Who offers tax refund advances online

Tax refund advances are offered by tax preparation companies, online lenders, and some banks — not by the IRS itself. The companies that advertise these loans most heavily are H&R Block, TurboTax, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax, all of which bundle them into their tax filing services. Online lenders like MoneyLion, Earnin, and Dave also offer smaller advances against expected refunds. Some credit unions and regional banks offer them too, though you typically need to be a member or customer first.

The catch is that these are loans, not refunds. You borrow money now against a refund you expect to receive later, and you pay interest and fees. The lender doesn't wait for the IRS to send your refund — they send you the money upfront, then collect the refund themselves when it arrives. The amount you can borrow, the interest rate, and how fast you get the money all depend on which lender you choose and what they decide about your risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax preparation companies like H&R Block and TurboTax offer refund advances as part of their filing services, usually with the fastest turnaround.
  • Online lenders and apps like MoneyLion and Earnin offer smaller advances with lower fees but may take longer to fund.
  • You pay interest and fees upfront or out of your refund, so the money you receive is less than the refund amount.
  • Most lenders fund within one to three business days if you file your taxes electronically, but some take longer.
  • The lender receives your refund directly from the IRS, so you don't handle the refund yourself.

Tax preparation companies and their advance options

H&R Block offers a Refund Advance loan through its online and in-office filing. The amount depends on your expected refund, and they fund to a bank account within one business day if you file electronically. You pay a fee that comes out of the advance, so if you borrow $1,000, you might receive $900 after the fee. H&R Block also offers a "Instant Refund" product that works similarly but with different timing and fee structures depending on your state.

TurboTax offers a Refund Advance through its partnership with lenders. The process is built into the filing workflow — you see the offer when you file, and if you accept, the money goes to your bank account. Fees vary by state and lender, and funding typically happens within one to two business days. TurboTax also offers a "Money in Minutes" product that advances a smaller amount faster.

Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax both offer refund advances at their physical locations and online. Jackson Hewitt's "Rapid Refund" and Liberty Tax's "Liberty Advance" work the same way — you file, borrow against your expected refund, and receive the money within one to three business days. Both charge fees that reduce the amount you receive.

Online lenders and fintech apps

MoneyLion offers a "Refund Advance" feature to members who connect their tax filing information. You can borrow up to a certain amount (usually $250 to $500) against your expected refund. The app funds within one to three business days and charges a fee. MoneyLion requires a membership, which has a monthly cost separate from the advance fee.

Earnin and Dave offer smaller advances, typically $100 to $500, against expected refunds. Both are apps you download and connect to your bank account and tax information. Earnin charges a variable fee based on what you can afford to pay, while Dave charges a flat fee or subscription. Funding is usually within one to two business days.

These fintech lenders tend to have lower maximum amounts than tax preparation companies but faster approval processes and sometimes lower fees for small advances. They work best if you need a small amount quickly and don't want to file your taxes through a tax preparation company.

Banks and credit unions

Some regional banks and credit unions offer tax refund advances to their customers. Navy Federal Credit Union, Connexus Credit Union, and others have offered these loans in the past, though availability changes year to year. You typically need to be a member or have a checking account with the institution. The terms and fees vary widely — some charge flat fees, others charge interest, and some offer them only during tax season.

To learn about your bank or credit union offers a refund advance, call their customer service line or log into your online banking portal and look for "tax refund advance" or "refund anticipation loan." If they offer one, you'll usually need to provide your expected refund amount and file your taxes electronically for them to fund it.

How to compare offers across lenders

The key numbers to compare are the fee amount, the maximum you can borrow, and the funding timeline. A lender offering a $1,000 advance with a $150 fee means you receive $850. Another lender offering $1,000 with a $75 fee means you receive $925 — a $75 difference for the same refund amount. Write down the fee for each lender and calculate what you actually receive after fees are subtracted.

Funding speed matters if you need the money urgently. Tax preparation companies often fund within one business day if you file electronically and accept the advance immediately. Online lenders may take two to three business days. Banks may take longer. If you're not in a rush, a slower lender with lower fees may be the better choice.

