Emerald Product Help
The H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® is part of a suite of year-round banking products, including the H&R Block Emerald Savings® and Emerald Advance®. One suite of products, so many possibilities ...
H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard®
- Reloadable Prepaid MasterCard® card
- Use to make purchases or get cash
- Load funds to it at tax time or year round
Benefits of the Emerald Card®
- There is no cost to get the card
- No credit check or bank history required
- Use it to make purchases anywhere debit MasterCard® cards are accepted, including by phone, mail or online
- Sign up for payroll direct deposit and save on check cashing fees
- Get cash back for free when making purchases at retailers
- Get cash at over 35,000 Allpoint ATMs (US and Puerto Rico) displaying the Allpoint logo
to avoid the
ATM owner surcharge fee. The $2.50 ATM withdrawal fee noted in your Cardholder Agreement still applies. - Avoid check cashing fees completely
- No interest charges
Key Things to Know When Using the Card
1. Remember your PIN.
2. To get cash:
- Ask for cash back with purchases when using at a retailer
- Go to an ATM and select "withdraw from checking"
- Find an Allpoint ATM location near you
3. To add funds and transfer funds from your Emerald Card:
- Enroll in payroll direct deposit
- Add cash at a reload network location
- See the instructions and networks
4. To check your balance:
- Call phone number on back of the card
- Check online at www.onlinecardaccess.com/hrblockcard
5. When using the card to make purchases at stores or restaurants:
- Hand card to the cashier or server
- When asked "Debit or credit," reply, "Credit"
- Sign the receipt
- Take the card and a copy of the receipt
6. When using the card to make purchases using a PIN pad:
- Swipe the card through the PIN pad
- Press "credit" and sign the receipt
- Some merchants will allow you to get cash back with a purchase. For cash back, press "debit" and enter your PIN.
Banking services, line of credit, and H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® offered through H&R Block Bank, a Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. Line of credit subject to eligibility requirements. Fees apply. Products offered only at participating offices. MasterCard® is a registered trademark of MasterCard International, Incorporated. Emerald Card, H&R Block Emerald Savings, and H&R Block Emerald Advance are trademarks of HRB Innovations, Inc. This product may not be available at some locations. Emerald Card product may be covered by 1 or more of the following U.S. Patents: 6,000,608, 6,189,787, 7,072,862, 7,127,425, and 7,177,829.
Emerald Advance Line of Credit
- A year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay money, up to a maximum amount determined by the bank*
- Only borrow and repay the specific amount you need
Benefits of the Emerald Advance
- Access funds drawn from the line of credit with the H&R Block Emerald Card®
- Ability to pay down the balance on the line of credit with a portion of your tax refund
- Significantly lower fees
Features of the Emerald Advance
Amount Available — A portion of your line of credit can be available to you today and the rest as soon as tomorrow upon your request
Monthly Payment — Minimum payment amount is $40 or 4% of the outstanding balance, whichever is greater.
Statements — You will receive a monthly statement.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) — The interest rate applied on the amount transferred from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Card expressed as an annual percent. Finance charges begin the day of transfer.
Pay Down Your Emerald Advance — The line of credit must be paid down in full by Feb. 15 of each year
*Annual Resting Period — You may not transfer funds from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Card from
Jan. 27 to Feb. 15 of each year.
Year Round Line of Credit — Beginning Feb. 16, you may maintain your line of credit if your Emerald Advance is paid down in full and you either:
1. Make an Emerald Savings deposit (minimum $300) OR
2. Establish payroll direct deposit to your Emerald Card ($500 monthly for 2 consecutive months and each month thereafter)
H&R Block Emerald Savings® Account
This is an interest-bearing savings account designed for people who:
- want to start an emergency fund.
- are saving for items such as a car, appliance or vacation.
- may need quick access to their money.
- want to get used to saving without the risk of penalties associated with qualified retirement accounts or other tax-favored savings accounts.
Benefits of the Emerald Savings Account
- No fee to open the account
- Competitive interest rates on your account balance
- Access to your money with the H&R Block Emerald Card
- Low initial contribution (may be as little as $300)
- An account that is FDlC insured up to $250,000
Key Things to Know About Your Emerald Savings Account
Fund the account:
- using portion of your tax refund.
- Transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Card to your Emerald Savings account at ATMs worldwide.
- Set-up automatic monthly deposits.
To access money:
- Use your H&R Block Emerald Card.
- Withdraw funds at ATMs worldwide, select "savings."
- Transfer funds from your Emerald Savings account to your H&R Block Emerald Card and make purchases anywhere debit MasterCard cards are accepted.
- Transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Card to your Emerald Savings account using ATMs worldwide.
Banking services offered through H&R Block Bank, a Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. Fees may apply. At participating offices. Interest rate is subject to change. To the extent the account is subject to any account fees, the overall earnings on the account will be reduced.
Access Card Information
Access your card balance 24 hours a day at http://www.onlinecardaccess.com/hrblockcard
or by calling 1-866-353-1266.
Address Change
If you move and need to have the address on your Emerald Card® changed or updated, complete and submit a
Change of Address Form. The following fields must be completed: Cardholder name, card number, entire address printed clearly, signature and date.
Mail or FAX to:
H&R Block Bank
P.O. Box 10364
Kansas City, MO 64171-0364
FAX: 816-854-8050
Lost or Stolen Cards
If your card is lost or stolen, call 1-866-353-1266 immediately. US MasterCard Zero Liability* policy protects you against unauthorized purchases.
Access Funds
Your card is initially funded based on the selection you made at the tax office. Find the selection you made in the below chart to determine the amount of time it will typically take for the funds to be loaded into your H&R Block Emerald Card®.
Loan Selection
Amount of Time
If the time expected for the card to be funded has passed, you can call 1-866-353-1266 for further assistance.
*U.S. MasterCard Zero Liability does not apply to commercial accounts (except for small business card programs) or ATM locations, or to PIN transactions not processed by MasterCard. The H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® is issued by H&R Block Bank, a Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. Fees may apply. MasterCard® is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. H&R Block Emerald Card is a trademark of HRB Innovations, Inc. This product may not be available at some locations. This product may be covered by 1 or more of the following U.S. Patents: 6,000,608, 6,189,787, 7,072,862, 7127,425, and 7,177,829.
Access Account Information
To access information for your Emerald Advance such as amount available to transfer, outstanding balance and minimum payment amount call 1-866-353-1266 and follow the prompts.
Monthly Payments
You will receive a monthly statement notifying you of your minimum payment amount and payment due date. You can make a payment in one of the following ways:
- Automatic Payment: If you enrolled in auto payment during the web application, be sure to load enough money to your Emerald Card prior to the 15th of the month to cover your payment. Your payment will be made automatically from your Emerald Card.
- Check: Mail a check or money order to:
H&R Block Bank
P.O. Box 3052
Milwaukee, WI, 53201-3052 - Transfer by Phone: Call 1-866-353-1266 to authorize a payment from your Emerald Card to your Emerald Advance line of credit
- Tax Refund: If you choose to have your taxes prepared by H&R Block, you may use the proceeds of your tax refund to pay down your Emerald Advance.
Access Account Information
To access account balance information on your H&R Block Emerald Savings® account call 1-866-353-1266 and follow the prompts.
For account questions, please call 1-800-HRBLOCK and select the "H&R Block Savings Products" option.
Address Change
If you move and need to have the address on your H&R Block Emerald Savings account changed or updated, complete and submit a Change of Address Form. The following fields must be completed: account number, entire address printed clearly, signature and date. Once complete either fax to 1-866-812-3144 or mail to:
H&R Block Customer Service
P.O. Box 2415
Omaha, NE 68103-2415
Account Deposits
There are several ways to make additional deposits to your account.
Transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® to your H&R Block Emerald Savings account. At ATMs worldwide, select "transfer" and transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Card. Fees may apply.
You can set up automatic deposits into your H&R Block Emerald Savings account. A specific amount is withdrawn from your bank account on a monthly basis and deposited into your Emerald Savings account. Complete a
Direct Deposit Form and mail with a voided check to:
H&R Block Customer Service
P.O. Box 2415
Omaha, NE 68103-2415
Access Money
Transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Savings account to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® and make purchases anywhere debit MasterCard cards are accepted. At ATMs worldwide, select "transfer" and transfer funds to your H&R Block Emerald Card. Or, withdraw funds at ATMs worldwide, select "savings." Fees may apply.
