Interest + Investments

Self-Directed Investment Options

To self-direct investments, Sterling accountholders may transfer funds in their HSA account to a joint brokerage account titled “Sterling HSA Administrator For The Benefit Of (Name Of Sterling Accountholder).” Once the joint brokerage account has been set up and the accountholder has completed a Sterling Transfer of Assets Form, Sterling will transfer funds from the HSA account to the joint brokerage account.

Remember, there is a minimum balance requirement of $20 which must be kept in your HSA. The monthly maintenance fee on the HSA account will continue to be charged, for this reason we ask you to also leave a minimum of one year’s worth of fees in your HSA, or Service Fee Balance. An annual fee of $16 will also be charged for the outside investment account. Sterling recommends all accountholders keep an amount equal to their annual deductible or out-of-pocket maximum in their HSA account at a minimum. Additional brokerage fees may apply. Check with your broker-dealer for details.

Charles Schwab Arrangement for Sterling Accountholders

Through Sterling, accountholders can choose to open a self-directed brokerage account with Charles Schwab and self-manage HSA investment accounts. This special arrangement with Charles Schwab offers Sterling accountholders:

• Discounted trading costs for equity and mutual fund trades.
• Access to a large selection of no-load mutual fund strategies and managers.
• Total control and flexibility in trades for their own account (within IRS regulations for the types of investments allowed through an HSA).

Sterling does not provide brokerage services, nor do we control or manage the website content, privacy, or security policies of Charles Schwab. Review the Charles Schwab services and policies before opening a brokerage account.

All HSA contributions must first be made to your Sterling HSA account before any funds can be transferred to the Charles Schwab brokerage account investment option (for accurate IRS reporting).

Charles Schwab and Sterling Administration are separate and unaffiliated companies and are not responsible for each other’s policies and services.