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If your federal tax refund can't arrive soon enough, a tax refund advance loan might help. Some tax preparation companies offer low- or no-cost refund advances as part of their package of services. With a tax refund loan, you get immediate access to your funds, then pay your loan back automatically when your refund lands.
Most tax prep companies don't let you borrow the full amount of your expected refund in case there's a discrepancy when the IRS reviews your return. Still, these loans may let you start using your refund money faster at little or no cost to you. Here's more about how tax refund advances work.
Can I Get a Loan on My Tax Refund?
If you file your taxes early and a refund is due, you may be able to get a tax refund advance that's essentially a short-term loan against your tax refund. Tax refund advances are generally offered by big tax preparation companies like TurboTax and H.R. Block, but some smaller firms may offer them as well. Loan amounts are limited to a portion of your anticipated tax return, and your loan is typically repaid directly from your refund check or direct deposit.
Tax refund advances aren't the simplest way to get a small loan—after all, you have to complete your tax return to qualify. But, generally, credit requirements are lenient, funding can be fast once you're approved and repayment doesn't have to come out of your regular budget. If you need quick money to cover a bill or unexpected expense, a refund advance could be a solution.
What Is a Tax Refund Advance?
A tax refund advance loan gives you a portion of your federal tax refund when you e-file your tax return with a tax prep provider that offers refund loans. Loans are often fee-free with 0% annual percentage rate (APR). Most can be funded on the same day your e-filed return is accepted by the IRS.
Tax preparation firms like TurboTax, H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt offer tax refund advances to select clients. Tax prep companies don't fund or underwrite these loans themselves; they partner with banks. The bank reviews your tax return and your credit, typically through a soft credit inquiry that won't affect your credit score.
Be aware: Though it's possible to be declined for a tax refund advance, the approval rate is high.
How Much Does a Tax Refund Advance Cost?
Although refund advance loans are often interest- and fee-free, some companies do charge fees and interest. Additionally, there are a number of costs and limitations that may be associated with your loan. Here are a few to think about:
- Tax preparation fees: If you were planning to do your own taxes for free, paying a tax preparation company so you can apply for a refund advance adds to your loan costs. Some tax prep companies also require you to use higher-end services (versus free or low-cost basic online services) to be eligible for a loan.
- Prepaid card fees: A prepaid card gives you immediate access to your funds, but cards often come with minor fees for usage. For example, you might pay an ATM fee to use your card to get cash.
- Unpaid balances: In the event that your refund doesn't cover your loan, you'll have an outstanding balance that may be due and payable. This could happen if the IRS denies one of your deductions, for instance, and reduces the size of your refund.
- Loan fees and interest: Read the fine print to find out when fees or interest are charged. Even some loans with 0% interest and $0 fees may have finance charges that apply if there are problems with your refund.
Pros and Cons of a Tax Refund Loan
Though a no- or low-cost refund advance may not seem risky, you should think through the pros and cons of getting this type of loan before you request one.
Pros
May have no fees or interest: As a caveat, though, always read the fine print to verify your loan costs. Some providers do charge interest, which will add to your costs. Also check for minor charges (such as prepaid card fees) that may apply.
Receive and repay loan easily: Apply when you file your taxes; pay your loan back automatically when your refund is paid. Most loans offer same-day funding.
Avoid IRS delays: Although the IRS issues most refunds within three weeks of filing, delays are always possible, especially if you've claimed the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit.
Cons
Need to start early: Some services stop offering no-cost refund advances early in the season. To get the best choices, start looking for a provider in January.
May not qualify: Although tax refund advances have a high rate of approval, you aren't guaranteed to get the loan.
May require a new account: If you open a checking account to receive loan funds, the account may not go away when your refund is spent. If you don't want to keep the account open, you'll need to actively close it—after your refund is issued and your loan is paid off.
Risk of overspending: It's possible your actual refund will be smaller than expected. If this happens, you'll need to repay the difference between what you received and what the IRS paid you. If you've already spent the funds, you may go into actual debt to pay off your loan.
Learn more: How to Manage a Windfall
What to Consider Before Getting a Tax Refund Loan
It's nice to get some of your tax refund early, but do you need an advance? Try to think through whether it's necessary to take out a tax refund loan and ask what risks you're assuming when you take an advance. Food for thought:
- How fast do you need the money? If you don't actually need the money right away, you may want to skip the hassle and potential cost of getting a tax refund advance.
- How much will the loan cost? Although these loans are touted as cost-free, some have fees and interest attached. Also consider the costs of getting your taxes done, plus any stray fees that come with prepaid cards or checking accounts used to receive funds and pay back your loan.
- What are the terms and conditions? Make sure you're clear on what happens if your refund is smaller than anticipated, or if you end up with a balance and have late payments or default.
How to Get a Tax Refund Loan
You can get a tax refund loan in three basic steps:
- Get your tax documents together.
- Find a tax preparation service that offers refund advances.
