Financial Topics Archives

Jan

2026

What Are the Different Types of Taxes?

By Kelly Boyer Sagert | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

There are a variety of taxes you may have to pay, such as Income tax, capital gains tax, sales tax, and property tax. Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned retiree, taxes can be complicated to understand and to pay.

This guide can help. Here, you’ll learn more about what taxes are, the different types of taxes to know about, and helpful tax filing ideas. Read on to raise your tax I.Q.

Key Points

• Taxes are mandatory fees collected by the government to fund various activities and services.

• Income, sales, and property taxes are among the most common types affecting individuals.

• Capital gains tax is levied on profits from the sale of investments, with rates varying by holding period.

• In the U.S., sales tax is typically applied at the final transaction, unlike the European VAT system.

• Understanding the different types of taxes you may have to pay can you manage your money better.

What Are Taxes?

At a high level, taxes are involuntary fees imposed on individuals or corporations by a government entity. The collected fees are used to fund a range of government activities, including but not limited to schools, road maintenance, health programs, and defense measures.

Different Types of Taxes to Know

Here’s a detailed look at what are many of the different types of taxes that can be levied and the ways in which they are typically calculated and imposed, plus insights into how they might impact your checking account.

Income Tax

The federal government collects income tax from people and businesses, based upon the amount of money that was earned during a particular year. There can also be other income taxes levied, such as state or local ones. Specifics of how to calculate this type of tax can change as tax laws do.

The amount of income tax owed will depend upon the person’s tax bracket; it will typically go up as a person’s income does. That’s because the U.S. has a progressive tax system for federal income tax, meaning individuals who earn more are taxed more.

If you’re wondering what tax bracket you are in, know that there are currently seven different federal tax brackets. The amount owed will also depend on filing categories like single; head of household; married, filing jointly; and married, filing separately.

Deductions and credits can help to lower the amount of income tax owed (which might leave you with more money in your savings account).

And if a federal or state government charges you more than you actually owed, you’ll receive a tax refund. It can be helpful to check the IRS website or online tax help centers to learn more about income tax.

Property Tax

Property taxes are charged by local governments and are one of the costs associated with owning a home.

The amount owed varies by location and is calculated as a percentage of a property’s value. The funds typically help to fund the local government, as well as public schools, libraries, public works, parks, and so forth.

Property taxes are considered to be an ad valorem tax, which means they are based on the assessed value of the property.

Payroll Tax

Employers collect payroll taxes to pay for the Medicare and Social Security programs. Also known as Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) taxes, these taxes fund your contributions to qualify for Medicare and Social Security.

The Social Security tax rate is 12.4% but is split between employees and employers (6.2% each). This tax only applies up to an annual wage base limit, which is adjusted each year.

The Medicare tax is 2.90%, also split between you and your employer (1.45% each). There is no wage limit for the standard Medicare tax. Employees who earn above a certain income threshold pay an additional 0.9% on the amount over the limit.

Because this tax is applied uniformly, rather than based on income throughout the system, payroll taxes are considered to be a regressive tax.

Inheritance/Estate Tax

These are actually two different types of taxes.

• The first — the inheritance tax — can apply in certain states when someone inherits money or property from a deceased person’s estate. The beneficiary would be responsible for paying this tax if they live in one of several different states where this tax exists and the inheritance is large enough.

• The federal government does not have an inheritance tax. Instead, there is a federal estate tax that is calculated on the deceased person’s money and property. It’s typically paid out from the assets of the deceased before anything is distributed to their beneficiaries.

There can be exemptions to these taxes and, in general, people who inherit from someone they aren’t related to can anticipate higher rates of tax.

Regressive, Progressive, and Proportional Taxes

These are the three main categories of tax structures in the U.S. (two of which have already been mentioned above). Here are definitions that include how they impact people with varying levels of income.

What’s a Regressive Tax?

Because a regressive tax is uniformly applied, regardless of income, it takes a bigger percentage from people who earn less and a smaller percentage from people who earn more.

As a high-level example, a $500 tax would be 1% of someone’s income if they earned $50,000; it would only be half of one percent if someone earned $100,000, and so on. Examples of regressive taxes include state sales taxes and user fees.

What’s a Progressive Tax?

A progressive tax works differently, with people who are earning more money having a higher rate of taxation. In other words, this tax (such as an income tax) is based on income.

This system is designed to allow people who have a lower income to have enough money for cost of living expenses.

What’s Proportional Tax?

A proportional tax is another way of saying “flat tax.” No matter what someone’s income might be, they would pay the same proportion. This is a form of a regressive tax and proportional taxes are more common at the state level and less common at the federal level.

Capital Gains Tax

Next up, take a closer look at the capital gains tax that an investor may be responsible for paying when having stocks in an investment portfolio. This can happen, for example, if they sell a stock that has appreciated in value over the purchase price.

The difference in the increased value from purchase to sale is called “capital gains” and, typically, there would be a capital gains tax levied.

An exception can be when an investor sells increased-in-value stocks through a tax-deferred retirement investment inside of the account. Meanwhile, dividends are taxed as income, not as capital gains.

It’s also important for investors to know the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains taxes. In the U.S. tax code, short-term is one year or less, while long-term is anything longer. Gains made by short-term investments are generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains tax rates are 0%, 15%, and 20%, depending on your income.

Recommended: High-Yield Savings Account Calculator

Ideas For Tax-Efficient Investing

Ideas for tax-efficient investing can include to select certain investment vehicles, such as:

• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs): These are baskets of securities that trade like a stock. They can be tax-efficient because they typically track an underlying index, meaning that while they allow investors to have broad exposure, individual securities are potentially bought and sold less frequently, creating fewer events that will likely result in capital gains taxes.

• Index mutual funds: These tend to be more tax efficient than actively managed funds for reasons similar to ETFs.

• Treasury bonds: There are no state income taxes levied on earned interest.

• Municipal bonds: Interest, in general, is exempted from federal taxes; if the investor lives within the municipality where these local government bonds are issued, they can typically be exempt from state and local taxes, as well.

