REFUND ADVANCE

Refund Advance is currently not available

The Refund Advance loan was available at participating H&R Block offices Jan. 2 – Feb. 29, 2024. Still need to get your taxes done? File today and get every dollar you deserve.

How Refund Advance loan works

  • Make an appointment to file your taxes

    Apply for Refund Advance when you file with a tax pro in the office or remotely.*

    * Not available when using H&R Block Online products.

  • Decide how to receive your loan funds

    Choose Emerald Card® or Spruce℠ and if approved, get same-day access to your Refund Advance loan funds. Receive a decision by text or email.

  • Repay your loan with your refund when it arrives

    Repaying your loan is easy. You’ll direct the loan to be repaid from your refund automatically once it’s received.

Why people love Refund Advance

No impact to your credit score

Rest easy! Your credit score won’t change when you apply. We make it simple.

No loan fees and 0% interest

Enjoy no loan fees and 0% APR with a Refund Advance loan.

High approval rates

Don’t stress — Refund Advance has high approval rates. And, you could get approved within minutes of filing.

Easy process

Choose to file your taxes and apply with a tax pro in-office, through a combination of in-office and remote filing, or by document drop-off.

No interest
No loan fees.
No kidding.

    Hollis

    “I like how fast and simple Refund Advance was. And how quickly I got money on my card.”

    H&R Block Client

    “Refund Advance was easy. Love that there are no fees for it.”

    Brittany B.

    “I like that with Refund Advance we are able to get some money now instead of waiting for the IRS.”

    Vernisha A.

    “Refund Advance allowed me to get a jumpstart into the new year. I was able to get ahead of my bills by a couple months even.”

    S. Bryant

    “Overall, it was very quick. I would recommend a Refund Advance. Always helps in any pinch.”

Two easy ways to access loan funds

Enjoy same-day access to approved loan proceeds based on your needs. Make your selection at your tax appointment.

spruce card new for refund advance

Spruce built by H&R Block

A mobile banking app with a spending and a savings account, plus its own debit card

Use your existing Spruce account or open a new account when you file your taxes

No annual fees

emerald card credit card

H&R Block Emerald Card®

A ready-to-use, prepaid debit card issued in the tax office

Use your existing Emerald Card® or get a new one
issued same-day in the office

No annual fees

Get your max refund with 100% Accuracy Guarantee

935 million+
tax returns worldwide

20 million+
filed with us in 2023

5 million+
switched to Block in 2023

H&R Block Refund Advance FAQs

Refund Advance is a no-interest loan that is repaid with your tax refund. Apply between Jan. 2, 2024 and Feb. 29, 2024. If approved, a loan will be issued in one of five amounts ($250, $500, $750, $1,250, $3,500). Refund Advance is a loan issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC; it is not your tax refund.

The Refund Advance loan is available in participating H&R Block offices beginning Jan. 2, 2024 through Feb. 29, 2024.

 

Not available for H&R Block Online or H&R Block Online’s Tax Pro Review.

The Refund Advance loan is a 0% APR loan. There is no interest and no loan fees charged for the Refund Advance loan. Fees for other optional products or product features may apply.

You first must meet certain eligibility requirements such as e-filing a tax return at a participating H&R Block office, expecting a sufficient refund by the IRS and provide appropriate identification.


You then submit an application to Pathward®, N.A., the lender. The bank will evaluate your application based on standard underwriting criteria and makes the decision to approve or deny your application.

No. The bank may review your credit report as part of your application, but the review will not impact your credit score.

If your application is approved, in most cases the funds will be available the same day you apply for the Refund Advance loan.

The Refund Advance loan proceeds must be placed on an H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® (“Emerald Card®”) or deposited into a Spruce℠ account.


Learn more about Emerald Card®


Learn more about Spruce

No, the only disbursement options for the Refund Advance loan proceeds are the Emerald Card and a Spruce account. Emerald Card and Spruce allow a one-time transfer of funds by check or automated clearing house (ACH) from your Emerald Card or Spruce account for no fee.


Learn more about Emerald Card®


Learn more about Spruce

You will choose a method of repayment at the time of tax preparation. They include the following:


Refund Transfer: The loan will be repaid from your Refund Account, along with tax preparation fees and other amounts you authorize. The remaining funds will be delivered via the disbursement method chosen during tax preparation — Emerald Card, Spruce account, direct deposit, or check. (It is not required to purchase a Refund Transfer to apply for or receive the Refund Advance; it is entirely optional.)


Repayment Account: If you do not select a Refund Transfer, you direct the loan to be repaid from your Refund Account and the remaining amount will be loaded to your Emerald Card or Spruce account. There is no cost for the Repayment Account.

File taxes how you want with H&R Block

File with a tax pro

Our tax pros are trained to get you every credit and deduction you deserve. You can request to work with the same tax pro year after year so we can get to know you and your unique tax situation.

hrb tax pro photo

Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and debit card issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Additional fees, terms and conditions apply; consult your Cardholder Agreement for details. ©2023 HRB Tax Group, Inc.