Can I use HSA card for online purchases?

Asked by: Sonya Howe  |  Last update: August 23, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (19 votes)

HSA cards cover a wide array of healthcare expenses, including medical, dental, and vision care, in-person and online. HSA non-eligible expenses typically include cosmetic procedures, general health products, gym memberships, and certain over-the-counter medications without a prescription.

How do I use my HSA debit card online?

You can use it just like a regular debit card for transactions in-store, online, at the doctor, and at other medical merchants. Digital Wallet - Use your card through your preferred mobile wallet: Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay, or Google Wallet™.

What can I not use my HSA card for?

Other items that aren't eligible include maternity clothes, funeral costs, child care for healthy babies, toiletries, over-the-counter medicine, swimming lessons and elective cosmetic procedures. You also usually can't use HSA money to pay for health insurance premiums unless you meet certain criteria.

What if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

If you catch the transaction early enough, you might even be able to contact the retailer and ask them to reverse the charge and fill it on a new card. If you bought something in person, you can also return it to the store and then buy it again with a different card.

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.

What Can the HSA Debit Card Buy? (What Can You Purchase with HSA Funds?)

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What are the most common mistakes for HSA?

Common HSA mistakes and how to avoid them
  • 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 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.

Can I get in trouble for using HSA money?

When health savings accounts aren't used for their intended purposes, account holders are often assessed penalties. When an account holder under the age of 65 uses their health savings account's funds for non-medical expenses, they have to pay income tax on the money spent plus a 20-percent penalty.

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 you use HSA for online shopping?

Yes. Your FSA or HSA card covers the product tax and shipping. Can I purchase FSA or HSA eligible items and ineligible items in the same order? Yes.

Why is Amazon not letting me use my HSA card?

Note: Certain Health Savings Accounts (HSA) cards cannot be registered as Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or HSA cards with Amazon but can still be used if they're registered as credit cards. If you register your HSA card as a credit card, you'll be responsible for ensuring the card is used only for eligible products.

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.

Do HSA cards work online?

HSA debit card: Whether it's at the doctor's office, the store, or online, you'll be using your HSA debit card just like you'd be using your regular debit card.

Why is my HSA card being declined?

Your card will be declined if there are insufficient funds in your account to cover the purchase. You can use a personal form of payment or ask the merchant if they can split the purchase between two forms of payment, allowing you to use your available balance and pay for the difference with another payment method.

Can I transfer money from my HSA to my bank account online?

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. Online Bill Pay – Use this feature to pay medical providers directly from your HSA.

What if I accidentally bought food on my HSA?

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 happens if I use my HSA card for something not covered?

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 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).

Is an 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 use HSA for groceries?

As mentioned earlier, using HSA funds directly for groceries is not allowed under current IRS regulations. This can be seen as a downside for individuals looking to use their HSA money for day-to-day expenses.

Can HSA pay for massage?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

What is one downside of an HSA?

Weak earnings and investment limits: Interest rates on HSA accounts may be low and some trustees charge a monthly fee if your balance drops below a certain threshold. Minimum balance requirements may apply before you can invest; investment options may be limited, and investments are not insured.

Can I go negative on my HSA card?

The IRS states that having a negative HSA balance is prohibited by federal law.

What happens if you use your health savings account for anything?

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.