Can you use your HSA card like a debit card?
Asked by: Mrs. Esperanza Nikolaus DVM | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (73 votes)
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.
Can I withdraw from my HSA at an ATM?
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 you use HSA like a credit card?
You can't use your FSA or HSA like you would your credit card, paying for it before you've accumulated enough money in the account. You can only use the funds that are already in your FSA or HSA account.
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 Any withdrawn funds that are not used for eligible medical expenses are included in gross income and may be subjected to taxation.
What Can the HSA Debit Card Buy? (What Can You Purchase with HSA Funds?)
Can I use my HSA card as a debit?
Use your HSA debit card to pay for eligible medical expenses. It should only be used at healthcare-related locations. When asked by a merchant or directed by a point- of-sale system to choose a payment method, should I select “Debit” or “Credit?” You will receive information about a debit PIN with your card.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 to turn HSA into cash?
(Keep in mind that HSA funds cannot be used for qualified medical expenses that were incurred before their HSA was established.) schedule a withdrawal from your HSA to a personal bank account. contact Client Assistance Center at 800-357-6246 Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm CST.)
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 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).
What happens to unused HSA funds?
Unlike many flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), unused HSA funds automatically carry over to the following year. Even if your employer provided the account and made contributions, the account belongs to you — so any remaining funds are carried over every year.
Can HSA pay for gym membership?
Gym memberships are generally not considered qualified medical expenses under IRS guidelines. While physical fitness is important, gym memberships are typically viewed as personal or recreational expenses rather than a medical necessity. So using HSA funds for them could result in taxes and penalties.
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 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.
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 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 borrow from my HSA and pay it back?
No.
Are diapers HSA eligible?
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.
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.
What happens if I use my HSA card for something not covered?
Unfortunately, you can't just let mistakes like this slide. You can be charged a 20% penalty if you use your HSA funds to pay for a non-qualified medical expense, which would have been $70 in my case (not to mention traditional income taxes would apply, too).
Can I use my HSA card to buy groceries?
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) is whether or not they can be used for groceries. The short answer is no. According to current IRS regulations, groceries are not considered a qualified medical expense and therefore cannot be paid for using HSA funds.