VAT Consumption Tax

In the U.S., taxpayers are charged a regressive form of tax, a sales tax, on many items that are purchased. In Europe, the system works differently. A VAT tax is a form of consumption tax that’s due upon a purchase, calculated on the difference between the sales price and what it cost to create that product or service. In other words, it’s based on the item’s added value.

Here’s one big difference between a sales tax and a VAT tax:

• Sales tax is charged at the final part of the sales transaction.

• VAT, on the other hand, is calculated throughout each supply chain step and then built into the final purchase price.

This leads to another difference. Sales taxes are added onto the purchase price that’s listed; VAT contains those fees within the price and so nothing extra is added onto the price tag that a buyer would see.

Sales Tax

Ka-ching! You are probably used to sales tax being added to many of your purchases. It’s a method that governments use to collect revenue from citizens, and in America, it can vary by state and local area.

Funds collected via sales tax are frequently used for local and state budget items. These might include school, road, and fire department expenses.

Excise Tax

An excise tax is one that is applied to a specific item or activity. Some common examples are the taxes added to alcoholic beverages, amusement/betting pursuits, cigarettes (yes, the “sin taxes,” as they are sometimes called, gasoline, and insurance premiums.

These taxes are primarily paid by businesses but are sometimes passed along to consumers, who may or may not be aware that these taxes can be rolled into retail prices. Some excise taxes, however, are paid directly by consumers, such as property taxes and certain taxes on retirement accounts.

Luxury Tax

Luxury tax is just what it sounds like: tax on purchases that aren’t necessities but are pricey purchases. It can be paid by a business and possibly passed along to the consumer. Typical examples of items that are subject to a luxury tax include expensive boats, airplanes, cars, and jewelry.

The revenue that’s raised by these taxes may fund an array of government programs designed to benefit U.S. citizens.

Corporate Tax

Here’s another tax with a name that tells the story. Corporate tax is, quite simply, a tax on a corporation’s profits, or taxable income. This is based on a business’ revenue once a variety of expenses are subtracted, such as administrative expenses, the cost of any goods sold, marketing and selling costs, research and development expenses, and other related and operating costs.

Corporate taxes are specific to each country, with some having higher rates than others, and there are a variety of ways to lower them via loopholes, subsidies, and deductions.

Tariffs

Tariffs represent a protectionist tool that governments may use. That is, they are taxes levied on imported goods at the border. The idea is typically that this will help boost the cost of imports and hopefully nudge consumers to buy items made on home soil.

Surtax

A surtax is an additional tax levied by the government in addition to other taxes. It is typically paid by consumers when the government needs to raise funds for a specific program. For instance, a 10% surtax was levied on individual and corporate income by the Johnson administration in 1968. The funds were collected to help fund the war effort in Vietnam.

Tax Filing Ideas

Now that you know what the different types of taxes are, consider the event that makes many of us contemplate this topic: filing taxes. It’s an annual ritual that may trigger anxiety for many, but if you spend a little time educating yourself about the process, it’s not so scary. Here, a few ways to help make preparing for tax season easier:

• Consider how you’d like to file. Choose the method that best suits your needs and comfort level. You might want to work with a professional tax preparer to assist you, or perhaps use tax software to help you through the process. (Some taxpayers will qualify for the IRS Free File service, which is a free guided software tool.)

Another option is to fill out either the IRS form 1040 or 1040-SR by hand and mail it in, but given how this can open you up to human error and handwriting or typing mistakes, it’s not recommended.

• Gather all your paperwork. Being organized can be half the battle here. Develop a system that works for you (you might want to use a tax-preparation checklist) to collect such items as:

◦ Your W-2s and/or 1099 forms reflecting your income

◦ Proof of any mortgage interest paid or property taxes

◦ Retirement account contributions

◦ Interest earned on investments or money held in bank accounts

◦ State and local taxes paid

◦ Donations to charities

◦ Educational expenses

◦ Medical bills that were not reimbursed

• Even if you are lower-income and don’t need to file, consider doing so. It may be to your financial benefit. For instance, you might qualify for certain tax breaks, such as the earned income tax credit (EITC) or, if you’re a parent, the child credit.

• Whether you owe money or are getting a refund, know how to settle your account with the IRS. If you’ll be receiving a tax refund, you may want to request that it be sent via direct deposit to make the process as seamless and speedy as possible. If, on the other hand, you owe money, there are an array of ways to send funds, including payment plans. Do a little research to see what suits you best.

By getting ahead of tax filing deadlines in these ways, you can likely make this annual ritual a little less intimidating and time-consuming.

The Takeaway

Understanding the different kinds of taxes can help you boost your financial literacy and your ability to budget well. You’ll know a bit more about why you pay federal and any state and local taxes and also be aware of other charges like luxury taxes and sales taxes.

Here’s another way to help your finances along: by partnering with a bank that puts you first.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

What are the most common taxes people use?

The most common taxes that Americans pay are income tax on their earnings, sales tax on purchases, and property tax on their homes.

How many categories of taxes are there?

There are easily more than a dozen kinds of taxes levied in the U.S. Which ones you are liable for will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you are an individual or represent a business, whether you purchase luxury items, and so forth.

Will I use all of these forms of taxes?

Which forms of taxes you will be liable for will likely depend upon the specifics of your situation. For example, among the most common taxes are income, property, and sales taxes, but if you rent rather than own your home, you won’t owe property taxes. If you purchase a boat, you might pay a luxury tax; if you like to frequent casinos, you could be paying excise taxes.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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CN-Q425-3236452-102

Jan

2026

Health Savings Account (HSA) vs Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Key Differences

By Emily Greenhill Pierce | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, money | Comments Off

A health savings account (HSA) and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) are both meant to help with medical costs, but there are vast differences between the two. An HSA acts as a personal saving account, where you can set aside tax-free dollars to be used toward out-of-pocket health care expenses. An HMO is typically a low-cost health insurance plan.

