Bitcoin HSA: Self-Custody Your Health Savings Account Bitcoin | The Bitcoin Adviser
Bitcoin HSA

Triple Tax Advantage: Your HSA, Your Bitcoin, Your Keys, Your Future

A Health Savings Account (HSA) isn't just for medical expenses—it's one of the most powerful tax-advantaged investment vehicles available. When you combine an HSA with Bitcoin self-custody, you unlock triple tax advantages while maintaining true ownership of your Bitcoin. The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical and operational support for self-custody Bitcoin in HSAs. We are not a financial services company and do not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

We work alongside trusted partners: Advanta Trust (your HSA custodian) and River (your exchange partner). Together, we help you set up and maintain self-custody Bitcoin in your HSA while you work directly with your HSA custodian and professional advisors on structure, suitability, and compliance.

Triple Tax Advantage Pre-tax, tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals
Since 2016 Zero satoshis lost
Your Keys You maintain control
Advanta Trust IRS-authorized HSA custodian

Who This Is For

This page is for U.S.-based individuals who want:

  • Direct ownership of actual Bitcoin in their HSA (not just ETF exposure)
  • A self-directed HSA with true self-custody of the asset
  • To maximize the triple tax advantage while building long-term wealth
  • Collaborative security and estate planning so HSA Bitcoin can be held for decades and passed on securely

You retain control of your keys. We never act as custodian or take possession of your Bitcoin.

Why HSA

The Triple Tax Advantage of HSAs

Health Savings Accounts offer a unique triple tax advantage that makes them one of the most powerful investment vehicles available—especially when combined with Bitcoin's growth potential.

1. Pre-Tax Contributions Contributions are made before taxes are deducted from your paycheck, immediately reducing your taxable income. For 2025, contribution limits are $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families. If you're 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 per year.
2. Tax-Free Growth Unlike most investment accounts, all growth in your HSA—whether from interest, dividends, or capital gains—grows completely tax-free. This includes Bitcoin's potential appreciation.
3. Tax-Free Withdrawals When used for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals are completely tax-free. After age 65, you can withdraw for any reason (subject to ordinary income tax if not for medical expenses), making HSAs powerful retirement planning tools.

Maximizing Your HSA: Many savvy HSA holders treat their account like a retirement account, paying medical expenses out-of-pocket when possible to allow their HSA investments to grow tax-free. For example, if you pay $300 out-of-pocket for a medical bill today, that same $300 left to grow in your HSA could be worth over $2,100 in 30 years, assuming a 7% annual return. With Bitcoin's historical growth potential, the compounding effect can be even more significant.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose The Bitcoin Adviser for Your Bitcoin HSA?

Most HSA providers limit you to traditional investments like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Some may offer Bitcoin ETFs, but these don't give you direct ownership. True control comes from holding actual Bitcoin in your self-custody vault. This approach combines the triple tax advantage of HSAs with the unmatched security and independence Bitcoin offers.

The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support for self-custody Bitcoin in HSAs. We work alongside Advanta Trust (your HSA custodian) and River (your exchange partner) so that your HSA structure, acquisition of Bitcoin, and collaborative security setup all work together smoothly. You retain control of your keys; we never hold your Bitcoin or act as your HSA custodian.

For a deeper dive into HSAs and Bitcoin, see our comprehensive guide: "How to Hold Bitcoin in Your Health Savings Account (HSA)" by Scott Porter.

True Self-Custody

Hold actual Bitcoin in your HSA, not Bitcoin-linked products. You maintain control of your keys while staying compliant with IRS regulations through your chosen custodian.

Triple Tax Advantage

Pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free qualified withdrawals create one of the most powerful tax-advantaged structures available.

Collaborative Security

Multi-signature vault eliminates single points of failure. No one party can access your Bitcoin alone, including us.

Zero Losses Since 2016

Our track record speaks for itself. Since 2016, zero satoshis lost across all clients, including HSA accounts.

Retirement Planning Power

After age 65, HSA funds can be withdrawn for any reason (subject to income tax if not for medical expenses), making your HSA a powerful retirement planning tool.

Expert Technical Guidance

Scott Porter brings three decades of enterprise IT and security experience, specializing in self-directed HSAs and Advanta Trust coordination.

How It Works

How We Simplify Bitcoin HSA Custody

Holding Bitcoin in your HSA requires careful coordination across several critical components. At The Bitcoin Adviser, we partner with industry leaders to deliver an integrated and secure solution, while you work directly with Advanta Trust and your professional advisors on account decisions.

Self Directed HSA system diagram showing HSA Administrator (Advanta Trust), Exchange (River), and Wallet & Support (The Bitcoin Adviser) working together
1. Work with Your HSA Custodian

Your HSA custodian is the IRS-authorized institution responsible for holding and managing your health savings account. Advanta Trust is our partner—a specialized custodian that understands Bitcoin and offers support for self-directed HSAs.

