Jackson Hewitt uses multiple banks depending on how you receive your refund

Jackson Hewitt does not operate its own bank. Instead, the tax preparation company partners with third-party banks to hold and disburse tax refunds. The specific bank you deal with depends on which refund method you choose: direct deposit to your own bank account, a refund anticipation loan (RAL), or a prepaid card.

If you choose direct deposit, your refund goes straight to whatever bank account you provide on your tax return—Jackson Hewitt is not involved in holding the money. If you take a RAL or use Jackson Hewitt's prepaid card option, the funds land in a partner bank account first, then move to you according to that product's terms.

The partner banks change periodically as Jackson Hewitt renegotiates contracts. Asking Jackson Hewitt directly—either at the office where you filed or by phone—will tell you which bank is currently handling your specific refund method.

Key Takeaways

  • Jackson Hewitt does not hold your refund in its own bank account; it uses partner banks that vary by refund method.
  • Direct deposit sends your refund straight to your personal bank account, bypassing Jackson Hewitt's partners entirely.
  • Refund anticipation loans and prepaid card options route your money through a partner bank before it reaches you.
  • The specific partner bank changes over time, so confirm the current bank name with Jackson Hewitt when you file.

How direct deposit works with Jackson Hewitt

When you choose direct deposit on your tax return, you provide your own bank's routing number and account number. The IRS sends your refund directly to that account—Jackson Hewitt never touches the money. This is the fastest and simplest route: no third-party bank involvement, no fees, and your refund typically arrives within five to seven business days after the IRS processes your return.

You do not need to use any bank Jackson Hewitt recommends. Your own checking or savings account works fine. The only requirement is that you have the correct routing and account numbers written down when you file.

Refund anticipation loans and partner banks

A refund anticipation loan (RAL) is a short-term loan from a bank, not from Jackson Hewitt. The bank lends you money based on your expected tax refund, and Jackson Hewitt arranges the loan as part of its filing service. The partner bank holds the loan funds in a temporary account, then transfers them to your personal bank account once approved.

RALs come with fees—typically $150 to $300 depending on the loan size and the bank—and interest charges. The loan is repaid automatically when your actual refund arrives at the partner bank. Jackson Hewitt's current RAL partner changes year to year; the company has worked with banks including Pathward, MetaBank, and others. When you file, Jackson Hewitt will disclose which bank is offering RALs that tax season and what the fees are.

Jackson Hewitt's prepaid card option

Jackson Hewitt offers a prepaid card as an alternative to direct deposit or RAL. Your refund is deposited onto this card, which functions like a debit card. The card is issued by a partner bank—again, this changes periodically—and you can use it to spend, transfer funds to your own account, or withdraw cash at ATMs.

Prepaid cards typically charge per transaction: ATM withdrawals, balance inquiries, and transfers may each carry a small fee. Read the fee schedule before you accept the card. You can always decline the prepaid card option and choose direct deposit instead, which has no fees.

Why Jackson Hewitt uses multiple banks

Tax preparation companies like Jackson Hewitt do not have banking licenses, so they cannot hold customer money directly. Federal regulations require that any funds held on behalf of customers—whether refunds, loan proceeds, or prepaid card balances—sit in accounts at licensed banks. Jackson Hewitt partners with banks that specialize in tax-season lending and refund processing because those banks have the infrastructure to handle millions of transactions quickly.

The partnerships are contractual and competitive. Banks bid to be Jackson Hewitt's partner, and the company switches partners if another bank offers better terms, faster processing, or lower fees. This is why the bank name changes from year to year and why you should always confirm the current partner when you file.

How to find out which bank is handling your refund

Ask Jackson Hewitt directly at the office where you filed or call their customer service line. Have your tax return confirmation number ready. The staff can tell you which bank is processing your refund, what account it landed in (if applicable), and how long it typically takes to reach you.

If you chose direct deposit, your bank is simply your own bank—no partner involved. If you chose a RAL or prepaid card, Jackson Hewitt will provide the partner bank's name and a customer service number for that bank. Keep this information in case you need to track your refund or dispute a charge.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If your refund does not arrive on the expected timeline, first check the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov. This tells you whether the IRS has actually sent the refund or if it is still processing your return. If the IRS shows the refund was sent but you have not received it, contact the partner bank (Jackson Hewitt will give you the number) to confirm it arrived in the temporary account.

Delays can happen for several reasons: the IRS may be holding your return for verification, the bank's processing may be slower than usual during peak tax season, or there may be an error in the account number you provided. If you provided the wrong account number, the refund may have gone to the wrong bank entirely, and you will need to contact the IRS to request a redirect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change which bank my refund goes to after I file?

If you chose direct deposit to your own account, you cannot change the bank after filing without amending your return. If you chose a RAL or prepaid card, you can usually request a transfer to your own bank account once the funds arrive, though some banks charge a fee for this. Ask Jackson Hewitt or the partner bank about your options.

Does Jackson Hewitt charge a fee to use their partner bank?

Jackson Hewitt itself does not charge a fee for using a partner bank. However, the partner bank may charge fees for the prepaid card or RAL. Direct deposit has no fees from either Jackson Hewitt or the partner bank. Always ask about fees before you choose your refund method.

What happens if the partner bank goes out of business?

Banks that hold customer funds are required to carry FDIC insurance, which protects deposits up to $250,000. If a partner bank fails, your refund is protected by this insurance. In practice, this is extremely rare because the banks Jackson Hewitt partners with are large, established institutions.

Can I get my refund without using a bank?

No. The IRS requires that tax refunds be sent either by direct deposit to a bank account or by check mailed to your address. Jackson Hewitt cannot issue cash or wire funds directly to you. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions with minimal requirements, or you can choose to receive a paper check instead.

Is my money safe with Jackson Hewitt's partner banks?

Yes. Partner banks are licensed financial institutions regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or similar agencies. Your refund is treated like any other deposit and is insured up to $250,000. Jackson Hewitt does not hold the money itself, so the bank's safety standards apply, not Jackson Hewitt's.