It’s tough to directly compare an HSA vs. HMO, as they serve different functions. But understanding how each works, and their pros and cons, can help lower medical costs and keep more money in your wallet. Here, you will learn:

• How an HSA works

• How to set up an HSA

• The pros and cons of an HSA

• How an HMO works

• How to set up an HMO

• The pros and cons of an HMO

• The key differences of an HSA vs. HMO

• How to fund healthcare costs.

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

A health savings account (HSA) allows individuals to put away pre-tax dollars to be used for future medical purposes. These funds can be used for copays, dental and eye care, and a host of other expenses not covered by a healthcare plan.

Here’s the catch: You have to be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). An HDHP is geared to offer you lower monthly health-insurance payments. The downside, however, is that you could get hit with a lot of out-of-pocket expenses before meeting the plan’s high deductible.

That’s where a Health Savings Account (HSA) comes in. The money in your HSA can help bridge the gap between your high deductible and your pocketbook.

How Does a Health Savings Account Work?

A Health Savings Account works similarly to other kinds of saving accounts. You can transfer funds and pay bills online. You are free to withdraw HSA funds at any time to pay for health costs not covered by your HDHP.

Employers can contribute to your HSA, with direct deposits made straight from payroll. HSA funds can be used for you or any family member covered by your HDHP.

The money in your HSA can remain in the account and roll over every year, accumulating tax-free interest. You can even use your HSA for retirement. After the age of 65, you can start withdrawing from your HSA with no penalty.

There are rules and limits to an HSA. For tax year 2025, the IRS limits contributions to no more than $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families with HDHP coverage. Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution. For 2026, HSA contribution limits are $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families. Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.

How to Set Up an HSA

Setting up a tax-advantaged HSA is pretty straightforward. If you are self-employed, take the time to compare different HSAs online. Many of them have reasonable fees (or none) and minimal requirements.

If your HSA is offered directly through your employer, that makes the decision easy.

The steps to enroll in an HSA are not unlike opening a bank account. You’ll need proof of a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your enrollment in a HDHP.

Once you have set up an HSA, you may be able to opt for regular, automatic deposits straight from your paycheck or your bank account, and start reaping the benefits of using a health savings plan.

Pros of an HSA

A health savings plan provides a range of advantages, including:

• Covering out-of-pocket medical expenses, including dental costs, copays, new eye glasses, and hearing aids. The IRS has a lengthy list of all the goodies you can buy with your tax-free dollars.

• Lowering taxable income. HSA contributions go into your account before taxes, so you could pay less taxes down the line.

• Investing for the future. You can opt to have your HSA money invested in chosen mutual funds once you reach a minimum requirement balance.

• Covering health expenses for your family. HSA benefits anyone who is currently covered by your high-deductible savings plan.

• Rollover contributions. Unused contributions don’t vanish. They roll over into the next year, growing and accumulating tax-free interest.

• Retirement savings. Any unused funds can be used to boost retirement savings. They can be withdrawn after the age of 65, and spent as you please. You can put the money toward a beach vacation or any other purpose.

• Portability. If you move or change jobs, the money is still yours. You don’t have to surrender it.

Cons of an HSA

There are some potential disadvantages to having an HSA, including:

• Penalties for non-qualified expenses. Before the age of 65, the IRS can impose a substantial 20% penalty on monetary amounts spent on unapproved purchases. This money will also be viewed as taxable income.

• Monthly/annual fees. Some health savings accounts may charge a low monthly service fee. Service fees tend to be no more than $5 per month. Some HSAs allow you to invest in mutual funds after your balance reaches a certain amount. If you choose this option, you will probably be charged an annual account management fee.

• Unable to contribute. Budgets can get tight. There are times when you might not be able to regularly contribute money to your HSA.

• Tracking for your taxes. HSA expenditures and contributions must be reported on your tax return. Keeping tabs on those transactions can be tedious.

• Monetary losses. As with an IRA or 401(k), if you choose to invest your HSA money in mutual funds, your balance can experience gains and losses as the market fluctuates. These investments are not FDIC-insured like bank accounts are.

💡 Quick Tip: Most savings accounts only earn a fraction of a percentage in interest. Not at SoFi. Our high-yield savings account can help you make meaningful progress towards your financial goals.

What is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)?

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a type of health insurance plan. An HMO tends to offer lower monthly or annual premiums and a specific pool of doctors. If you stay within their network of healthcare providers, you may have lower out-of-pocket costs and, unlike with a HDHP, a lower deductible or even no deductible at all.

How Does a Health Maintenance Organization Work?

A health maintenance organization (HMO) plan consists of a group of insurance providers who have contracted certain doctors and hospitals to work with them. These medical professionals and facilities agree on a payment rate for their services, which can translate into reduced costs for you.

As long as you use the doctors in the HMO network, you are eligible for medical services that cost less. HMOs typically require a referral from an in-network primary care physician in order to receive low-cost services from specialists, such as an oncologist or gynecologist.

Many health insurance companies offer HMO plans as a coverage option. An individual can choose the HMO plan and go through the steps of enrollment, either on paper or via an online form. The process includes selecting your primary care physician.

Pros of an HMO

The advantages of enrolling in an HMO plan can include:

• Lower monthly premiums versus other insurance plans.

• Lower out-of-pocket expenses when you see your GP or specialists, have tests done, and access other kinds of medical care.

• Lower prescription costs for your medications.

• Fewer medical claims, as the paperwork is filed in-network.

• Appointing a primary care doctor, whose office may coordinate and advocate for your various medical services.

Cons of an HMO

There are disadvantages of having an HMO, including:

• Limited access to doctors and facilities. You must stay within their network of providers or risk paying out-of-pocket, except in the case of certain emergencies.

• A new primary care doctor. If your current doctor isn’t in the HMO’s network, you’ll have to find a new primary care physician. For some people, this may be a difficult switch to make.

• Referral requirements. To see a specialist and have your HMO pay for those services, you’ll need referrals; you can’t just look up a specialist and see them.

• Strict definitions. There are times when you must very specifically meet requirements to have medical services paid for. This can be important to know during emergencies and other medical situations.

Can You Have Both an HMO and HSA?

