Can I run my HSA card as credit?
Asked by: Juliet Schroeder | Last update: July 19, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (63 votes)
Can I use my HSA card like a credit card?
You cannot pay a credit card bill with a HSA debit card, those can only be used to directly pay for eligible medical expenses. You can reimburse yourself for eligible medical expenses (regardless of how you paid for them), and use the reimbursement funds to do whatever you want, including make credit card payments.
Can I use my HSA card to buy 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.
Can I use my HSA card to pay care credit?
Please note: Payment by FSA/HSA or credit card is not available. Payments are also not accepted directly at your provider's office as well. If you think you are going to have to pay late, call us at (866) 893-7867 before the payment due date as we may be able to offer you choices that fit your needs.
Do you use a HSA card as debit or credit?
You can swipe your HSA debit card to use tax-free money to pay for eligible healthcare products and services not paid by your insurance plan(s), including routine healthcare, hospital expenses, medications, dental care, orthodontia and vision care.
What Can the HSA Debit Card Buy? (What Can You Purchase with HSA Funds?)
Can I use my HSA card to get cash?
You can use your HSA card at an ATM to reimburse yourself for eligible expenses paid out-of-pocket. (A transaction fee may apply.
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.
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 bills?
To see if your expense qualifies for direct payment from your HSA, look for the date of service (not the bill date) on your medical bill. If that date is after you've opened your account, you can use your HSA debit card or submit the payment for reimbursement.
How to take money out of HSA?
If you want to withdraw from one HSA to fund another you would initiate one of two things: a rollover or a transfer. If you choose a rollover, the original HSA provider physically sends you a check or electronically transfers the funds to you.
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 my HSA pay for my 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.
What can I not use my HSA card for?
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.
Can I use my HSA card for whatever I want?
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 12 month rule for HSA?
About the IRS' last-month rule testing period and penalty
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.
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 run an 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 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 I cash out my HSA when I leave my job?
Yes, you can cash out your HSA at any time. However, any funds withdrawn for costs other than qualified medical expenses will result in the IRS imposing a 20% tax penalty. If you leave your job, you don't have to cash out your HSA.
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 use my HSA card for non-medical expenses?
In addition, if HSA funds are withdrawn before age 65 and not used for eligible medical expenses are generally subject to an additional 20% tax penalty. In other words, you may lose the tax benefits when you use HSA for non-medical expenses. There may also be a significant tax fee or penalty.
Can you buy toilet paper with HSA?
Toiletries are not eligible for reimbursement 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).
What happens if I use my HSA for groceries?
If you use your HSA for an expense other than eligible medical expenses you can subject yourself to significant IRS penalties. Inappropriate use of your HSA funds may also leave you without money to pay for your eligible medical expenses in the future.
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 use my HSA for skincare?
This means that any skin care costs that count towards your deductible, such as prescription medications or dermatologist visits, can be paid for using HSA funds.