Truemed vs Flex: Which Should You Use?
Both Truemed and Flex let you pay for gym memberships and fitness expenses with your HSA or FSA. But they charge differently, partner with different brands, and one is almost always cheaper.
The Short Answer
Truemed
Best for most gym members and equipment buyers. $30 one-time fee. 30+ gym partners including Barry's, Orangetheory, Life Time, and more. Also covers Peloton, Tonal, and supplements.
Flex
Best for Equinox members. 4% per transaction. Equinox exclusive partnership since February 2026. Higher cost for most users, but the only HSA/FSA option for Equinox.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Every major difference between Truemed and Flex in one table.
| Feature | Truemed | Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Structure | $30 one-time | 4% per transaction |
| Annual Cost ($150/mo gym) | $30 | $72 |
| Annual Cost ($250/mo gym) | $30 | $120 |
| Gym Network | 30+ brands | Equinox (exclusive) |
| Equipment Partners | Peloton, Tonal, Hyperice | None |
| Supplement Partners | AG1, Momentous, Seed | None |
| LMN Process | Online health survey | Online health survey |
| Turnaround Time | Minutes to 24 hours | Minutes to 24 hours |
| LMN Duration | 12 months | 12 months |
| HSA Support | Yes | Yes |
| FSA Support | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | $34M Series A (a16z) | Private |
*Annual cost assumes consistent monthly membership payments. Truemed fee is one-time per LMN period. Flex fee applies to each transaction.
Fee Comparison Deep Dive
The math is straightforward. Truemed charges a flat $30. Flex charges 4% of every transaction. Here's how that plays out at different price points.
The Breakeven Point
Flex's 4% fee equals Truemed's $30 flat fee at $750 in total annual spending ($750 x 4% = $30). Any amount above $750/year and Truemed is cheaper.
Since most gym memberships cost $50-$300/month ($600-$3,600/year), Truemed is cheaper for nearly everyone.
| Monthly Spend | Annual Spend | Truemed Cost | Flex Cost (4%) | You Save with Truemed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50/mo | $600 | $30 | $24 | Flex is $6 cheaper |
| $75/mo | $900 | $30 | $36 | $6 |
| $100/mo | $1,200 | $30 | $48 | $18 |
| $150/mo | $1,800 | $30 | $72 | $42 |
| $200/mo | $2,400 | $30 | $96 | $66 |
| $250/mo | $3,000 | $30 | $120 | $90 |
| $300/mo | $3,600 | $30 | $144 | $114 |
Partner Network Comparison
The biggest difference beyond fees is which brands each platform supports.
Truemed Gym Partners (30+)
Truemed also partners with equipment brands (Peloton, Tonal, Hyperice) and supplement companies (AG1, Momentous, Seed).
Flex Partners
Equinox (Exclusive)
As of February 2026, Equinox is a Flex-exclusive partner. If you're an Equinox member, Flex is the only platform that offers direct HSA/FSA checkout integration. Equinox memberships typically range from $200-$400/month depending on location and tier.
Which Should You Choose?
For most people, the answer is clear. Here's a quick decision framework.
Choose Truemed if...
- You go to any gym besides Equinox
- You're buying fitness equipment (Peloton, Tonal, etc.)
- You want the lowest possible fees
- You have multiple fitness expenses (gym + supplements + equipment)
Choose Flex if...
- You're an Equinox member
- You prefer Flex's embedded checkout experience
- You only need coverage for Equinox
Related Guides
How to Pay for a Gym Membership with Your HSA
Step-by-step guide to using HSA funds for gym memberships, including the LMN process.
Truemed HSA Guide
Complete guide to using Truemed for HSA/FSA fitness payments.
Is a Gym Membership HSA Eligible?
Eligibility rules, requirements, and how to qualify for HSA coverage.
Is a Peloton HSA Eligible?
How to use your HSA to buy a Peloton bike or pay for a Peloton membership.
Common Questions
What is the difference between Truemed and Flex?▼
Which is cheaper, Truemed or Flex?▼
Can I use Truemed for Equinox?▼
Do both Truemed and Flex work with FSAs?▼
How fast is the LMN process?▼
What if I don't qualify through either service?▼
Can I use both Truemed and Flex?▼
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