Yes. There is no real rivalry happening with HMOs vs. HSAs, as they are so different. But if you are wondering if you can have an HSA with an HMO, here’s what you need to know. You can use an HSA with an HMO, as long as the HMO qualifies as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Since HMOs are often low cost healthcare plans, an HMO may not qualify as an HDHP. Check with your particular plan to see.

Key Differences Between an HMO vs HSA

• An HSA acts like a savings account, an HMO is a health plan offering savings through lower-cost healthcare options.

• An HSA does not offer a network of doctors, but can offer investment opportunities and help you save for retirement.

Recommended: How to Save for Retirement

Ways to Fund Healthcare Costs

Besides enrolling in a low-cost HMO, or opening an HSA, there are other ways to save money and pay for medical expenses.

Flexible Spending Account

A flexible spending account (FSA) acts very much like an HSA. It is similar to a savings account, and can be used for medical expenses and saving for retirement.

An FSA, however, can only be obtained through an employer. Self-employed people cannot have an FSA.

Money Market Account

A money market account works like a traditional checking or savings account. You could use the money for healthcare costs, or any other purchases. Money market accounts can offer a higher interest rate than other saving accounts, but there may be a higher minimum account balance required and more costly fees.

Savings Account

A traditional savings account can be set up with a bank or a credit union. Funds in a savings account can be spent on anything. But savings accounts may offer lower interest rates than other types of saving options. However, high-yield savings accounts may help close that gap somewhat.

The Takeaway

Enrolling in a health savings plan (HSA) or a health maintenance organization plan (HMO) provides different advantages, with the same goal in mind: saving you money on healthcare costs. Enrolling in one (or both) can bring a sense of security for you and your family and help you hold onto more of your hard-earned cash.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

Is an HSA better than an HMO?

An HSA isn’t better; it’s just different. An HSA is a kind of savings account for people enrolled in a high-deductible healthcare plan and is used to pay for medical costs. An HMO is a low-cost health insurance plan that gives you access to a specific network of healthcare professionals.

What happens to an HSA if you switch to an HMO?

You can keep and use an HSA with any type of health plan, as long as it qualifies as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). If not, you can keep and access the money in the HSA, but you can no longer contribute to it.

What happens to my HSA if I cancel my insurance?

You can continue to use the money in the HSA account, but can no longer contribute to it until you’re enrolled in another HDHP.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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CN-Q425-3236452-107

Jan

2026

Guide to Custodial Accounts and How They Work

By Marcy Lovitch | Family Finances, Life & Career, money | Comments Off

Many parents want to save for their child’s future. One way to do this is by setting up a custodial account. This type of account specifically allows an adult to put money into a savings or investment account for a minor, which they can then access once they reach adulthood.

Custodial accounts can be a great way to give a child a financial gift. These funds can eventually be used for such expenses as their education, a car, wedding, renting an apartment, or even buying a home. If college is a particular goal, you can even open a custodial account designed for this very purpose.

If you’re considering opening up a custodial account for a young person, read on to learn what a custodial account is, the different types, and how they operate.

🛈 Currently, SoFi does not offer custodial bank accounts and requires members to be 18 years old and above.

What Is a Custodial Account?

A custodial account is savings or an investment account, established with a bank, brokerage firm, or mutual fund company, that’s managed by an adult on behalf of a minor, also known as the beneficiary.

Custodial accounts typically allow a parent, grandparent, family friend, or guardian to start saving for the child, until they reach adulthood, which depending on the state of residence, could be 18, 21, or even 25 years of age.

Even though the custodian manages and oversees the funds, the account is in the child’s name. Once the child reaches adulthood, the account legally transfers to their control.

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How Custodial Accounts Work

Opening a custodial account is simple. You can likely start one with almost any financial institution, brokerage firm, or mutual fund company. All a custodian probably needs to establish one is to provide basic personal information about themselves and the child. Once a custodial account is created, the adult can start contributing funds into the account.

The financial institution sets the terms of the account, which may include a minimum balance, maintenance fees, and initial investment requirements, among other stipulations. Individuals can usually contribute as much as they want to a custodial account. However, contributions are subject to annual gift tax exclusion limits, which are $19,000 for individuals and $38,000 for married couples in 2025 and 2026. If you were to put more than that into a custodial account for a child, you would need to file a gift tax return (though this does not necessarily mean you’ll owe any gift tax).

Custodial bank accounts usually come with protections for the beneficiary. While the custodian can withdraw money from the account, legally the money must only be used to benefit the minor. This means the adult in charge of the account can’t use the funds for their own personal reasons. Additionally, any contribution made becomes the property of the child, so transactions can’t be changed or reversed.

A monthly contribution to a custodial account can make a big difference in a child’s life because the money can substantially accumulate over the years. According to Fidelity Investments, starting to contribute $50 a month to a custodial account when a child is 5 years old can result in $21,000 once that child reaches age 21. Put in $150 a month and that amount goes up to $63,000, while $250 a month clocks in at $104,900.

Types of Custodial Accounts

There are two main types of custodial accounts: the Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). While both have the same objective and eliminate the need to start a trust, they work in slightly different ways. Another option is the Coverdell ESA and 529 accounts that can help with saving for college.

Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA)

The Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA), established in 1956, is a custodial account that grants adults the opportunity to give or transfer many different kinds of financial assets to a child. Here’s what is important to know:

• Besides cash, assets in an UGMA account can include individual stocks, index funds, bonds, mutual funds, and insurance policies.

• UGMA accounts aren’t limited to educational expenses. In fact, the money can be used by the beneficiary for anything once they come of age. A UGMA doesn’t have restrictions or contribution and withdrawal limits, but, as previously noted, gift tax limits apply.

• This kind of custodial account is available in all 50 states and is easy to set up at many financial institutions and brokerages nationwide. Keep in mind there may be a minimum deposit required to open an UGMA.

• There aren’t any tax benefits for contributions, but up to $1,350 of any earnings from a custodial account in 2025 may be federal income tax-free (up to $1,400 in 2026). And earnings above the tax-free threshold are taxed at the child’s (not parent’s) tax rate, up to certain limits.

