Can I buy food with an HSA card?
Asked by: Dudley Jacobs | Last update: September 28, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (69 votes)
Can I use HSA for groceries?
No, you can't use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for straight food purchases like meat, produce and dairy. But you can use them for some nutrition-related products and services. To review, tax-advantaged accounts have regulatory restrictions on eligible products and services.
What happens if I accidentally use my HSA card for food?
The normal process is to call your HSA plan administrator and tell them you need the form for a ``Mistaken Distribution''. The plan administrator does not have to honor this request, but if they do, then you will fill out the form and send them a check to repay the money you took out by mistake.
Can you order food with HSA?
HSA and FSA participants can use their benefits at select merchants offering HSA/FSA eligible health items on DoorDash. Eligible health items are marked as “HSA/FSA Eligible” within store pages on DoorDash. Note: Health item eligibility may differ by plan.
What can I not use my HSA card to buy?
Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.
What Can the HSA Debit Card Buy? (What Can You Purchase with HSA Funds?)
Can I use my HSA to pay for a gym membership?
Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.
Can I buy deodorant with HSA?
Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).
How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?
Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.
Can I use my HSA card for gas?
Fuel is eligible for transportation to and from medical care, up to the allowed mileage rate. Fuel, gasoline for medical care reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
Can I buy shampoo with HSA?
Over-the-counter toiletries or personal hygiene items which may include, but are not limited to shampoo, toothpaste, conditioners, hand creams, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, dental floss, body powders, hair gels/sprays, make-up, nail polish accessories, soap, mouthwash, etc., are not reimbursable.
What are the most common mistakes for HSA?
- Using an HSA when you're not eligible. ...
- Paying for ineligible expenses. ...
- Contributing too much to your account. ...
- Paying someone else's medical bills. ...
- Using all of your funds. ...
- Using both an HSA and FSA. ...
- Stay ahead of mistakes with HSA Store.
Can I cash out my HSA?
Yes, you can withdraw funds from your HSA at any time. But please keep in mind that if you use your HSA funds for any reason other than to pay for a qualified medical expense, those funds will be taxed as ordinary income, and the IRS will impose a 20% penalty.
Can I buy vitamins with HSA?
In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition.
What if I accidentally bought food on my HSA?
Yes, you read that correctly—even if you accidentally paid for a burger with your HSA debit card, you will have to report it on your annual income tax return and pay taxes on it. If you're under 65 and spend the money on unqualified purchases, you must also pay a 20% penalty on top of the income tax.
Can I buy tampons with HSA?
Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?
Can I spend HSA money on anything?
If you use your HSA money on something other than qualified medical expenses before retirement, your withdrawal will be subject to taxes, and it may be subject to a 20% penalty. If you use it for something other than qualified medical expenses after age 65, your withdrawal will be subject to taxes but not penalized.
Can I purchase food with HSA?
Most foods are ineligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. Dieting foods, for example, are not eligible. Special foods that are eligible for reimbursement will require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) indicating a specific medical condition that the food is necessary for.
Can I use my HSA for gym membership?
Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.
Can I run my HSA card as credit?
In order for your card to work, you must have the balance available in your HSA; no overdraft is available. Please note: The card will not work at ATMs and will only work at appropriate medical facilities. The card should always be run as 'credit' and no PIN is required.
What triggers an HSA audit?
Does HSA spending trigger an audit? The IRS doesn't monitor how you spend your HSA funds throughout the year, but that doesn't mean they won't ask for proof that your expenses were eligible. And if your tax return contains unrelated IRS audit red flags, your risk for an HSA audit could increase.
What happens if I accidentally use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?
You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.
What is the 12 month rule for HSA?
It means you must remain eligible for the HSA until December 31 of the following year. The only exceptions are death or disability. If you violate the testing period requirement, your ineligible contributions become taxable income.
Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?
Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.
Can I withdraw cash from my HSA debit card?
Health Benefits Debit Card – Your HSA Bank Health Benefits Debit Card provides access to your HSA funds at point-of-sale with signature or PIN and at ATMs for withdrawals.
Can I use HSA on diapers?
As previously mentioned, diapers are not considered qualified medical expenses under the current IRS guidelines. Therefore, attempting to use HSA funds for diapers may result in penalties or tax liabilities.