalty!
Using a credit card for fertility treatment can both help and hurt your credit score. Establishing credit history is good, but watch your credit utilization—the amount of credit you are currently using, compared to how much you have available.
Expressed as a percentage, your credit utilization rate is a component creditors assess to determine how risky you are.
A low credit utilization rate indicates you’re doing a good job managing your credit assets. A high credit rate indicates to lenders/creditors you’re having trouble managing your finances.
The general rule of thumb is to keep your utilization rate under 30%. This may be challenging to do, as the cost of treatment tends to be close to credit limits (more on this in the next section).
Some are hesitant to apply for loans due to a hard credit check, which typically knocks off a few points from your credit score. The good news is, applications from fertility lenders like Future Family do not impact your credit score in any way.
Staying committed to your monthly loan payments can help build credit in the long term. FICO and VantageScore consider payment history as the most essential factor in calculating credit scores.
And with the interest rates incorporated into monthly payments, you don’t have to worry about fluctuating costs, helping you stay on track throughout the loan duration.
As aforementioned, credit limits tend to be similar to the cost of treatment. For example, the average person in the U.S. has access to roughly $31,000 in credit limits across all their credit cards.
So if an IVF treatment cycle costs $19,000, this means:
Credit limits and utilization rates are based solely on revolving credit. So taking out a fertility loan would not impact your credit limit.
Additionally, fertility lenders understand IVF may involve multiple cycles, which is why they offer loans that provide funding beyond a single attempt.
Credit card companies offer reward programs that accumulate points over time. These earn cash rewards which can help foot the bill for your fertility treatment.
However, 40% of credit card holders have points they did not use in the past year. Points depreciate over time, so when life gets busy, you gain less value from them by the time you redeem the points.
Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an inflation rate of 7.5% from January 2021 to January 2022. This means for every $1,000 in rewards earned at the beginning of that period, the buying power is now closer to $925.
Future Family loans save you money right away with lower, fixed interest rates from the get-go. These fixed rates keep your payments steady and help you save more money in the long run.
Better yet, fertility lenders offer unique opportunities, like 0% Interest Rate Financing which provides a 0% interest rate for up to 12 months. Eligible patients pay the same amount as a cash purchase, but with the flexibility of spreading out payments over time.
As indicated above, going with the right fertility loan keeps the payment process simple. Interest rates and payments are fixed so you have more control over your finances—and can rest assured you can pay off fertility costs in time.
The Future Family team provides borrowers access to a personal fertility care team. In addition to the financial commitments, we understand IVF is a physical and emotional investment as well. Thus, we offer our clients a holistic package that includes a personal nursing care team.
Learn more about the best way to pay for IVF.
If you’re interested in pursuing an IVF loan, see if you prequalify today. Applicants can be pre-approved within two minutes, and this process does not impact your credit score.
If you have any questions, please contact financing@futurefamily.com.
The cost of fertility treatment is a significant part of the decision-making process—discouraging many prospective parents. Nearly half of fertility clinic visitors do not proceed with treatment due to the costs and complexities involved.
At Future Family, we take the intricacies and anxieties out of the picture so you can focus on the important part—starting the family you deserve. Below, we provide a comparison of the two main options for how to finance fertility treatment—loans and credit cards. Each comes with pros and cons, so you can thoroughly reflect on each and make the best decision.
Nearly 75% of Americans don’t have IVF coverage. Thus, many people lean on financing to start their families.
Luckily, there are fertility treatment loans that not only offer a simple payment plan but also access to a personal fertility care team. This holistic loan package is key to getting the most out of your fertility journey.
Future Family offers financing for the following treatments:
Learn more about what’s covered in an IVF loan.
Paying for treatments via credit card is a relatively common fertility treatment financing option. While certain benefits exist for credit cards, there are hidden factors to keep in mind.
When planning to start a new family, optimizing your financial situation for everything that could come your way makes sense. This potentially includes the expenses of parenthood and buying a house.
So, it's important to be mindful of your credit score—and how much money you have available at any given time for unexpected expenses and down payments.
Are you ready for the next step of starting your own family? Apply for financing today and browse through our financing FAQs. Have any questions? Reach out to us at: financing@futurefamily.com.