HSA Provider Fee Comparison Calculator
Choosing the right Health Savings Account (HSA) provider can significantly impact your long-term savings. Many W2 employees with HDHPs, self-employed individuals, and families often overlook the various fees associated with HSAs, from monthly maintenance charges to investment and transfer fees. This can lead to unexpected costs, eroding the tax advantages an HSA offers. Our HSA Provider Fee Comparison Calculator helps you quickly estimate annual fees for different providers based on your balance, investment strategy, and anticipated account activity. Understand the true cost of your HSA and avoid missing out on maximizing your healthcare savings, putting you in a better position to plan for future medical expenses and retirement healthcare.
HSA Provider Fee Comparison Calculator
Estimate your annual HSA fees across different providers based on your current balance, annual contributions, investment allocation, and anticipated account activity. Make an informed decision.
What You Need
Current HSA Balance
Your current total balance in the Health Savings Account.
Annual HSA Contribution
The amount you expect to contribute to your HSA this year (e.g., individual limit for 2026).
Percentage of Balance Invested
The percentage of your total HSA balance you plan to keep invested, rather than in cash.
HSA Provider
Choose an HSA provider to see their estimated annual fees.
Number of Transfers Out (Annual)
How many times you anticipate transferring funds from this HSA to another provider in a year.
Close Account This Year?
Toggle if you expect to close your HSA account within the current year.
How It Works
This calculator estimates your annual HSA fees by summing up four main components: monthly/annual account fees, investment fees, transfer-out fees, and account closure fees. Monthly fees are annualized. Investment fees are calculated based on your total balance and the percentage you plan to invest, taking into account any specific provider's AUM fees or flat annual investment charges.
Example Scenarios
$0.00
With Fidelity, there are no monthly maintenance fees and no investment fees. Assuming no transfers out or account closure, the total annual cost remains $0.00, making it very cost-effective for long-term growth.
Fee data is based on publicly available information for 2026 and individual provider terms. All calculations are estimates and actual fees may vary based on specific account features, promotions, or changes in provider policies.
Pro Tips
- Always check the cash balance required for investment fee waivers. For example, Lively's $24 annual investment fee is waived at $3,000+ cash, while HSA Bank needs $7,500+ cash to waive AUM fees.
- Don't solely focus on monthly fees. A provider with higher monthly fees but superior, low-cost investment options might be cheaper in the long run if you plan to invest a significant portion of your HSA.
- Be aware of transfer-out fees. If you anticipate moving your HSA to a new provider in the future, a $25 fee from HealthEquity or HSA Bank could add up if you switch frequently.
- Consider the APY on cash balances, even if low. BofA offers 0.7% APY on balances over $10,000, and HSA Bank offers up to 0.5% APY on $50,000+. While small, it's better than zero.
- If you're an advanced investor, look for providers offering self-directed options. IRA Financial, for instance, allows investment in real estate and cryptocurrency, which is rare for HSAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fees should I look for when comparing HSA providers?
When comparing HSA providers, you should primarily look for monthly or annual maintenance fees, investment fees (which can be a percentage of assets under management or a flat annual fee), and transaction fees such as transfer-out fees or account closure fees. Some providers, like Optum Bank, have a $2.75/month fee, while others like Fidelity offer no maintenance fees at all. Investment fees can vary significantly, for example, HSA Bank charges 0.10%-0.
Can HSA provider fees be waived?
Yes, many HSA providers offer fee waivers based on certain criteria. For instance, HealthEquity waives its monthly fee if your cash balance is $2,500 or more. Lively's $24 annual investment fee is waived if you maintain a $3,000+ cash balance. HSA Bank's 0.10%-0.35% AUM annual fee is waived at a $7,500+ cash balance. Bank of America's $2.50/month fee may also be waived through an employer. It's important to check each provider's specific waiver requirements.
Are there any providers with no monthly fees?
Yes, several popular HSA providers offer no monthly account fees. Lively and Fidelity are notable examples, both advertising $0 monthly fees. HSA Bank also has $0 monthly fees, opting for an annual fee structure instead. These options can be particularly attractive for those looking to minimize regular charges on their HSA.
What are common investment fees for HSAs?
Investment fees vary widely among HSA providers. Fidelity, for example, has no investment fees. Lively charges a $24 annual investment fee, waived at $3,000+ cash balance. HSA Bank charges 0.10%-0.35% AUM annually, waived at $7,500+ cash balance. HealthEquity has a 0.03% monthly investment administration fee, capped at $10. These fees can significantly impact your investment growth over time, especially with larger balances.
What are typical transfer or account closure fees?
Transfer and account closure fees are less common but can exist. HealthEquity charges a $25 transfer-out fee, and HSA Bank has a $25 account closure fee. In contrast, Fidelity and Lively state they have $0 transfer fees. If you anticipate moving your HSA to another provider or closing it, these fees are important to consider.
How do investment options differ between HSA providers?
Investment options vary greatly. Lively, for example, offers broad access through Charles Schwab, including 13,000+ mutual funds, individual stocks, bonds, and ETFs with $0 commission trades. For those seeking more specialized options, IRA Financial allows self-direction into alternatives like real estate, private placements, and cryptocurrency. Fidelity also provides a wide range of investment choices without specific investment fees.
Should I prioritize low fees or good investment options?
The priority depends on your HSA strategy. If you plan to use your HSA primarily for current medical expenses and keep a low cash balance, minimizing monthly and transaction fees is key. If you view your HSA as a long-term investment vehicle for retirement healthcare, robust, low-cost investment options are more important. Providers like Fidelity and Lively offer a good balance with low or no fees and extensive investment choices, making them attractive for growth-oriented users.
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