Can HSA funds be used for stocks?
Asked by: Bud Goldner | Last update: January 10, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (61 votes)
Can I use my HSA to invest in stocks?
You can choose and manage your own investments, which can include stocks (including fractional shares), bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and more. Or, simply choose investments from our pre-selected Fidelity HSA® Funds to Consider. Key highlights include: Buy and sell your own investments anytime.
Can you take money out of an HSA to invest?
You are eligible to use the investment feature of your HSA once your cash account balance has reached the investment threshold1 you establish. You may choose between automatic or manual investment options, however you must first enroll in the investment feature to get started.
Can you use HSA as an investment tool?
Investing through an HSA
Some HSAs offer tools that help you choose your investments and provide automatic rebalancing, so your portfolio stays within your preferred allocation. Others allow you to select from specific investments, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs.
What can HSA funds be used for?
A type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in an HSA to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket health care costs.
What Is The Best Way To Invest HSA Funds?
Can I use HSA money for other things?
Tax benefits and limitations:
HSAs may earn interest that can't be taxed. You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes.
What is the downside of an HSA?
Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Can you use HSA to build wealth?
- Max Out Contributions. The first step to building wealth with an HSA is to contribute the maximum amount allowed by the IRS each year. ...
- Treat Your HSA as an Investment Account. ...
- Pay for Medical Expenses Out-of-Pocket. ...
- Use the “Shoebox Strategy” ...
- Let Your HSA Become a Retirement Asset.
What is the tax loophole for HSA?
HSA Tax Advantages
Your contributions may be 100 percent tax-deductible, meaning contributions can be deducted from your gross income. All interest earned in your HSA is 100 percent tax-deferred, meaning the funds grow without being subject to taxes unless they are used for non-eligible medical expenses.
What happens to unused HSA funds?
Unlike many flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), unused HSA funds automatically carry over to the following year. Even if your employer provided the account and made contributions, the account belongs to you — so any remaining funds are carried over every year.
How much of my HSA can I invest?
Once your HSA reaches the investment threshold (typically $2,000), you may choose to invest a portion of your HSA dollars in mutual funds — just like you would with a 401(k). You can choose from a wide variety of mutual funds at optumbank.com. Any investment earnings such as interest or dividends are income tax-free.
Can I ever cash out my HSA?
As a practical matter, you are allowed to withdraw funds from your HSA at any time for any reason. But if you aren't using the funds to cover a qualified medical expense, then you'll be stuck paying a penalty tax.
Can you transfer HSA funds to an investment account?
Note: You can set up this option at any time, even if you haven't yet reached the minimum cash balance required for investing. Then once you reach the investment threshold you established, funds will begin to transfer to your investment account.
Can I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account?
Online Transfers – On HSA Bank's member website, you can reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses by making a one-time or reoccurring online transfer from your HSA to your personal checking or savings account.
Can you buy bitcoin with HSA?
Yes, because HSA investment can be self-directed, you can choose to invest your funds in cryptocurrency.
How do I withdraw from HSA to avoid tax?
Once you turn 65, you can withdraw money from your HSA for any reason without penalty. But for the distribution to be tax- and penalty-free, it must be used for qualified medical expenses. If you use the funds for other purposes, the amount withdrawn will be subject to regular income taxes.
What happens to your HSA when you turn 65?
One benefit of the HSA is that after you turn age 65, you can withdraw money from your HSA for any reason without incurring a tax penalty. You are, however, subject to normal income tax on any non-qualified withdrawals.
Can I use HSA for dental?
Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.
Is it smart to invest HSA funds?
Account holders who don't invest their HSA contributions could be missing an opportunity to earn tax-free returns. We generally suggest keeping two to three years' worth of routine medical expenses in cash, cash investments, or similar low-volatility investments within your HSA.
Can you inherit HSA money?
If you die and are married, your HSA money typically transfers to your spouse. Non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw all the funds and pay income tax on the money they receive. If you don't name a beneficiary, your HSA funds will go to your estate and be subject to taxes.
What investments can you make with HSA?
- Money market funds. If you keep a relatively small balance in your HSA or you plan to regularly tap the account, it could make sense to go with low-risk, low-return options such as money market funds. ...
- Stocks and funds. ...
- Fixed income. ...
- Robo-advisor.
When should you not use an HSA?
HSAs might not make sense if you have some type of chronic medical condition. In that case, you're probably better served by traditional health plans. HSAs might also not be a good idea if you know you will be needing expensive medical care in the near future.
What is the biggest advantage of an HSA?
- Federal tax advantages.
- Savings on qualified medical expenses.
- Many unreimbursed medical expenses qualify.
- Annual rollover.
- Others can contribute, including the participant's employer or family member.
- Convenience.
Can my HSA lose money?
Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.