Can I use my HSA debit card for other purchases?

Asked by: Miss Jena Lind PhD  |  Last update: January 5, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (47 votes)

Is this card like my other debit cards? No. Your HSA card can only be used for eligible expenses at specific healthcare-related service providers or merchants where you can purchase healthcare goods or services. Your HSA card has no cash access.

Can an HSA debit card be used for anything?

What can I buy with my HSA using my debit card? 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.

Can I use my HSA card for regular purchases?

It's your money, so using your HSA for non-medical expenses is an option. But what happens if you use your HSA for non-medical expenses? Here's what to consider. Any withdrawn funds that are not used for eligible medical expenses are included in gross income and may be subjected to taxation.

Can you use a HSA card for other things?

You can spend it on anything health related. The IRS, healthcare.gov and HSA banks post a list of qualified medical expenses.

What happens if I use my HSA card for non-medical purchases?

Using Funds for Non-Medical Purposes Results in Penalties

Thus, they not only lose the tax benefit of having a health savings account, but they also have to pay a one-fifth penalty for funneling money through the account.

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

30 related questions found

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.

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.

Can I use my HSA card 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?

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.

Do I need to keep receipts for HSA debit card?

It means that you should save your receipts every time you use your debit card for a qualified medical expense. For those debit card purchases that cannot be auto-substantiated at the point of sale, you will be required to submit documentation to support the claim.

Can I spend HSA on anything?

You can use an HSA to cover eligible medical, vision, and dental expenses for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents. For those with an eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP), investing in an HSA could be a great way to help pay for current and future medical care.

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.

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.

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

**Short Answer: **Non-medical HSA distributions are subject to ordinary income tax at all ages, and they are also subject to a 20% additional tax for individuals who are under age 65.

Can I use my HSA card to buy other things?

You can use your HSA to pay for healthcare costs such as emergency, dental, and vision expenses. The CARES Act has expanded the list of HSA-eligible items to include over-the-counter purchases, making the costs of everyday healthcare tax-deductible. Confirm with your HSA administrator which expenses are eligible.

What purchases are allowed with HSA?

General
  • Prescriptions Rx
  • Doctor Fees.
  • Crutches.
  • Flu Shot.
  • Hearing Aids.
  • Motorized Wheelchair.
  • X-Rays.

Can you buy a bed with HSA?

According to the HSA Store, "A mattress expense is only eligible when its components and construction costs exceed those of a standard mattress for general health." To use your funds for a new mattress, you'll need to provide a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from a medical professional stating you have a medical ...

Can I borrow from my HSA and pay it back?

No.

How do they know what you buy with a HSA card?

Because HSA administrators don't track the purchases employees make with their HSA, employees should make it a habit to save receipts for all HSA-eligible goods and services, so they can easily reimburse themselves when they are ready, or when they need the money.

Can I use my HSA to pay for yoga?

Fitness fees do not immediately qualify as eligible HSA/FSA expenses, but they do qualify if a provider recommends exercise to prevent or treat a medical condition. To qualify those expenses for reimbursement with an HSA/FSA administrator, you need a Letter of Medical Necessity from a provider.