Points of Service Don't Move Automatically Between HSA Providers
No, points of service (often called POS or service points) do not move on their own when you change HSA providers or accounts. If your HSA is held at one bank or investment firm and you decide to move to a different provider, any points of service you've accumulated stay with the original account unless you take action to transfer them.
The reason is straightforward: points of service are tied to the specific HSA account and provider that issued them. They're part of your account balance at that institution. When you open a new HSA elsewhere, that new account starts fresh with zero points. You'll need to contact your original provider to understand what happens to your existing points and whether they can be transferred, cashed out, or moved as part of a full account transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Points of service remain at your original HSA provider and do not transfer automatically when you switch providers.
- Each HSA provider manages points differently, so you should contact your current provider before closing an account to learn what options exist.
- Some providers allow you to cash out points as a lump sum, while others may let you keep the account open to use them later.
- If you're moving your HSA to a new provider, plan the transition carefully so you don't lose track of points you've earned.
What Happens to Your Points When You Switch Providers
When you move your HSA to a different provider, your points stay behind at the original institution. The new provider's system has no way to automatically pull points from the old account because the two systems don't communicate that way. You have to manually request what you want to do with them.
Your options typically include: cashing out the points as a statement credit or direct deposit to your bank account, keeping the old account open just to use the points later, or asking whether the provider allows a full account transfer that includes points. Not all providers offer all three options, which is why calling before you close the account matters.
How to Find Out What Your Provider Does With Points
Contact your HSA provider's customer service directly and ask three specific questions: Can I cash out my points? If so, how long does it take and where does the money go? Can I keep this account open after I move my main balance elsewhere? And if I'm doing a full account transfer, do points transfer with it?
Have your account number ready when you call. Write down the answers and ask for them in writing if the provider offers email confirmation. This protects you if there's confusion later about what was supposed to happen to your points.
Cashing Out Points Before You Close Your Account
Many HSA providers let you redeem points for a statement credit, which reduces what you owe on your account or adds to your balance. Some will send the cash value directly to a linked bank account. The process usually takes a few business days to a few weeks, depending on the provider.
If you're planning to close your HSA account, redeeming your points before the closure date is often the safest route. It ensures you don't accidentally lose them in the transition. Ask your provider whether there's a important date — some require you to redeem points before the account officially closes, while others give you a grace period.
Keeping Your Old Account Open to Use Points Later
You don't have to close your old HSA account just because you're moving your main balance to a new provider. Some people keep the old account open specifically to use up their points over time. This works if your old provider allows it and doesn't charge a monthly maintenance fee for an inactive account.
Before you do this, confirm with the provider that there are no fees for keeping the account open with a low or zero balance. Also ask whether you can still access the account online or by phone to redeem points. If fees explore or access becomes difficult, it's usually better to cash out the points now rather than pay to keep the account alive.
Full Account Transfers and Whether Points Move
If you're doing a complete HSA transfer from one provider to another — moving your entire balance, not just opening a new account — some providers will include points as part of that transfer. However, this is not automatic and depends entirely on whether both your old and new provider support it.
The old provider has to be willing to transfer points, and the new provider has to be able to receive them. Since different HSA providers use different point systems, direct transfers don't always work. Ask both providers whether they support point transfers before you initiate the move. If they don't, you'll need to redeem your points at the old provider before the transfer completes.
Avoiding Lost Points During an HSA Switch
The most common mistake is assuming points will follow you automatically. They won't. Make a checklist before you switch: First, log into your current HSA account and note your exact point balance. Second, call your provider and ask what options you have. Third, choose your option — cash out, keep the account, or transfer — and get written confirmation. Fourth, complete that action before you close the account or move your balance.
If you've already switched providers and aren't sure what happened to your old points, contact your previous HSA provider when ready. Many providers keep accounts accessible for a period after closure, and you may still be able to redeem points if you act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer points from one HSA to another?
Direct transfers of points between HSA providers are rare because each provider uses its own point system. Some providers may support transfers if both accounts are with companies that have a partnership, but this is not standard. Contact both your old and new provider to ask. If they can't transfer points directly, you'll need to redeem them at your current provider before switching.
What if I forget about points in an old HSA account?
If you've left an HSA with a previous provider and didn't redeem your points, contact that provider as soon as you remember. Many keep accounts accessible for a period after closure. The longer you wait, the less likely the provider will be able to help, so reach out right away with your account number and ask whether points are still available to redeem.
Do points expire if I don't use them?
Expiration policies vary by provider. Some HSA providers let points sit indefinitely, while others may expire them after a certain period of inactivity. Check your account agreement or call your provider to learn their specific policy. If expiration is a concern, redeem your points sooner rather than later.
Can I move my HSA balance but keep the points at the old provider?
Yes. You can transfer your HSA balance to a new provider while leaving your points at the old account. Ask your old provider whether they allow this and whether there are any fees for maintaining an account with a zero or near-zero balance. This works well if you want to use your points gradually over time.
What if my provider won't tell me what happened to my points?
If your provider is unresponsive or unclear, ask to speak with a supervisor or escalate your request in writing. Document the date and time of your calls and keep copies of any emails. If the provider still won't help, you can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.