First American Bank vs Optum Bank

2026 side-by-side comparison of fees, investment options, and features.

First American Bank

Bank
Visit site

First American Bank offers a fee-free HSA for individuals with access to Vanguard mutual funds and a Schwab brokerage option. They've been recognized by Investor's Business Daily as one of the best HSA providers.

Optum Bank

Bank
Visit site

Optum Bank is owned by UnitedHealth Group and is one of the largest HSA administrators. They offer multiple investment paths including mutual funds, a Schwab brokerage account, and Betterment robo-advisor.

Quick Verdict

Choose First American Bank if...

Individual HSA holders who want a solid bank-based HSA with Vanguard funds

Choose Optum Bank if...

UnitedHealthcare members or employees with UHG-sponsored HSAs

Feature Comparison

FeatureFirst American BankOptum Bank
Monthly Fee$0 (individual accounts)$2.50 (waived at $3,000+ balance)
Investment Minimum$1,000$2,000
Investment Options28 Vanguard mutual funds, Schwab brokerage30+ mutual funds, Schwab brokerage, or Betterment
Interest Rate0.01%–0.35% APY (tiered)0.01%–0.15% APY (tiered)
Account Typebankbank
FDIC InsuredYesYes
Mobile AppYesYes
Debit CardYesYes

First American Bank

Pros

  • No monthly maintenance fee for individuals
  • Strong Vanguard fund lineup including target-date funds
  • Schwab brokerage option (8,500+ investments)
  • Named to IBD Best HSAs list
  • FDIC insured

Cons

  • $2.95/month fee for investment account (HSA PLUS)
  • $1,000 threshold before investing
  • 0.30% annual investment custodial fee
  • Limited branch network (IL, FL, WI)

Optum Bank

Pros

  • Part of UnitedHealth Group - good employer integration
  • Multiple investment options including Schwab brokerage
  • Betterment robo-advisor option
  • Investment fee capped at $10/month
  • FDIC insured deposits

Cons

  • $2.50/month fee until $3,000 balance
  • $2,000 threshold before investing
  • $5,000 required in cash to waive investment fees
  • Low interest rates on cash

Provider Details

First American Bank

First American Bank offers a fee-free HSA for individuals with access to Vanguard mutual funds and a Schwab brokerage option. They've been recognized by Investor's Business Daily as one of the best HSA providers.

Monthly Fee

$0 (individual accounts)

Investment Minimum

$1,000

Investment Options

28 Vanguard mutual funds, Schwab brokerage

Best For

Individual HSA holders who want a solid bank-based HSA with Vanguard funds

Optum Bank

Optum Bank is owned by UnitedHealth Group and is one of the largest HSA administrators. They offer multiple investment paths including mutual funds, a Schwab brokerage account, and Betterment robo-advisor.

Monthly Fee

$2.50 (waived at $3,000+ balance)

Investment Minimum

$2,000

Investment Options

30+ mutual funds, Schwab brokerage, or Betterment

Best For

UnitedHealthcare members or employees with UHG-sponsored HSAs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower fees, First American Bank or Optum Bank?

First American Bank charges $0 (individual accounts) per month, while Optum Bank charges $2.50 (waived at $3,000+ balance). Compare total costs including investment fees before deciding.

Which has better investment options?

First American Bank offers 28 Vanguard mutual funds, Schwab brokerage. Optum Bank offers 30+ mutual funds, Schwab brokerage, or Betterment. The best choice depends on your investment style and preferences.

Is my money FDIC insured with First American Bank or Optum Bank?

Both First American Bank and Optum Bank offer FDIC insurance on cash deposits, protecting up to $250,000 per depositor. Invested funds are not FDIC insured but may have SIPC protection.

Can I transfer my HSA from First American Bank to Optum Bank?

Yes, you can transfer your HSA funds between any HSA providers. Most transfers take 2-4 weeks. Check with both First American Bank and Optum Bank for any transfer fees - incoming transfers are usually free, but outgoing transfers may incur a fee.

Which HSA is better for long-term investing?

For long-term investing, consider Optum Bank with $2,000 investment minimum. First American Bank is individual hsa holders who want a solid bank-based hsa with vanguard funds. Optum Bank is unitedhealthcare members or employees with uhg-sponsored hsas. Both can work well for building retirement health savings.

Does HSA Trackr work with First American Bank and Optum Bank?

Yes, HSA Trackr works with any HSA provider including both First American Bank and Optum Bank. Track your medical expenses, store receipts, and know exactly how much you can reimburse tax-free - regardless of which HSA you choose.

Related Comparisons

This comparison is for informational purposes only. HSA provider features and fees may change. Verify current information directly with each provider before opening an account.

Works with any HSA provider

Whether you choose Fidelity, Lively, or any other HSA, HSA Trackr helps you organize receipts and maximize your tax-free reimbursements.

Get Started Free