• Since education costs are one main reason parents or loved ones open a custodial account, one thing to know is because the funds are considered an asset owned by the child, it can affect their ability to get financial aid and student loans.

Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA)

The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA), is a newer, expanded version of an UGMA. There are some differences between them to be aware of:

• The main difference is that an UTMA account can include physical assets, such as cars, art, jewelry, and real estate.

• You are not able to open a UTMA in every state. Currently, South Carolina and Vermont are two that don’t allow you to open a UTMA custodial account. And many states have a higher age at which a beneficiary can take control of a UTMA compared to a UGMA account.

• The zero contribution limits, tax benefits, and financial aid impact that come with UGMAs are the same for UTMAs.

Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) and 529 Plans

There are two educational savings plans that fall under the umbrella of custodial accounts and can help a parent save for college for their child. One is the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA).

• This type of custodial account exists solely for saving for a child’s future educational needs. According to the IRS, ESA contributions made must be in cash and are not tax deductible.

• Unlike UTMAs and UGMAs, there’s a $2,000 limit per year to how much you can contribute to the ESA’s account beneficiary.

• ESA custodial accounts also have income-based restrictions and are only available to families who fall under a certain income level. Coverdell ESA’s are created by each state so you’ll need to see if your state offers one.

A 529 College Savings Plan, also known as a “qualified tuition plan” is often considered a kind of custodial account because it’s created to pay for the beneficiary’s educational expenses, whether it’s for college, tuition costs for kids in grades K-12, certain apprenticeship programs, and even to pay student loans.

• Unlike other custodial plans, a 529 College Savings account can remain in the holder’s name even when the beneficiary reaches the age of majority in their state.

• There aren’t any income limits for a 529 Plan, which differentiates it from a Coverdell ESA.

• The 529 Plans are state-sponsored and most states offer at least one. You must be a U.S. resident to open a 529 Plan.

• You don’t have to be a resident of the state and can pick another state’s plan, but your state may offer a tax deduction if you live there and open one. The Federal Reserve features a list of state 529 Plans.

Custodial Accounts vs. Traditional Savings Account

Both a custodial account and a traditional kid’s savings account can be opened with the goal of putting money away for a child’s future. However, they are two separate types of accounts that operate in different ways.

• A traditional savings account opened for a minor is a type of joint account that typically can be accessed and used by both the minor and their parent or guardian. Some states and financial institutions have age limits or restrictions on whether a child can be on a joint account. With a custodial account, as previously mentioned, a minor can’t make any transactions until they reach the age of maturity.

• Traditional savings accounts typically have no limits on how much money you can keep in the account, but banks may have a base amount you need to open an account along with minimum balance requirements.

• Custodial accounts may be better for long-term savings, while a traditional savings account can teach kids about banking and good finance habits.

Pros and Cons of Custodial Accounts

Custodial accounts have their upsides and downsides. Here’s some pros and cons to consider, presented in chart form:

Pros of Custodial Accounts	Cons of Custodial Accounts
Easy to set up	Custodian loses monetary control when beneficiary comes of age
Can be inexpensive to establish	May have a cap on how much you can contribute due to gift-tax laws
May have tax benefits	Not as tax-exempt as other types of financial accounts
Money is the property of the child	Can impact the ability to get financial aid
Anyone can make a contribution to the account	Contributions are irrevocable

4 Steps to Opening a Custodial Account

Setting up a custodial account is simple and doesn’t take up a lot of time. Here’s how to open a custodial account in four steps.

1. Decide on the Type of Custodial Account

Research the various options to determine which kind of account would best suit your goals and those of the child. For example, is the goal strictly for educational expenses? Are there limits to contributions? Do you want contributions to include physical assets as well as monetary funds?

2. Figure out Where You Want to Open the Account

Banks, brokerage firms, and mutual fund companies all offer custodial accounts. Pick the one that best suits your comfort level, familiarity, and goals for the child.

3. Gather the Child’s Personal Information as Well as Your Own

When you open the account, you’ll want to have the necessary information ready, such as the custodian and child’s Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth.

The person who will be controlling the account will most likely have to provide employment information and have the account number(s) ready for another bank or investment account they want linked so they can transfer the money between accounts.

4. Open the Account

Many financial institutions make it easy for you to start an account online through their websites, or you can go to the financial institution in person.

The Takeaway

Custodial accounts can be a solid way to sock money away for a child’s future, whether it be for their education, a financial gift, or to provide them with a leg up on savings once they become young adults. These accounts can be opened at financial institutions and banks around the country, and you don’t even need to leave home to set one up. Depending on which type of custodial account you choose, you may also enjoy some tax-advantages too.

🛈 Currently, SoFi does not offer custodial bank accounts and requires members to be 18 years old and above.

FAQ

Are custodial accounts a good idea?

They can be. Saving and investing money on behalf of a child can make their lives easier once they’ve become an adult. Having a built-in financial cushion they can use for their education, housing, a trip, or even towards retirement can be a valuable gift to someone as they start their adult life.

How does a custodial account work?

A parent, grandparent, guardian, or loved one can open a custodial account for a child, at a bank, brokerage, or mutual fund firm. The account is for the benefit of the child and managed by an adult or the custodian of the account, with contributions added over time, if desired. Once the child turns 18, 21, or 25 (depending on which state they live in), the money is turned over to them.

What are the pros and cons of custodial accounts?

The advantages of a custodial account are an automatic savings available to the child when they become of age, typically to spend on whatever they want; some potential tax breaks for the person who opens the account; and the ease of setting them up. Downsides of a custodial account include a possible cap on how much you can give because of gift-tax restrictions; the inability to reverse any transaction after its completed; and, since the account is considered an asset of the child, it could affect their ability to be eligible for financial aid when applying to schools.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOBK0423034
CN-Q425-3236452-104

Jan

2026

Guide to FSA Debit Cards

By Emily Greenhill Pierce | Family Finances, money, Terminology | Comments Off

If you have a flexible spending account, an FSA debit card allows you access these pre-tax dollars you’ve set aside. With an FSA debit card, you can pay for qualifying medical purchases without having to file a reimbursement claim through your employer.