You work directly with Advanta Trust to set up and manage your HSA. They ensure your HSA complies with IRS regulations. The Bitcoin Adviser does not act as your HSA custodian and does not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

2. Select a Trusted Exchange Partner

Acquiring Bitcoin for your HSA starts with the right exchange. We partner with River, a Bitcoin-only, publicly traded exchange that specializes in self-directed retirement accounts. River is critical because they:

  • Allow third-party direct wire transfers from your HSA custodian
  • Support "for the benefit of" accounts required for HSAs
  • Pay interest on cash balances (approximately 3–3.5% paid in Bitcoin)
  • Provide professional, high-touch customer service for retirement accounts

This account setup is critical to staying compliant with all IRS self-directed rules, ensuring you personally are not taking a distribution.

3. Secure Your Bitcoin with Collaborative Security

Self-custody is the cornerstone of owning Bitcoin in your HSA. The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support to set up a multi-signature (multisig) vault where control is distributed among you, The Bitcoin Adviser, and a trusted third-party key holder. This eliminates single points of failure and helps protect your Bitcoin even in unforeseen circumstances.

You hold one key, maintaining direct access to your Bitcoin, while The Bitcoin Adviser and the third-party key holder hold additional keys, creating a robust security framework that can be paired with your custodian's processes and IRS rules.

HSA Basics

HSA Eligibility & Contribution Limits

To contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For 2025, an HDHP is defined as a health plan with a minimum deductible of $1,600 for individuals or $3,200 for families, and maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $8,050 for individuals or $16,100 for families.

2025 Contribution Limits

Individual: $4,150 per year
Family: $8,300 per year
Catch-up (55+): Additional $1,000 per year

Qualified Medical Expenses

Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. This includes doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, vision care, and many other health-related expenses. Keep receipts—you can reimburse yourself years later.

After Age 65

Once you reach age 65, you can withdraw HSA funds for any reason. If not used for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax (similar to a Traditional IRA), but no penalty applies.

No "Use It or Lose It"

Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), HSA funds roll over year to year and remain yours forever. There's no deadline to use the funds, making HSAs excellent long-term investment vehicles.

Why It Matters

Why Collaborative Security Matters for Your HSA

HSAs are designed for long-term wealth building, especially when you pay medical expenses out-of-pocket and let your investments grow. Bitcoin held in collaborative self-custody offers a foundation that doesn't rely on traditional financial systems or third-party promises. This is particularly important for HSA holders who are building wealth over decades.

No Single Point of Failure

Even if one key is lost or compromised, your Bitcoin remains safe and accessible through the remaining keys.

Estate Planning Made Easy

In the event of your passing, your HSA assets can transition seamlessly to your spouse (as beneficiary) or other beneficiaries through our Estate Plan Protocol.

Enhanced Peace of Mind

With a multisig setup, your Bitcoin is shielded from loss, theft, or unauthorized access while maintaining your control.

HSA Integration & Compliance

Our technical framework is designed to work alongside your HSA custodian's processes and IRS rules while preserving true ownership and control of your Bitcoin.

Headshot of Scott Porter

Scott Porter

Self-Directed HSA Technical Specialist · Advanta Trust Collaboration

Scott brings three decades of enterprise IT and security experience to our HSA clients. He provides technical support for the Advanta Trust partnership, coordinating paperwork, compliance documentation, and collaborative security setup. Scott does not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

Advanta Trust + TBA Workflow
  1. Open or transfer a self-directed HSA with Advanta Trust.
  2. Fund the account, list The Bitcoin Adviser as your collaborative-security facilitator, and outline beneficiaries with your custodian and advisors.
  3. Scott provides technical support coordinating with Advanta Trust's transaction desk, executing the Bitcoin purchase through River, and moving funds into your multisig vault.
  4. Finalize documentation: estate inserts, distribution instructions, and optional recovery rehearsals.

Already working with Advanta Trust? Scott can coordinate directly with your account manager on the technical and operational steps.

Schedule Time with Scott

Bring approximate contribution amounts, target timelines, and existing HSA custodian info. Scott will map next steps and coordinate the technical setup with Advanta Trust and River.

Learn more about Scott's expertise: Visit Scott's page →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Bitcoin HSAs

What makes HSAs different from IRAs?

HSAs offer a unique triple tax advantage: pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. IRAs offer tax-deferred or tax-free growth, but contributions are either pre-tax (Traditional) or after-tax (Roth). HSAs also have no "use it or lose it" rule—funds roll over indefinitely. After age 65, HSA funds can be withdrawn for any reason (subject to income tax if not for medical expenses), making them powerful retirement planning tools. For more on Bitcoin IRAs, see our Bitcoin IRA page.

Do I need a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to have an HSA?

Yes. To contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in an HDHP. For 2025, an HDHP requires a minimum deductible of $1,600 for individuals or $3,200 for families. You cannot contribute to an HSA if you have other health coverage (with some exceptions, such as dental, vision, or disability insurance). Consult with your health insurance provider and tax advisor to confirm your eligibility.

Can I use my HSA for non-medical expenses?

Before age 65, withdrawals for non-qualified medical expenses are subject to ordinary income tax plus a 20% penalty. After age 65, you can withdraw HSA funds for any reason—if not used for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax (similar to a Traditional IRA), but no penalty applies. This makes HSAs powerful retirement planning tools.