- Apply for a loan when you e-file your tax return.
After you've filed your taxes and received your advance, follow up to make sure the IRS sends your refund and your loan is repaid in full.
Here's how tax refund advances work at three tax preparation services:
H&R Block
You can request a refund advance loan when you e-file your taxes with one of H&R Block's tax pros. Meet with a tax pro in person, through a combination of in-office and remote filing, or using digital document dropoff.
- Apply for a refund advance loan of $250, $500, $750, $1,250, $2,500 or $4,000, depending on the size of your refund.
- Pay $0 in loan fees and 0% APR on your loan.
- A refund advance has no impact on your credit score.
- Receive your loan funds in a Spruce mobile banking app account or on an Emerald prepaid debit card, often on the same day you're approved.
- File by that year's deadline; you had to have filed by March 15, 2026, to get a refund advance on your 2025 taxes.
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt offers both tax refund advances and early tax refund advances, which are available starting in December. You can apply for tax refund advances at most Jackson Hewitt locations nationwide.
- Apply for an early tax refund advance of $300, $500, $1,000 or $1,500, or a regular tax refund advance loan of $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,500 or $3,500, based on your qualifying estimated refund.
- Pay short-term interest at 35.99% APR; typical interest charges on a 24-day, $2,500 loan are $59.16.
- Refund advance has no impact on your credit score.
- Receive your refund advance on a prepaid card or into your bank account by direct deposit.
- Access your funds the same day if you choose a prepaid card or within five days for direct deposit.
- Apply for a refund advance by April 15, 2026, for the 2025 tax season; early refund advances were available starting in December 2025.
TurboTax
Apply for a tax refund advance when you're ready to e-file your return using TurboTax.
- Apply for a loan against your federal tax refund. TurboTax Do It Yourself and TurboTax Expert Assist users can apply for up to 50% of their refund, up to $4,000; TurboTax Expert Full Service customers can apply for up to 100% of their refund, or $10,000.
- Pay $0 in loan fees and 0% APR on your loan.
- Refund advance does not impact your credit score.
- Receive your advance minutes after the IRS accepts your e-filed return in many cases.
- You must open (or have) a Credit Karma Money checking account to receive the funds.
- Refund advance loans were available from December 17 through February 28 for the 2025 tax season.
Can I Get a Loan on My Tax Refund if I Already Filed?
Refund advance programs typically require you to apply when you e-file your taxes with the help of the tax prep company. If you've already filed your return with the IRS, you're no longer eligible to meet these requirements.
For future reference, choose a tax preparation company early in the tax season if you want to get a refund advance. Many of these loans are available in January and February only, so it's important to get started early.
Alternatives to Tax Refund Loans
If a tax refund advance is not for you, you may still have options for borrowing a few dollars. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Borrow from emergency savings. If you have emergency funds to cover your immediate needs but don't want to burn through your savings, consider borrowing the money now and repaying it in full when your refund arrives.
- Apply for a personal loan. Personal loans are unsecured and generally can be used for any purpose you like. A personal loan might be a good alternative if you need more than a few hundred (or a few thousand) dollars and you want to pay the loan off over a longer time period.
- Check out paycheck advance apps. These offer small loans, typically $200 to $250 (but may go up to $1,000), and are designed to bridge your cash flow between paychecks. You may pay a service or "membership" fee. Your loan is repaid automatically when you get paid.
- Ask to skip a payment. Your bank or credit union may allow you to skip a payment (or two) on your mortgage, auto loan or credit card if you're in a pinch, but you have to ask in advance. Your skipped loan payments may be added to the end of your loan (or deferred), which can increase interest costs and prolong your loan.
- Borrow from friends or family. Loved ones might be able to lend you a few dollars until you get your refund. When borrowing from friends and family, be meticulous about repaying on time—with interest (or a tip), if possible.
- Get a credit card cash advance. You'll pay a transfer fee and high interest on your balance, but if you need cash now and a tax refund advance won't work for you, a credit card cash advance may be an option. You might also consider a credit card with a promotional 0% APR.
Learn more: What Is a Cash Advance and How Does It Work?
The Bottom Line
A tax refund advance loan can be an easy low- or no-cost option that lets you start using your tax refund sooner. Just make sure you verify your costs and get started early. If you wait until too late into the tax season or file your return without requesting an advance, you may miss the opportunity until next year.
The fastest and safest way to receive your tax refund directly is through IRS direct deposit to a bank account. If you're thinking about opening a new checking account, the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card can help you build credit without debt by automatically linking to Experian Boost®ø®ø, which gives you credit for eligible bill payments after three months of payments. You'll also pay no monthly fees¶ for Experian Smart Money, have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide** and could receive your paychecks up to two days early when you enroll in direct deposit†. You can get an Experian Smart Money Account through a free or paid Experian membership, which also gives you access to your FICO® Score☉ Θ, Experian credit report and more. See terms at experian.com/legal.