Can You Use Your FSA Card at Walmart? Everything You Need to Know

Quick answer: yes. But there is a little more to it than just swiping your card at the register. Here is everything you need to know about using your FSA card at Walmart — in store and online — including what qualifies, what does not and how to make the most of your FSA dollars at one of the most convenient stores for busy moms.

Does Walmart Accept FSA Cards?

Yes. Walmart accepts FSA and HSA debit cards both in store and online at Walmart.com. Your FSA card works like a regular debit card at the register. The Walmart point of sale system automatically recognizes FSA eligible items and charges those to your FSA card.

If your cart has a mix of FSA eligible and non-eligible items Walmart's system will charge the eligible items to your FSA card and prompt you for a second payment method for the rest. This split payment process works smoothly in most cases.

What Can You Buy With Your FSA Card at Walmart?

Walmart's health and wellness section carries a wide range of FSA eligible products. Here is what qualifies.

Over the counter medications — since the CARES Act all OTC medications are FSA eligible without a prescription. Tylenol, Advil, Zyrtec, Claritin, NyQuil, Pepto-Bismol, and children's versions of all of these qualify. Walmart's pricing on these is often lower than Target or Amazon which makes it a smart choice for stocking up.

First aid supplies — bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, gauze, medical tape, thermometers, heating pads, ice packs and first aid kits all qualify.

Sunscreen SPF 15 or higher — Coppertone, Banana Boat, Neutrogena and Equate store brand sunscreens all qualify. Walmart's Equate brand FSA eligible products are worth checking out — same active ingredients as name brands at lower prices.

Menstrual products — tampons, pads, menstrual cups and period underwear are FSA eligible since the CARES Act. Walmart carries a solid selection including store brand options that qualify.

Baby and toddler health products — baby thermometers, nasal aspirators, saline drops, children's medications, medicated diaper rash cream and baby sunscreen SPF 15 or higher all qualify.

Vision care — contact lens solution, reading glasses, eye drops and lens cases all qualify.

Shopping FSA at Walmart Online

Shopping FSA eligible items at Walmart.com is easy. Search for whatever you need and filter by FSA or HSA Eligible in the filters on the left. Your FSA card works at online checkout just like a regular debit card.

One advantage of shopping Walmart FSA online: you can use Walmart Plus for free delivery or pickup which makes stocking up on FSA staples even more convenient. Loading up on children's medications, sunscreen and first aid supplies for the season is a great use of your FSA balance.

Why Walmart Is a Smart Choice for FSA Shopping

Walmart's biggest advantage for FSA shopping is price. Their Equate store brand carries most of the same FSA eligible products as name brands — pain relievers, allergy medications, first aid supplies, sunscreen — at significantly lower prices. When you are stocking up on FSA staples the savings can be meaningful.

For moms specifically Walmart is a great option for children's medications, baby sunscreen and first aid supplies at budget friendly prices. Your pre-tax FSA dollars go further here than almost anywhere else for everyday health staples.

If this helped you save this post or share it with a mom who needs it

🩷 — Amanda

Sources

IRS Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses — irs.gov/publications/p502

The CARES Act (P.L. 116-136, March 27 2020) — OTC medications and menstrual products — congress.gov

FSA Store Eligibility List — fsastore.com/fsa-eligibility-list

This post contains affiliate links. FSA eligibility varies by plan — always confirm with your plan administrator.