To get cash:
- Go to an ATM and select "withdraw from checking."
- Ask for cash back with purchases when using at a retailer.
To add funds and transfer funds from your Emerald Card®:
- Enroll in payroll direct deposit.
- Add cash at a reload network location.
- Instructions and networks can be found on hrblock.com/reload.
To check your balance:
- Go to ATM, select "Balance Inquiry" for "checking."
- Call phone number on back of the card.
- Check online at www.onlinecardaccess.com/hrblockcard.
When using the card to make purchases at stores or restaurants:
- Hand card to the cashier or server.
- When asked "Debit" or "Credit," reply "Credit."
- Sign the receipt.
- Take the card and a copy of the receipt.
When using the card to make purchases using a PIN pad:
- Swipe the card through the PIN pad.
- Press "credit" and sign the receipt.
- Some merchants will allow you to get cash back with a purchase. For cash back, press "debit" and enter your PIN.
When using the card at gas stations:
- To purchase gas, go inside and tell the attendant how much gas you plan to buy. Hand the attendant your card and sign the receipt for that amount.
When using the card at restaurants:
- Some restaurants will verify that your card has enough to cover the purchase and a tip of 15% to 20% or more. Only the amount you sign for will be deducted, so you can leave a tip with your card or in cash.
When using the card at hotels:
- The hotel clerk will verify that your card has funds to pay an estimated bill for your stay. That amount will be "held" in your account, making it unavailable for other purchases. After you check out, the "hold" will be removed and the actual bill will be deducted.
When using the card at rental car companies:
- Some rental car companies require that you use a credit card to make a reservation. Your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard is always welcome for final payment.
When returning a purchase:
- Each merchant has its own return policy and will handle the return just as any other MasterCard transaction. You may receive a credit to your card, a cash refund or a store credit. Depending on the merchant it may take up to 1 week for a credit to appear on your card.
Transfer Money from Your Emerald Advance to Your Emerald Card
Call 1-866-353-1266 and follow the prompts to make a transfer from your Emerald Advance to your Emerald Card.
Access Money Year-round
You can maintain your Emerald Advance year-round by doing either of the following:
- Emerald Savings Deposit — Deposit $300 to $1,000 in your H&R Block Emerald Savings® account and get a line of credit from $300 to $1,000. You can decide how much of your deposit to use for your line of credit! You will have access to your line of credit after Feb. 15, once you have funded your savings account and your line of credit has been paid down in full. You will be notified by mail when your line of credit is available.
- Payroll Direct Deposit — Arrange for payroll direct deposit to your Emerald Card of at least $500 monthly for 2 consecutive months and each month thereafter, which provides a maximum credit limit of $300. You will be notified by mail when your line of credit is available.
Account Deposits
There are several ways to make additional deposits to your account.
Transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard to your H&R Block Emerald Savings account. At ATMs worldwide, select "transfer" and transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Card. Fees may apply.
You can set up automatic deposits into your H&R Block Emerald Savings account. A specific amount is withdrawn from your bank account on a monthly basis and deposited into your Emerald Savings account. Complete a Direct Deposit Form and mail with a voided check to:
H&R Block Customer Service
P.O. Box 2415
Omaha, NE 68103-2415
Access Money
Transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Savings account to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard and make purchases anywhere MasterCard debit cards are accepted. At ATMs worldwide, select "transfer" and transfer funds to your H&R Block Emerald Card. Or, withdraw funds at ATMs worldwide, select "savings." Fees may apply.
Get access to your payroll faster
Sign up for payroll direct deposit and save hundreds of dollars in check-cashing fees. If you receive government assistance, you can have that money direct deposited to your card as well. It's an easy and convenient way to have faster access to your money.
Here's how:
1. Ask your employer if they offer payroll direct deposit.
2. Complete the Payroll Authorization Form.
3. Begin saving on check cashing fees today.
Reload your card at any of the following approved reload networks.
MoneyGram®
To find a MoneyGram location near you, call 1-800-MONEYGRAM or visit the Web site. At the MoneyGram agent location, complete the blue MoneyGram ExpressPayment form with the following information:
Company Name: Emerald Card
City: Kansas City
State: MO
Account: Card Number
Then, provide the agent with cash for your reload amount and the $3.95* fee, and keep the reference number that confirms your transaction.