Is collaborative security secure for HSAs?

Absolutely. By combining your control with a secure, multisignature setup, collaborative security offers one of the safest ways to hold Bitcoin for long-term investments like an HSA. Since 2016, we've had zero satoshis lost across all clients.

What happens if I lose my key?

With our collaborative security model, losing one key does not mean losing access to your Bitcoin. The remaining keys can be used to regain control, ensuring your assets are always recoverable. This is one of the key advantages of multi-signature security.

How does this differ from Bitcoin ETFs in an HSA?

Bitcoin ETFs give you exposure to Bitcoin's price, but you don't own actual Bitcoin and you cannot self-custody the asset. With our approach, you hold real Bitcoin in self-custody, giving you true ownership, censorship resistance, and the ability to hedge against the traditional financial system. Learn more about why direct ownership matters →

What are the tax implications of Bitcoin in an HSA?

Bitcoin held in an HSA grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. After age 65, withdrawals for non-medical expenses are subject to ordinary income tax. The Bitcoin Adviser does not provide tax advice. You must consult with a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your circumstances and the current IRS rules.

How long does the setup process take?

For new accounts, there is typically a 7-day waiting period (industry standard) from when your account opens before funds can be sent to purchase Bitcoin. Once that period passes, the process usually takes 2–4 weeks from initial consultation to Bitcoin in your vault. This includes opening or transferring your HSA, coordinating with Advanta Trust, setting up your River account, executing the Bitcoin purchase, and setting up your collaborative security vault.

What are the fees involved?

Advanta Trust fees: Typical fees include a $50 account opening fee, a $95 transaction fee per investment, a $295 annual record-keeping fee (for accounts over $15,000), plus wire fees (e.g., $15 incoming, $30 outgoing).

River exchange: Transaction fees apply based on River's current fee schedule.

The Bitcoin Adviser: 1% annual fee paid in Bitcoin for self-custody assistance, estate planning protocols, and ongoing technical and operational support.

All third-party fees are subject to change. Please refer to Advanta Trust, River, and any other service providers for their current fee schedules and terms.

Can I have multiple vaults in one wallet platform?

Yes. You can have multiple vaults in one wallet platform—one for your HSA Bitcoin, one for personal Bitcoin, one for IRA Bitcoin, etc. Each vault is separate and never co-mingled, but can be managed through the same secure platform with collaborative security.

Why Bitcoin in Your HSA

Key Insights from Our Experts

Educational information only—not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Based on decades of combined experience in finance, technology, and Bitcoin, here are perspectives on Bitcoin in HSAs from industry experts:

Triple Tax Advantage

HSAs offer the only triple tax advantage available: pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free qualified withdrawals. When combined with Bitcoin's growth potential, this creates a powerful wealth-building strategy.

Best Performing Asset

Bitcoin has been one of the best-performing assets in the world over the past decade, including years returning many hundreds of percent in a single cycle.

Hedge Against Medical Inflation

Healthcare costs have historically risen faster than general inflation. Bitcoin's potential to preserve and grow purchasing power can help offset future medical expenses.

Retirement Planning Power

After age 65, HSA funds can be withdrawn for any reason, making your HSA a powerful retirement planning tool. Bitcoin's long-term growth potential can significantly enhance this benefit.

No Counterparty Risk in Self-Custody

When held in self-custody, Bitcoin is a digital bearer asset with no direct counterparty risk. You're not relying on underfunded pension systems, bank solvency, or third-party promises to access your savings.

Generational Wealth Asset

For intergenerational wealth planning, Bitcoin in an HSA represents an opportunity to preserve and grow purchasing power across decades, especially when paired with robust estate planning protocols.

Important: Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Bitcoin is a volatile asset and can experience large price swings and drawdowns. You should carefully consider your risk tolerance and consult with qualified advisors before making any investment decisions.

Important Disclaimer

The Bitcoin Adviser (TBA) is not a financial services company and does not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. TBA serves exclusively as an independent third-party key holder for Bitcoin wallets and provides technical support for self-custody Bitcoin in HSAs. TBA does not act as the custodian of your HSA, does not hold client funds, and does not recommend or endorse specific investments.

You work directly with Advanta Trust (or another qualified HSA custodian of your choice) to establish and manage your HSA. As the account holder, you are responsible for selecting a qualified custodian and ensuring compliance with all IRS regulations, including contribution limits, distribution requirements, and avoiding prohibited transactions.

TBA is not liable for any penalties or consequences arising from non-compliance with IRS rules, tax regulations, or any other legal or regulatory requirements. You must consult with qualified tax, legal, and financial professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Get Started

Take the First Step Toward Maximizing Your HSA

Whether you're ready to open a new self-directed HSA or transfer an existing HSA into Bitcoin, The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support for self-custody Bitcoin in HSAs. We do not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Schedule a call today to learn about our technical support services for Bitcoin self-custody in HSAs, and speak with your professional advisors about whether this strategy is appropriate for you.