How to Check Your FSA Card Balance

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a valuable employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. This article will guide you through the process of checking your FSA card balance, understanding what the numbers mean, and addressing common access issues.

Ways to Check Your FSA Card Balance

Most FSA administrators provide a secure online portal. You typically visit your administrator’s website, then log in using your username and password, or sometimes your FSA card number. Once logged in, navigate to the account summary or balance section, which usually displays your available funds and recent transactions.

Many FSA administrators also offer dedicated mobile applications. After downloading the app, you will log in with the same credentials used for the online portal. These apps often feature a dashboard that quickly shows your available balance, transaction history, and claims status. Some even allow for biometric login, such as fingerprint or face recognition, for faster access.

You can call the customer service number located on the back of your FSA card. When you call, you will typically follow automated prompts that may ask for your card number, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, or a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to verify your identity. After verification, the automated system can provide your current balance, or you may have the option to speak with a customer service representative for assistance.

While less immediate, some transaction receipts or periodic statements from your FSA administrator may also show your remaining balance. However, these methods might not always reflect the most up-to-date balance due to recent transactions or pending claims. For the most accurate information, use the online portal or mobile app.

Interpreting Your FSA Balance

Once you access your FSA balance, you will typically see an “available balance” and potentially a “total contributions” or “annual election” amount. The available balance represents the funds immediately ready for use. For healthcare FSAs, the entire annual election amount is often available on the first day of your plan year, regardless of how much you have contributed through payroll deductions at that point.

Conversely, for a Dependent Care FSA, funds usually become available as they are contributed from your paycheck, meaning you can only use what has already been deducted. The available balance might be less than your total annual election if you have already incurred expenses. It is important to know your plan year end date, as FSAs are subject to a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule. Many employers offer a grace period, typically allowing an additional 2.5 months to use funds from the previous plan year, or a carryover provision, permitting you to roll over a limited amount into the next year. Employers can offer either a grace period or a carryover, but not both for health FSAs.

Resolving Access Challenges

If you encounter difficulties accessing your FSA balance, common issues often involve login credentials. First, ensure you are using the correct username and password for your FSA administrator’s portal or app. If you have forgotten them, utilize the “forgot username” or “forgot password” options, which involve verifying your identity. If repeated attempts fail, your account might be temporarily locked, requiring direct contact with support.

An FSA card might be inactive if newly issued and not yet activated, or if the account is closed due to employment change or plan termination. If your card is declined, it could also be due to insufficient funds for the transaction or if the purchase is not an eligible expense. For any discrepancies in your balance or persistent access problems, contacting your FSA administrator directly is effective. They can investigate and provide guidance.