Can I use my FSA card like a credit card?

Asked by: Mariana Hane  |  Last update: September 27, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (69 votes)

To benefit from FSA, you first need to enroll in the FSA plan and decide how much of your pre-tax income should be spent to cover the out-of-pocket medical expenses. After that, you are free to use your FSA card, just like any other card, to pay for eligible items and medical services.

Does FSA work like a credit card?

How to use your FSA card. Flex spending cards are essentially the same as debit cards but used only to cover eligible medical expenses, drawing the funds from your FSA.

Can I buy groceries with my FSA card?

Typically, you can use your FSA dollars on eligible expenses at places like drug stores, grocery stores, doctor offices, vision centers, dentists, hospitals, and other medical offices. You can also purchase FSA-approved items online — so you have options depending on what works best for you.

Can I use my FSA card like a debit card?

FSA cards are essentially the same as debit cards, but they're used to cover qualified medical expenses with FSA funds. In some cases, FSA holders who wish to access their funds are required to pay out-of-pocket and then submit receipts to their benefits administrator.

What happens if I use my FSA card for non-medical expenses?

Your FSA account can be used for eligible medical expenses only and you are solely liable for the use of the plan. If the Benefits Card is accidentally or intentionally utilized for ineligible expenses, you are responsible for reimbursing your account.

How To Use Your FSA & HSA on AMAZON (Easy)

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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.

Can I use FSA to pay for gym membership?

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 withdraw cash from my FSA card?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

The easiest way to be sure your purchases are eligible is to shop at a store that exclusively sell FSA-eligible items (hint: FSAstore.com).

Does Costco accept FSA cards?

Mobile Payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard Debit cards are accepted at Pharmacies, Optical and Hearing Aid Departments. Filtered Spend Visa/Mastercard*

Can I use a FSA card on Amazon?

Yes. Amazon does separate FSA and HSA eligible items and payment within a single order. If you have ineligible items in your cart or choose to have your eligible items gift-wrapped, you can choose to add another payment method and Amazon will charge the correct amount to each card or payment method.

Is Tylenol FSA eligible?

Can I buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with my FSA or HSA? Yes. You can buy OTC medicine such as Tylenol and Tums with your FSA or HSA.

Can you buy toilet paper with FSA?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Is an Apple Watch FSA eligible?

Likely not. While your Apple Watch, Garmin, or other tracker may offer you some insight—and maybe even some encouragement—to stay on top of your fitness routine, they are not typically considered medical devices for purposes of FSA and HSA funds.

What is the downside of FSA?

Flexible spending accounts offer several advantages to your company and your employees. However, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of. One of the best known is the “use it or lose it” feature. Any amounts contributed to an account and not spent by the end of the year are forfeited to the employer.

Can I transfer money from my FSA to my bank account?

Can You Transfer FSA to a Bank Account? The answer to this question is a straightforward "no." FSA money can only be used for designated healthcare-related purposes. As per the IRS, you cannot transfer that money to another account.

Can I use my FSA 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).

Is electric toothbrush FSA-eligible?

Unfortunately, most products for oral health care are not currently eligible medical expenses for FSA and HSA spending.

Is Dyson air purifier FSA-eligible?

Air purifiers are generally not eligible for reimbursement. An air purifier may be eligible for FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) only if you are using it to relieve or alleviate a specific medical condition and you would not otherwise have purchased it.

Are sunglasses FSA-eligible?

You can use FSA dollars on sunglasses, as long as they are prescription sunglasses. Some non-prescription sunglasses can be purchased with HSA or FSA dollars, but you will most likely need a prescription for the shades from your doctor.

How do I convert FSA to cash?

That said, unfortunately, FSA cards cannot be used to withdraw FSA funds from an ATM. These cards can only be used directly on qualifying medical products and services. This comes from the fact that FSA funds are pre-tax and cash cannot be easily monitored for eligible purchases.

Can I use my FSA card at Walmart?

HSA/FSA Cards

To use your HSA/FSA card, enter it as a credit card when buying eligible items. If you save the card to your account, it will save as a benefit card.

Why is my FSA card being declined?

This can happen if: You may be at an ineligible location. You may be asking for more money than what you have elected and/or contributed. Your card might have been temporarily suspended because your account is not in good standing OR because there is additional information required for previous transaction(s)

Can FSA pay for massage?

Massage Therapy may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).

Can you use FSA for vitamins?

Are vitamins FSA/HSA eligible? You want to be careful when trying to buy vitamins with your FSA or HSA. They are not always deemed a qualified expense. If your vitamins are not prescribed by a healthcare professional or used to treat a specific condition, your purchase most likely won't be FSA or HSA eligible.

Does FSA cover peloton membership?

You can't directly pay for membership costs with your HSA/FSA card, but if you receive a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from Truemed or an applicable licensed medical professional and are eligible for reimbursement, you may be able to apply your HSA/FSA funds to the cost of a Peloton Membership while the LMN is ...