Check whether the lender requires you to file your taxes with them or whether you can file elsewhere and still get the advance. Some lenders like H&R Block and TurboTax require you to file through their platform. Others like MoneyLion and Earnin let you file with any tax preparer and still get the advance, as long as you connect your tax information to their app.

What happens after you receive the advance

Once you accept a refund advance, the lender becomes the owner of your refund. You authorize the IRS to send your refund directly to the lender's bank account instead of yours. The lender then subtracts the advance they gave you plus any remaining fees, and sends you the balance if there is one. This process is called refund assignment.

If your actual refund is smaller than expected, you don't owe the difference — the lender absorbs the loss. If your refund is larger than expected, the lender keeps the extra. The IRS typically sends refunds within 21 days of accepting your return if you file electronically, so the lender receives the money within that window and settles the account.

You should receive a statement from the lender showing the advance amount, fees, and the refund amount received. Keep this for your records. If there's a discrepancy or the lender doesn't receive your refund, contact them immediately — delays in receiving the refund can affect your account.

Risks and alternatives to consider

Refund advances are expensive compared to waiting for your refund. If you can wait 21 days for the IRS to send your refund directly, you avoid the fee entirely. A $1,000 refund with a $150 advance fee costs you $150 for the convenience of having the money three weeks earlier — that's an annual interest rate of roughly 26 percent, even though you're only borrowing for a short time.

Some people use refund advances because they have an urgent bill or debt. If that's your situation, consider whether a personal loan, credit card advance, or payment plan with the creditor might be cheaper. A credit card cash advance or personal loan from a bank may have lower fees than a refund advance, depending on your credit score and the lender.

If you're filing your taxes late in the season, the IRS may take longer to process your return, which delays the lender's receipt of your refund. This can create cash flow problems if you've already spent the advance. File as early as possible if you're considering a refund advance.

How to file for a refund advance online

The process varies by lender, but the basic steps are the same. First, gather your tax documents — W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and any other forms you need to file. Second, go to the lender's website or app and start your tax return. Third, when you reach the point where the lender shows you your expected refund amount, they will offer you the advance option. Fourth, review the fee, the amount you'll receive after fees, and the funding timeline. Fifth, accept or decline the advance. If you accept, provide your bank account information for the deposit.

Most lenders fund within one to three business days if you file electronically and accept the advance the same day. Some require you to verify your identity through a video call or document upload before funding. After the lender funds your account, you'll receive a confirmation email with the advance amount and expected refund date.

If you're filing through a tax preparation company like H&R Block or TurboTax, the advance offer appears as part of the filing workflow. You don't need to apply separately — it's built into the process. If you're using an app like Earnin or MoneyLion, you download the app, connect your bank account and tax information, and the advance offer appears in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund advance if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?

No. Refund advances are only for people who expect to receive a refund. If you owe taxes, you can't borrow against a refund that doesn't exist. You would need to pay what you owe or set up a payment plan with the IRS.

What if my refund is delayed or the IRS rejects my return?

If the IRS delays processing your return, the lender doesn't receive your refund on time, and you may face late fees or account issues. If the IRS rejects your return due to errors, you'll need to file an amended return, which delays the refund further. Contact the lender immediately if you know your return will be delayed — some lenders can extend the timeline or work with you on fees.

Do I have to use the same company to file my taxes and get the advance?

Not always. Tax preparation companies like H&R Block require you to file through them to get their advance. Online lenders like Earnin and MoneyLion let you file with any tax preparer and still get the advance, as long as you connect your tax information to their app. Check the lender's requirements before you start.

Can I cancel a refund advance after I accept it?

Most lenders allow you to cancel within a short window — usually 24 to 48 hours after accepting the advance. After that window closes, the advance is locked in and you can't cancel. Check the lender's cancellation policy before you accept.

Is a refund advance the same as a refund anticipation loan?

Yes, they're the same thing. "Refund advance" and "refund anticipation loan" are used interchangeably. Both refer to a loan against your expected tax refund that you repay when the IRS sends the refund to the lender.