Green Dot®
To find a Green Dot location near you, visit the Green Dot store locator or simply go to any Wal-Mart, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid or Kroger.
- Pick up a Green Dot MoneyPack® package from the Prepaid Section.
Take it to the cashier with your cash load. A $4.95* fee will be added to your purchase. - Follow the directions on the package to reload your card. Green Dot will then load the money to your card.
Western Union®
To find a Western Union location near you, call 1-800-325-6000 or visit the Web site.
- Visit any participating Western Union agent location.
- Complete the gray Prepaid Services form and provide the agent with cash for your load amount and the $3.95* fee.
- Once notification of payment is received, funds will be loaded to your card.
*Additional fees may apply and are subject to change at any time.
There are several ways to make deposits to your account.
Transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® to your H&R Block Emerald Savings account. At ATMs worldwide, select "transfer" and transfer funds from your H&R Block Emerald Card®. Fees may apply.
You can set up automatic deposits into your H&R Block Emerald Savings account. A specific amount is withdrawn from your bank account on a monthly basis and deposited in to your H&R Block Emerald Savings account. Complete a Direct Deposit Form and mail it, along with a voided check, to:
H&R Block Customer Service
P.O. Box 2415
Omaha, NE 68103-2415
H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® Fees
(each/per occurrence, etc.)
(each/per occurrence, etc.)
(each/per occurrence, etc.)
(each; delivery fee only. Express delivery is optional at cardholder request.)
* If you use an ATM not owned by us for any transaction, including a balance inquiry, you may be charged a fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a withdrawal. However, ATMs in the AllPoint Network are surcharge free. To locate an AllPoint ATM, visit www.allpointnetwork.com.
Retail Reload Providers may charge a convenience fee. Any Retail Reload Fee is an independent fee assessed by the individual retailer only and is not assessed by us.
You may request a check or one-time ACH transfer of your card balance for any reason.
Monthly Inactivity Fee: After 3 consecutive Months with no activity, we may assess a fee of $2.50 for each Month in which there is no activity. We will not cause a negative balance to occur for the sake of this fee. H&R Block Bank or its affiliates may receive a portion of Card fees and/or interchange fees.
See the Cardholder Agreement.
Emerald Advance Fees
Finance Charge — Assessed only on the amount transferred from your line of credit to your Emerald Card. Finance charges begin the day of transfer.
$45 Annual Fee — Assessed on the day the Emerald Advance is opened. Subsequent annual fees will be assessed in the anniversary month of the month your first annual fee was assessed.
$7.50 Late Payment Fee — Payment received after the monthly payment due date will be subject to a late payment fee with a maximum annual fee of $22.50.
$20 Returned Check Fee — May be assessed if the check used to make a payment on the Emerald Advance is returned from the financial institution on which the check is drawn.
The following fees will apply to all H&R Block Emerald Savings® accounts. Fees are subject to change.
H&R Block Emerald Savings® Account Fees
* If you use an ATM not owned by us for any transaction, including a balance inquiry, you may be charged an additional fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a withdrawal. This additional ATM fee is a third party fee assessed by the individual ATM operator only and is not assessed by H&R Block Bank. This additional ATM fee along with the $2.50 withdrawal and $1.00 balance inquiry fee charged by H&R Block Bank will be debited from your account. See your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® Cardholder Agreement for additional ATM card usage details, including currency conversion fees for international transactions, when using your H&R Block Emerald Card to access your H&R Block Emerald Savings Account.
The H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard is issued by H&R Block Bank, a Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. Fees may apply. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. Emerald Card is a trademark of HRB Innovations, Inc. This product may not be available at some locations. ©2011 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
For card questions, call 1-866-353-1266.
To contact H&R Block Bank regarding a dispute or other issue with your Emerald Advance line of credit, send inquiries to:
H&R Block Bank
Attn: Emerald Advance Disputes
P.O. Box 10170
Kansas City, MO 64171
For other questions about your Emerald Advance, contact Customer Service at 1-866-353-1266.
For account questions, please call 1-800-HRBLOCK and select the "H&R Block Savings Products" option.