In other words, an FSA debit card can make your healthcare spending that much easier. But it’s important to understand the full story on how these cards work to make sure you get the most out of one.

This guide will coach you through that, including:

• What is an FSA debit card?

• How can you get an FSA debit card?

• How do you use an FSA debit card?

• What are the pros and cons of an FSA debit card?

• When should you use your regular debit card instead?

Read on and you’ll learn the best FSA debit card practice so you can benefit from the money in your flexible spending account.

What Is an FSA Debit Card?

An FSA debit card will typically come with your flexible spending account, which is a tax-advantaged account offered through an employer’s benefit package. The funds in your FSA can be used to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.

For 2026, once you’re enrolled in an FSA account, you can contribute up to $3,400 (an increase of $100 from the 2025 limit). If you’re married and your spouse has a plan through their employer, your spouse can also contribute up to $3,400 to that plan. This would allow you to jointly contribute up to $6,800 for your household.

An FSA debit card looks and performs like a bank debit card, but it is connected to your flexible savings account, not your checking. You can only use it to pay for qualified medical and dental expenses not covered by your health insurance.

Worth noting: You may wonder what an HSA vs. FSA is. Though they sound alike, a flexible spending account works differently than a health savings account (HSA). You can only get an FSA through an employer; freelancers and self-employed individuals are not eligible. Also, HSAs are only available to those who are enrolled in a high deductible health plan, or HDHP.

Recommended: Benefits of Health Savings Accounts

Ways That You Can Use an FSA Debit Card

There are quite a few FSA rules and regulations dictating what you can spend your untaxed funds on.

The list of FSA-eligible expenses is extensive, covering everything from co-pays to bandages. Here are just some of the things you may be able to use your FSA debit card for:

• Medical copays and deductibles

• Prescription medications

• Approved over-the-counter drugs, such as allergy, cough, and pain medications

• Testing kits, including those for COVID-19 and cholesterol

• Crutches, canes, and walkers

• Dental expenses, including crowns and dentures

• Vision expenses, including glasses and contact lenses

• Fertility treatments

• Hospital and ambulance fees

• Lab fees

• Acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, and massage therapy.

Ways That You Cannot Use an FSA Debit Card

An FSA debit card can be a convenient way to pay for medical fees, prescriptions, and other health-related items your health insurance doesn’t cover. But not all wellness-related expenses are covered. Here are some things you cannot use an FSA card for, including:

• Groceries. Although diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, your FSA card won’t pay for, say, organic beef and green beans.

• Cosmetic procedures. Expenses for electrolysis, face lifts, hair transplants, and the like are typically not covered.

• Dining out. You can’t use an FSA debit card at a restaurant, even if it’s a vegan or “health food” eatery

• Vitamins and nutritional supplements, unless you can prove they were prescribed by a physician

• Getting cash. Unlike with a debit card, you will not be able to use an FSA card to withdraw cash funds from your account.

Recommended: Guide to Practicing Financial Self-Care

Process of Getting an FSA Debit Card

The steps to getting an FSA debit card are pretty straightforward:

• Sign up for an FSA account offered by your employer. There is typically an “open season,” a window of time during the year when you are eligible to enroll.

• Make a contribution or set up a contribution commitment for the account. These accounts are typically pre-funded, by the way, which is a nice perk. What that means: If you enroll in an FSA on January 1st and pledge to contribute $2,400 over the year, paying $200 a month, the $2,400 becomes available for you to use right away.

• Wait for your FSA debit card. Once you enroll and contribute to your FSA account, the debit will be sent to your address. This can take 7 to 10 business days.

Recommended: HSA vs. HRA: What’s the Difference?

Pros and Cons of FSA Debit Cards

If you are someone who anticipates having frequent out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, a flexible spending account and an FSA debit card can be convenient. It can be a good way for you to save pre-tax dollars and put them toward those expenditures.

However, it’s worthwhile to consider both the upsides and downsides to having an FSA debit card:

Pros of having an FSA account and debit card

• Easy access to tax-free funds to spend on qualifying medical expenses. You can use the FSA card like a debit card to make payments.

• Online shopping. You can use your FSA debit card for online shopping, as long as it’s with a vendor that accepts the FSA card. Amazon, CVS, and other online shopping sites identify which items are FSA eligible, making shopping even simpler.

• Avoiding pesky paperwork. Using the FSA debit card means you don’t have to keep track of receipts and file a reimbursement report with your employer.

• No cash out-of-pocket. With an FSA debit card, you’ll avoid a trip to the ATM or having to use your personal debit card, and you won’t have to wait for a reimbursement. What’s more, you can avoid using a credit card for some health-related expenses, thereby possibly avoiding hefty interest charges, too.

Cons of having an FSA debit card

Here are some potential downsides to using an FSA debit card:

• Contributions are use-it-or-lose-it. In many cases, if you don’t use your FSA funds by the end of the year, you will forfeit the remaining balance. Some employers may allow for a grace period to spend the money or for certain amounts to be rolled over. But this aspect is probably the biggest drawback of having an FSA account and debit card.

• If you leave, the money stays. Usually, if you quit or change jobs, the money you contributed to your FSA stays with your employer.

• No reward perks. You won’t get any bonus miles or other award points from swiping an FSA debit card.

Recommended: Beginner’s Guide to Health Insurance

FSA Debit Card vs Traditional Debit Card

An FSA debit card and personal debit card from your bank or credit union share a number of features. Both provide access to funds for in-person purchases, and you should have no issues using a debit card online nor an FSA debit card.

But there are some distinct differences between an FSA debit card and traditional debit card, including:

FSA Debit Card	Traditional Debit Card
FSA debit cards can only be used to purchase qualifying medical expenses	Debit cards from a bank can be used to purchase just about anything
With an FSA debit card, it’s a good idea to keep the receipts from your purchases, in case you need them for your employer or the IRS	Debit card purchases are personal, and typically don’t require reporting to the IRS
Account funds attached to an FSA debit card can expire at the end of the year	There’s no time limit for spending your own personal account money
FSA debit card purchases don’t usually come with any reward perks or bonus points	With some debit cards, you can build up reward points and bonus miles with every purchase
You can only use FSA debit cards at stores and medical locations that accept them	You can use your debit card at almost any store, venue, or medical facility that accepts card payments
You cannot get cash with your FSA card	You can get cash with your traditional debit card, whether at an ATM or other location

Recommended: What Is a Debit Card?

