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What Can You Buy on an HSA Credit Card?

Published June 4, 2024

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Short answer: You can typically use an HSA credit card to pay for eligible medical expenses like prescriptions, doctor visits, dental and vision care, prescribed OTC medications, medical supplies, and mental health services.

Common eligible purchases for HSA credit cards

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save for medical expenses while enjoying tax benefits. One convenient feature of HSAs is the ability to use an HSA credit card to pay for eligible expenses. But what exactly can you buy on an HSA credit card?

Here are some common expenses that you can typically purchase using an HSA credit card:

  • Prescription medications
  • Doctor visits
  • Dental care
  • Vision care, including eyeglasses and contact lenses
  • Over-the-counter medications with a doctor's prescription
  • Medical supplies and equipment
  • Mental health services

Generally not eligible expenses on HSA credit cards

It's important to note that not all expenses are eligible for HSA spending. Here are a few items that you generally cannot purchase with an HSA credit card:

  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Health club memberships
  • Over-the-counter medications without a prescription
  • Non-medical services or items

More examples plus recordkeeping and guidance

When using your HSA credit card, be sure to keep receipts and records of your purchases in case you need to provide documentation. And always check with your HSA provider or review IRS guidelines if you are unsure about whether an expense is eligible.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide an excellent opportunity to save money for medical expenses while enjoying substantial tax advantages. An added convenience is using your HSA credit card to directly cover these eligible costs. So, what can you purchase using your HSA credit card? Let's explore!

Here are some common and widely accepted expenses that you can typically pay for with an HSA credit card:

  • Essential prescription medications that your doctor prescribes
  • Direct payments for doctor visits including specialist consultations
  • Dental care expenses, such as routine cleanings and treatments
  • Necessary vision care, which covers eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye exams
  • Over-the-counter medications if accompanied by a doctor's prescription
  • Medical supplies and durable medical equipment like crutches or blood glucose monitors
  • Therapeutic mental health services and counseling sessions

However, please keep in mind that there are some expenses that aren't eligible for HSA spending. Here’s a list of items you generally cannot buy using your HSA credit card:

  • Cosmetic surgery or procedures that enhance appearance
  • Health club and gym memberships
  • Over-the-counter medications without a prescription
  • Items or services that are not medical in nature

When you use your HSA credit card, always maintain a good record by keeping receipts of your purchases, as you might need to provide supporting documentation later. Moreover, never hesitate to consult your HSA provider or refer to IRS guidelines should you have any doubts about the eligibility of an expense.

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