Does my HSA card work like a debit card?

Asked by: Olaf Deckow DVM  |  Last update: November 6, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (47 votes)

Myth #1: An HSA is too complicated Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) work just like traditional savings accounts but include several tax advantages that your savings account doesn't provide. And just like checking accounts, an HSA uses a debit card2 that you can use to pay for qualified medical expenses.

Can you use your HSA card as a debit card?

It allows you to access your funds for qualified medical expenses and can be used anywhere Mastercard® debit cards are accepted.

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 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 withdraw money from HSA at ATM?

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.

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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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 happens if I use my HSA card for gas?

If you use a car for medical purposes, You can use your HSA to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of gas and oil used directly for your medically necessary transportation. However, you can't use your HSA to reimburse yourself for depreciation, insurance, general repair, or maintenance expenses.

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).

Why is my HSA card being declined?

Card declines can occur because funds have expired, new cards have been issued, the card does not have sufficient funds or various other reasons.

Can I use my HSA card to pay for anything?

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 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 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 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.

Can I use my HSA to pay for 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 you pull cash out of your HSA account?

Your HSA can also function as a backup emergency fund, letting you withdraw tax-free cash when you really need it. You can only do this if you delay reimbursing yourself for previous medical expenses you paid out of pocket for. This allows you to withdraw a larger amount of money at a later time.

How much should I put in my HSA per paycheck?

You can start small, perhaps setting aside $25 to $50 per paycheck. Consider also trying to cut back on non-essential spending, such as foregoing one of your app subscriptions, reducing meals out or making your morning cup at home versus going to a coffee shop.

What if I spend my HSA on non-medical?

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 I use my HSA card at an ATM?

Can I use my HSA debit card at an ATM? Yes, you can use your Associated Bank HSA Debit Mastercard® to withdraw cash to pay for eligible expenses or reimburse yourself for expenses you have already paid. Associated Bank ATMs are always fee-free.

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 I borrow from my HSA and pay it back?

No.