The Takeaway

Using an FSA debit card can be a hassle-free way to pay for qualifying, out-of-pocket medical expenses. These cards function much like a traditional debit card, helping you pay for health-related items with the pre-tax dollars that are in your account. However, if you have one of these cards, it’s wise to know the pros and cons so you can use it most effectively.

3 Money Tips

1. If you’re saving for a short-term goal — whether it’s a vacation, a wedding, or the down payment on a house — consider opening a high-yield savings account. The higher APY that you’ll earn will help your money grow faster, but the funds stay liquid, so they are easy to access when you reach your goal.

2. If you’re creating a budget, try the 50/30/20 budget rule. Allocate 50% of your after-tax income to the “needs” of life, like living expenses and debt. Spend 30% on wants, and then save the remaining 20% towards saving for your long-term goals.

3. When you overdraft your checking account, you’ll likely pay a non-sufficient fund fee of, say, $35. Look into linking a savings account to your checking account as a backup to avoid that, or shop around for a bank that doesn’t charge you for overdrafting.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

Can you be denied an FSA debit card?

If you qualify for an FSA account through your employer and the account comes with an FSA debit card, there’s little chance you would be denied one, unless you have missed the deadline for the enrollment period.

Is it good to have an FSA debit card and a traditional debit card?

It’s wise to have an FSA debit card and a traditional debit card. You can only use an FSA debit card to pay for qualifying medical expenses at vendors who will accept it.. You will likely need a standard debit card to pay for groceries, clothes, and life’s other expenses.

Can I withdraw cash with an FSA debit card?

Unlike with a traditional debit card, you cannot withdraw cash with an FSA debit card.

Does a bank provide an FSA debit card?

An FSA debit card is not provided by a bank, but rather through a vetted healthcare FSA vendor chosen by your employer.

Photo credit: iStock/praetorianphoto

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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CN-Q425-3236452-109

Jan

2026

How to Consolidate HSA Accounts: A Comprehensive Guide

By Rebecca Lake | Family Finances, Insurance, Money & Life | Comments Off

A health savings account (HSA) allows you to save money for healthcare expenses on a tax-advantaged basis. If you have multiple HSAs, it could make sense to combine them into a single account for easier financial management.

The steps to consolidate HSA accounts are fairly straightforward, though there are some tax considerations to know. Here’s an in-depth look at how to combine HSA accounts and why you might choose to do so.

Key Points

• Consolidating multiple HSA accounts simplifies financial management and may reduce fees.

• The process involves transferring funds to a single HSA, similar to merging bank accounts.

• No tax penalties occur with trustee-to-trustee HSA transfers.

• Consider provider fees, investment options, and transfer paperwork when consolidating.

• Consolidation doesn’t affect HSA contribution limits but requires strategic planning for fund access during transfers.

Understanding HSA Consolidation

When you combine HSA accounts (which are only available to those with high-deductible health plan, or HDHP), you transfer the funds from each account into a single HSA. More specifically, you would typically open a new HSA and then arrange for the money in your existing HSAs to be moved to the new account. It’s similar to merging bank accounts if you’re combining, say, multiple high-yield savings accounts or checking accounts.

You’re not required to withdraw any money when consolidating HSAs, nor do you lose any of the tax benefits of health savings accounts by doing so. And as a refresher, HSAs offer these tax advantages:

• Tax-deductible contributions

• Tax-free earnings

• Tax-free withdrawals when the money is used to pay for qualified healthcare expenses

Once you turn 65, you can use the money for anything you want, even if it’s not healthcare-related, just as you might with funds in a standard savings account. You will, however, have to pay income tax on non-medical withdrawals.

Recommended: Savings Account Calculator

Benefits of Consolidating HSA Accounts

Here are some reasons why you might want to combine multiple HSA accounts into a single entity.

• You prefer to have fewer accounts to manage.

• You could reduce some or all management fees by moving your HSA funds elsewhere.

• You would like a different range of investment options for your HSA contributions.

• You want to simplify healthcare expense tracking and year-end tax filing.

If you’ve ever struggled with managing multiple bank accounts, then you might see the advantage of combining HSAs.

Here’s one more reason to consolidate. There’s no tax penalty if you combine accounts using what’s known as a trustee-to-trustee transfer. With this arrangement, you direct the company that currently holds your HSA funds to transfer them directly to your new HSA provider.2

If you were to rollover your funds (another possible method of moving HSA money), that would mean you would take a distribution and then deposit it. This can be a taxable and reportable event if you conduct more than one check-based rollover every 12 months, which likely means they’re not a good method for consolidating multiple accounts. Also, if the funds are distributed in this way, they must be deposited in a new HSA account within 60 days of receiving the distribution. Otherwise, again, the transaction could be taxable.

Steps to Consolidate Your HSA Accounts

Combining HSA accounts is similar to completing a 401(k) rollover or combining IRA accounts. If you’ve done either of those before, you should already have an idea of what to expect.

That said, here’s how to consolidate HSA accounts in five simple steps, conducting what you may hear referred to as a trustee-to-trustee transfer. This means the funds involved never pass through your hands but move between financial institutions.

1. Review Your Current HSA Accounts

Before you can initiate a transfer, you need to know what you have. Make a list of your HSAs, including:

• Which custodian or trustee holds them

• Your account number

• Your current balance

You may also want to review the fees you’re paying for each one and the returns your HSA investments are generating. That can help you decide if it makes sense to consolidate all your HSAs or just some of them.

2. Choose a Target HSA Provider

If you know which HSAs you want to consolidate, it’s time to look for a new provider. The options include banks, insurance companies, and brokerages.

