How can I spend my HSA money?

Asked by: Rosetta Pfannerstill  |  Last update: December 25, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (66 votes)

17 awesome ways to spend your Health Savings Account
  1. #1 Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This is probably among the most popular ways to use your HSA. ...
  2. #2 Doctor visits. ...
  3. #3 Telemedicine visits. ...
  4. #4 Healthcare insurance premiums. ...
  5. #5 Women's healthcare products. ...
  6. #6 Dental care. ...
  7. #7 Vision care. ...
  8. #8 Transportation for healthcare.

Can I spend my HSA money on anything?

In addition to medical, dental, and vision costs, you can also use your HSA to pay for items and services that may not be as easily defined. For example, did you know hand sanitizer, genetic testing, and holistic healer services may all be HSA-qualified expenses?

How do I turn my HSA into cash?

Online Transfer – On HSA Bank's Member Website, you can transfer funds from your HSA to an external bank account, such as a personal checking or savings account. There is a daily transfer limit of $2,500 to safeguard against fraudulent activity.

What expenses can I use my HSA account for?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for:
  • Coinsurance. Coinsurance. ...
  • Copayments. Copayment. ...
  • Deductibles. Deductible. ...
  • Qualified medical expenses (includes some dental, drug, and vision expenses) – Find an expenses list on IRS.gov.

Can I transfer money from HSA to my bank account?

* – To transfer funds directly from your HSA to your personal bank account, you will first need to add your bank account information to your profile. To do this, select “Profile” in the main navigation menu, then select “Banking/Cards” on the left-hand side and select the “Add Bank Account” link.

How Do I Use My HSA As A Retirement Account?

32 related questions found

Can I withdraw money from HSA for personal use?

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.

How can I access my HSA funds?

When it comes to using your HSA funds you have several options.
  1. HSA Central Debit Card – Pay for eligible medical items with your HSA Central Debit Card. ...
  2. Digital Wallet - Use your card through your preferred mobile wallet: Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay, or Google Wallet™.

What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

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 HSA pay for 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.

Can I borrow from my HSA?

Can I borrow against the money in my HSA? No. You may not borrow against it or pledge the funds in it. For more information on prohibited activities, see Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.

What ATM can I use my HSA card at?

Associated Bank ATMs are always fee-free. 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.

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 do I reimburse myself from my HSA?

As long as you opened your HSA before the expense was incurred, your reimbursement will be tax-free. You can: Transfer money online from your HSA to your personal bank account using an electronic funds transfer (EFT) Mail yourself a check through the transfer money feature.

What if I never use the money in my HSA?

Myth #2: If I don't spend all my funds this year, I lose it. Reality: HSA funds never expire. When it comes to the HSA, there's no use-it-or-lose-it rule. Unlike Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds, you keep your HSA dollars forever, even if you change employers, health plans, or retire.

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.

How to cash out a HSA account?

If you want to withdraw from one HSA to fund another you would initiate one of two things: a rollover or a transfer. If you choose a rollover, the original HSA provider physically sends you a check or electronically transfers the funds to you.

What can you not pay with HSA?

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 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 are 3 advantages of an HSA?

1. What are the potential benefits of an HSA?
  • Federal tax advantages.
  • Savings on qualified medical expenses.
  • Many unreimbursed medical expenses qualify.
  • Annual rollover.
  • Others can contribute, including the participant's employer or family member.
  • Convenience.

Can you make too much money for HSA?

What happens if I contribute more than the IRS annual maximum? If your HSA contains excess or ineligible contributions you will generally owe the IRS a 6% excess-contribution penalty tax for each year that the excess contribution remains in your HSA. It is recommended you speak with a tax advisor for guidance.

What can I spend HSA money on?

HSA - You can use your HSA to pay for eligible health care, dental, and vision expenses for yourself, your spouse, or eligible dependents (children, siblings, parents, and others who are considered an exemption under Section 152 of the tax code).

Can I transfer money from my HSA to my checking 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 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.