How to Check Your FSA Balance and Account Details

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit allowing individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses. Understanding the available balance in an FSA is important for effective financial planning, as these accounts typically operate on an annual basis, and funds may be subject to specific spending rules. Knowing the balance helps account holders manage their healthcare budget and ensure they maximize this valuable benefit.

Accessing Your Balance Online and Through Mobile Apps

The most common and convenient way to check an FSA balance is through the account administrator’s online portal or dedicated mobile application. Identify your FSA administrator, which is often a third-party company hired by your employer. This information can typically be found in your benefits enrollment documents, through your employer’s human resources department, or listed on the back of your FSA debit card.

Navigate to their official website or download their mobile app. First-time users will generally need to register for an online account, which involves creating a username and password, and providing personal identifiers such as an employee ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Returning users can simply log in with their established credentials.

The current FSA balance is usually prominently displayed on the main dashboard or an account summary page. These digital platforms often provide a comprehensive view of your account, including recent transactions and claim statuses. Many mobile applications also offer features like real-time balance updates and the ability to upload receipts directly from your device.

Other Ways to Check Your FSA Balance

Alternative methods are available to check an FSA balance. Account administrators typically issue periodic statements, which may be sent via postal mail or made available electronically within the online portal. These statements provide a summary of contributions, expenses, and the remaining balance for a specific period.

Another method involves contacting the FSA administrator’s customer service directly. A phone number for customer support is often provided on the back of your FSA debit card or within your plan documents. When calling, be prepared to provide personal information for verification, such as your account number, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number, to ensure your identity is confirmed before receiving account details.

While less common for a full balance inquiry, some FSA debit cards may allow for a limited balance check at point-of-sale terminals or ATMs, similar to a regular debit card. However, this functionality is not universally available across all FSA plans, and it primarily confirms whether sufficient funds exist for a specific transaction rather than providing a detailed account balance.

Understanding Your FSA Account Details

Beyond the current balance, an FSA account typically provides access to other important details that help in managing healthcare finances. A transaction history is usually available, detailing all contributions, reimbursements, and debit card purchases made from the account.

The account details will also clarify the types of expenses eligible for reimbursement. While specific items can vary by plan, common eligible categories include doctor visit copayments, prescription medications, dental work, vision care such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, and certain over-the-counter medical supplies. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines what constitutes an eligible medical expense, and some items may require a letter of medical necessity from a healthcare provider.

Understanding spending deadlines is also important for an FSA. These accounts are generally subject to a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule, meaning any unspent funds at the end of the plan year are forfeited. However, employers may offer plan design options to mitigate this, such as a grace period, which allows an extension of up to two and a half months into the new plan year to incur new eligible expenses. Alternatively, some plans permit a carryover of a limited amount of unused funds, such as up to $660 for the 2025 plan year, into the next year. An employer typically offers either a grace period or a carryover, but not both.