As you compare HSA providers, look at:

• Investment options, including the risk profile and historical returns

• Fees, including investment fees such as expense ratios and separate account management fees

• Investment minimums, if any

You may want to read reputable, verified reviews of HSA providers to learn what current or past customers do and don’t like about them. For example, a provider may offer an outstanding range of investment options but fall short when it comes to customer service.

3. Initiate the Transfer Process

Once you’ve selected a new provider, you’ll need to open an HSA account with them. You’ll use the new account number to direct your current HSA provider on where to send the money.

Once your account is open, you can move on to the next step which is completing a transfer request form. This is one of the key steps to transfer money between banks or brokerages when moving HSA funds.

4. Complete Required Transfer Paperwork

Your new HSA provider should give you a transfer request form that you’ll fill out and send to your current custodians. Each provider’s form may vary, but typically, you’ll need to include your:

• Name

• Employer name, if your plan is sponsored by your employer

• Date of birth

• Social Security number

• Contact information, including your address, phone number, and email address

• Transferring custodian’s name and address

• The account number of the HSA you’re transferring funds from

• The account number of the HSA you’re transferring funds to

In a way, it’s similar to opening a bank account. You’re just providing a little more information.

You’ll also need to specify how much of your HSA balance you want to transfer. You can choose a full or partial amount. Finally, you’ll need to sign and date your form.

You’ll repeat this process using a form for each HSA that you want to transfer funds from. When your current providers receive the forms, they’ll cut a check to your new provider to complete the transfer.

5. Follow Up on the Transfer

How long you’ll wait for your HSAs to be consolidated will depend on the speed at which your current and new HSA providers move. It could take anywhere from two to five weeks or longer for the process to wrap up.

Your new HSA provider should send you a confirmation once the transfer is complete, but you can always reach out to ask for a status update. You’ll also need to follow up with your old custodians to make sure the account is closed and find out whether you owe any account closure fees.

Considerations Before Consolidating

Before you move ahead with consolidation, ask yourself what you hope to gain. Perhaps your goal is to save money on fees (which is also a reason some people switch their traditional bank accounts to online banking). In that case, it’s important to do your research on your new provider to make sure you’ll actually pay less in fees.

Also, consider whether you’ll be able to continue making new contributions to your HSA. If you’re consolidating accounts because you’ve retired, for example, then you can’t make any new contributions to an HSA if you’re no longer enrolled in your high-deductible health plan. So if you’re on Medicare, you will not be able to contribute to your HSA funds.

Potential Challenges in HSA Consolidation

It’s possible you could hit some snags when consolidating HSAs, so it helps to be prepared. Here are some of the main issues to watch out for:

• Transfer fees. Your current HSA provider may charge transfer fees and/or account closure fees to finalize your consolidation. If so, it helps to know what those are beforehand and how you’re expected to pay them.

• Processing times. There’s no set timeline for HSA transfers. You can help minimize the possibility of delays by filling out your transfer request paperwork accurately and following up with your providers to make sure your documents have been received.

• Access limitations. Your new or current custodian may direct you to hold off on tapping into your HSA funds while the transfer is in progress. That could present a logistical challenge in the short term if you need to fill prescriptions or cover other healthcare expenses. It can be wise to ask in advance about these potential access issues so you can prepare as needed.

In a way, the process for HSA consolidation is not that different from what to expect if you switch banks. You might just be waiting a little longer for the change to be finalized.

After Consolidation: Managing Your Single HSA

Once you combine HSA accounts, it should be easier to manage your savings. Here are some tips for staying on top of your newly-consolidated health savings account.

• Keep track of withdrawals, including what you spent the money on, the amount, and the date.

• Track your contributions if you’re still making them so you don’t exceed the annual contribution limit. The HSA contribution limits for 2025 are $4,300 for individual coverage and $8,550 for family coverage. Those 55 and older who are not enrolled in Medicare can contribute an additional $1,000. For 2026, the limits are $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. Those 55 and older who are not enrolled in Medicare can contribute an additional $1,000.

• Review your investments at least once a year to check their performance and the fees that you’re paying.

• Consider talking to a financial advisor about how to make the most of your HSA for maximum tax benefits.

Recommended:Guide to Closing a Bank Account

Tax Implications of HSA Consolidation

If you’re completing a trustee-to-trustee transfer, there’s no immediate tax impact. You would, however, be subject to IRS tax rules when it’s time to make withdrawals from those accounts. Again, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are always tax-free.

Where you can potentially owe taxes is when consolidating HSA accounts is if you choose an indirect rollover, as noted above. With an indirect rollover, your current HSA provider cuts a check to you. You then have 60 days from the date the check was issued to deposit the check into your new HSA, and you can only do this once a year.

If you don’t follow these guidelines, your funds would likely be considered a distribution, which would be taxable, with an additional penalty for those under 65 if not used for medical purposes.

The Takeaway

Consolidating HSA accounts could make sense if you’d like an easier way to keep track of your healthcare savings or if you’re looking for lower fees and better investments. Understanding what’s required can help you navigate the consolidation process with minimal hiccups.

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FAQ

How long does the HSA consolidation process typically take?

The HSA consolidation process can typically take a few or several weeks, but it may vary depending on how fast your current and new providers operate. You may need to do some strategic planning to make sure you don’t need to withdraw any funds for healthcare expenses while transfers are in progress.

Can I consolidate an HSA from a previous employer?

Yes, you can consolidate HSA accounts from one or more previous employers. It could make sense to do so if you’d like just one account to manage. You’d need to know which custodian holds your old HSAs so you can complete the process, including sending each of them transfer request forms.

Will consolidating my HSAs affect my contribution limits?

Moving existing funds between HSAs does not count toward your annual contribution limits. However, new contributions are limited to $4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage in 2025. For 2026, the limits rise to $4,400 and $8,750, respectively. Those 55 and over who are not enrolled in Medicare can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution in both 2025 and 2026. HSA contribution limits are adjusted annually for inflation.

About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.

Photo credit: iStock/SrdjanPav
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Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

SOBNK-Q424-019
CN-Q425-3236452-106

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