Accepting HSA and FSA cards is a critical feature for your practice, but success depends entirely on how your business is positioned during the Stripe review process. Based on updated internal strategies, the focus has shifted from product sales to clinical procedures and medical oversight.
Use this guide to ensure your account is configured for approval by prioritizing your medical identity over "Med Spa" branding.
📋 Requirements for Approval
To get your account cleared, you must provide a clear narrative of your medical operations to Stripe Support. You will be asked to provide this information on the request form found here: https://link.aestheticrecord.com/widget/form/UHG0aR2mbiScCMSYDblN
Professional Website: Your site must be live and prominently feature medical services, rather than focusing solely on aesthetic or luxury treatments. You should not list your AR online booking portal as your practice's website.
Procedure-Focused Inventory: Instead of a list of retail products, provide a list of medical procedures such as IV therapy, hormone replacement, or dermatological skin resurfacing.
Medical Oversight: Explicitly state that you have a licensed physician or nurse practitioner on-site who is licensed to deliver and/or prescribe FDA-approved treatments.
The 80% Rule: You must demonstrate that at least 80% of your services are considered medical or require medical oversight.
💡 Strategy for Success: Procedural Reframing
Stripe underwriters look for specific clinical markers. If your business is framed as a "luxury day spa" or focused on retail products, you may face delays or higher levels of approval.
1. Focus on Procedures, Not Products
Avoid centering your application on products you sell. Focus on medical interventions that can be billed medically, such as:
Neurotoxins: Explain treatments for TMJ, migraines or neuromuscular conditions
Vascular Health: Highlight varicose vein treatments.
Clinical Dermatology: Use "Dermatological skin resurfacing" rather than "Facials".
Regenerative Treatments: Treatments to regenerate cells, muscles or function
2. The "MCC Code" Priority
The ultimate goal of this process is to change your Merchant Category Code (MCC).
MCC 8099 is a merchant category code credit card networks and payment processors use to classify business types. Specifically, it's the four-digit number for "Health Practitioners, Medical Services – Not Elsewhere Classified." The goal of the HSA/FSA process it for Stripe to reclassify your practice as a medical practice.
Instant Eligibility: Once the MCC code is updated to a medical classification, the account can often process HSA/FSA cards immediately without additional individual approvals.
⏳ Submission Process
Intake Form: To start the process, complete the intake form found here: https://link.aestheticrecord.com/widget/form/UHG0aR2mbiScCMSYDblN
Timeline: Once we receive the form, if the answers are complete and ready for submissions, we will send the information to Stripe for approval. You can expect a decision from Stripe within 3 business days following our request.