H&R Block: Do They Still Offer Anticipation Loans?

H&R Block offers a variety of loan services, including the Refund Advance loan and the Emerald Advance loan. The Refund Advance loan is a no-interest loan issued by Pathward, N.A., that is repaid with your tax refund. The loan amounts range from $250 to $4,000 and is available to qualifying taxpayers who file their taxes with H&R Block. The Emerald Advance loan, on the other hand, is a fixed-rate short-term loan offered by H&R Block, with amounts ranging from $350 to $1,300. This loan is also issued by Pathward, N.A., and can be deposited into a Spruce account or loaded onto an Emerald Card. Both loan programs offer quick access to funds, with same-day funding available for the Refund Advance loan.

H&R Block's Refund Advance loan offering

H&R Block offers a Refund Advance Loan of up to $4,000 to qualifying taxpayers who file their taxes with them. The Refund Advance Loan is a no-interest loan issued by Pathward, N.A., and is available at participating H&R Block offices from January 3 to February 28, 2025. The loan is offered in five amounts: $250, $500, $750, $1,250, and $4,000. The approval and loan amount are based on the expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting.

The Refund Advance Loan is an optional tax refund-related loan and is not the actual tax refund. The loan amount will be deducted from the taxpayer's tax refund, and any remaining balance will be sent to them. There are no loan fees charged for the Refund Advance Loan, and it has no impact on the taxpayer's credit score. The funds can be disbursed to a prepaid card or checking account at Pathward, or to an H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard ("Emerald Card") or Spruce account.

H&R Block tax professionals assist in setting up repayment from the tax refund, ensuring that the loan is automatically repaid once the refund is received. The loan can be applied for during a virtual or in-office appointment with an H&R Block tax professional, and if approved, the funds are typically available the same day.

The loan is issued by Pathward, N.A

H&R Block offers a Refund Advance loan of up to $4,000 to qualifying taxpayers. This is an optional, no-interest loan that is repaid with your tax refund. The loan is issued by Pathward, N.A., formerly known as MetaBank. Pathward is a U.S.-based banking and financial services company, providing a range of services, including banking, commercial finance, and tax services.

Pathward, N.A., is the lender for the Refund Advance loan offered by H&R Block. The loan is available to taxpayers who file their taxes with H&R Block between January 3 and February 28, 2025. The loan amounts are $250, $500, $750, $1,250, or $4,000, and the approval and loan amount are based on the expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting. If approved, the funds will be disbursed to a prepaid card or checking account at Pathward, and the loan amount will be deducted from the tax refund.

Pathward, N.A., also issues the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard®, which can be used to access the Refund Advance loan funds. The Emerald Card allows for a one-time transfer of funds by check or automated clearing house (ACH) from the card to another account for no fee. Additionally, Pathward, through its Spruce fintech platform, offers Spruce Spending and Savings Accounts, which can also be used to receive the Refund Advance loan proceeds.

Pathward, previously known as MetaBank, has a long history in the banking industry, dating back to its founding as Storm Lake Savings and Loan Association in 1954. Over the years, the bank has undergone several name changes and acquisitions, expanding its services and reach. In 2022, Meta Financial Group sold the "Meta" trademark, and the company rebranded as Pathward.

Today, Pathward is committed to powering financial inclusion and providing a path for individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals. The company has received numerous accolades for its work, including being named to Forbes' list of America's Best Banks and ranking among Investor's Business Daily's 100 Best ESG Companies for 2023.

No-interest loan of up to $4,000

H&R Block offers a no-interest loan of up to $4,000, known as the Refund Advance Loan. This loan is issued by Pathward, N.A., and is available to qualifying taxpayers who file their taxes with H&R Block. The loan period for 2025 started on January 3 and will end on February 28. The loan is designed to provide financial relief to filers while they wait for their tax refunds to be processed.

The Refund Advance Loan is a great option for those who need financial assistance while waiting for their refund. The loan amounts are offered in $250, $500, $750, $1,250, or $4,000 increments and are based on the expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting. There are no loan fees or interest charges for this loan, and it has high approval rates. If approved, the funds are typically available the same day and can be deposited into a Spruce account or loaded onto an Emerald Card.

Repayment for the loan is seamless and convenient, as it is automatically deducted from the taxpayer's tax refund once it is received. This ensures that the loan is repaid in a timely manner without causing any additional financial burden on the taxpayer.

It is important to note that the Refund Advance Loan is an optional tax refund-related loan and is not the taxpayer's actual tax refund. Tax returns can be e-filed without applying for this loan, and there may be fees for other optional products or product features.

In addition to the Refund Advance Loan, H&R Block also offers the Emerald Advance Loan, which is a fixed-rate short-term loan ranging from $350 to $1,300. This loan is also issued by Pathward, N.A., and can be applied for at select H&R Block locations.

Available to qualifying taxpayers

H&R Block offers the Refund Advance Loan, a no-interest loan of up to $4,000, to qualifying taxpayers. The loan is issued by Pathward, N.A., and is available to taxpayers who file their taxes with H&R Block between January 3 and February 28, 2025. The Refund Advance Loan is designed to provide financial relief to filers while they wait for their tax refund to be processed.

To qualify for the loan, taxpayers must meet certain eligibility requirements, including e-filing a tax return at a participating H&R Block office, expecting a sufficient refund by the IRS, and providing appropriate identification. The loan is available in five different amounts: $250, $500, $750, $1,250, or $4,000. The approval and loan amount are based on the expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting.

If approved for the loan, taxpayers can receive the funds on the same day they apply, which will be deposited into a Spruce account or loaded onto an Emerald Card. The loan is then repaid using the taxpayer's tax refund, with the loan amount deducted from the refund and any remaining balance sent to the taxpayer.

The Refund Advance Loan is a convenient option for taxpayers who need financial assistance while waiting for their refund. It is important to note that this loan is separate from the H&R Block Emerald Advance Loan, which is a short-term loan with a fixed interest rate and a lower loan amount offered by Pathward, N.A., the lender for both loan products.

High approval rates and same-day funding

H&R Block's Refund Advance Loan program offers high approval rates and same-day funding. The loan is issued by Pathward, N.A., and is available to qualifying taxpayers who file their taxes with H&R Block. The loan amounts range from $250 to $4,000 and are based on the expected refund amount, eligibility criteria, and underwriting.

The high approval rates for the Refund Advance Loan program are due in part to the fact that there is no impact on a taxpayer's credit score when applying for or receiving the loan. The loan is also available to those who may not have a perfect credit history, as the bank may review your credit report as part of your application, but it will not affect your credit score.

Same-day funding is a key feature of the Refund Advance Loan program. If approved, loan funds can be deposited into a Spruce account or loaded onto an Emerald Card. The Emerald Card is a prepaid Mastercard that allows for easy access to funds and can be used for various expenses, including emergency expenses, shopping, and medical bills.

The Refund Advance Loan is designed to provide financial relief to taxpayers while they wait for their refund to be processed. By offering high approval rates and same-day funding, H&R Block's Refund Advance Loan program helps taxpayers access funds quickly and efficiently, making it a convenient and consumer-friendly option.

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