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When you get your taxes prepared at an H&R Block tax office, you can put your tax refund or refund anticipation check directly on an Emerald Card and use it everywhere Debit MasterCard® cards are accepted.
It can help you save money and avoid expensive check-cashing fees.
Plus, you'll get NEW cash rewards loaded instantly* on your Emerald Card for making everyday purchases at stores like Best Buy, Target, Dunkin' Donuts, and iTunes. Simply watch your inbox for new reward offers every week from participating merchants like these and more.
Be sure to ask your tax professional how to take advantage of this great offer.
Also see the Fee and Terms for details
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. Additional fees, terms and conditions apply. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. Not available at all locations and to all applicants. Consult your cardholder agreement for details on fees, terms and conditions. ©2012 HRB Tax Group, Inc.
H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard®
- Reloadable Prepaid MasterCard® card
- Make purchases and pay bills by phone, mail or online–and get cash at ATMs1
- Load funds to it at tax time and additional money year round
- Get NEW instant* H&R Block Emerald Cash Rewardssm
Emerald Card® Benefits
- There's no cost to get the card and 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 direct deposit and you could save on check cashing fees
- Get NEW Emerald Cash Rewards loaded instantly* on your card for making everyday purchases at stores like Best Buy, Target, Dunkin' Donuts, iTunes and more
- Get cash back for free when making purchases at retailers
-
Avoid ATM owner surcharge fees1 and get cash at over 35,000 Allpoint ATMs
(US and Puerto Rico) displaying the Allpoint logo
about-card-allpoint-link
. The ATM withdrawal fee noted in your Cardholder Agreement still applies.
- Download the Emerald Card Mobile Banking App® for iPhone, iPad and Android
- Always know your balance with Mobile Updates2
- Lose your cash and it's gone. Lose your Emerald Card and we will send you a replacement card for FREE within 7-10 days.
- Safer than carrying cash. The U.S. MasterCard Zero Liability policy3 protects you against unauthorized purchases, theft, and fraud
How to Use Your Emerald Card Year-Round!
Add Money to Your Card
Approved Reload Networks - You can increase the available balance on your card whenever you wish by reloading it at thousands of participating approved reload locations; MoneyGram®, Western Union®, Green Dot®.
Click here for more details.
Take Money off Your Card
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 and add a tip if you want.
- Take the card and a copy of the receipt.
When using the card to make purchases at stores with a PIN pad:
- Swipe the card through the PIN pad.
- Either select "Credit" and sign the receipt, or select "Debit" and enter your PIN number.
Pay bills by phone or online by visiting your biller's website and follow those instructions.
Cash Back with Purchase - Cash back with purchase is FREE and many merchants, including grocery, drug and discount stores allow you to get cash back with a purchase:
- To get cash back with purchase select "Debit" and enter your PIN number.
- Then select the amount of cash you wish to receive.
- Insert your card into the ATM and enter your PIN number when prompted.
- Select "Withdrawal" from "Checking" account.
- Enter the amount of cash you want to withdraw.
- Be sure to take your card and receipt when your transaction is complete.
| ATM Cash Withdrawal at MasterCard accepted locations | ATM Cash Withdrawal at Allpoint locations | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| H&R Block Bank ATM Fee | $2.50 | H&R Block Bank ATM Fee | $2.50 |
| ATM Owner Surcharge Fee1 | $1.50–$3.00 | ATM Owner Surcharge Fee1 | $0.00 |
| Total ATM Fee | $4.00-$5.50 | Total ATM Fee | $2.50 |
-
Locate an Allpoint ATM network with the Allpoint logo
Allpoint-how to use-2
- Insert your card and enter your PIN when prompted
- Follow steps on screen
- Select "checking" and the amount of cash you want to withdraw
- Be sure to take your card and receipt
| ATM Cash Withdrawal at MasterCard accepted locations | ATM Cash Withdrawal at Allpoint locations | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| H&R Block Bank ATM Fee | $2.50 | H&R Block Bank ATM Fee | $2.50 |
| ATM Owner Surcharge Fee1 | $1.50–$3.00 | ATM Owner Surcharge Fee1 | $0.00 |
| Total ATM Fee | $4.00-$5.50 | Total ATM Fee | $2.50 |
Merchant Exceptions
Return and Cancelled Purchase
Check Your Balance
- Check online onlinecardaccess.com/hrblockcard.
- Call the number on the back of your card 1-866-353-1266.
- Mobile Text Updates2
- Mobile Banking App
- Go to an ATM, select "Balance Inquiry" for "Checking"1
Make life easier year-round with the Emerald Card
Sign up for direct deposit and you could save hundreds of dollars in check-cashing fees. If you receive payroll or government benefits (Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment, Disability, Welfare, Military, etc.) you can have that money directly deposited to your card. It's an easy and convenient way to have faster access to your money.
Here's how:
1. Ask your employer or government agency if they offer direct deposit.
2. Complete the direct deposit authorization form.
3. Begin saving on check cashing fees today.
Approved Reload Networks*
MoneyGram®
To find a MoneyGram location near you, call 1-800-MONEYGRAM or visit the website.
Reload Instructions
1. Fill out the blue form or pick up the MoneyGram phone. Provide the following information:
- Company Name: Emerald Card
- Receive Code: 4941
- Account Number: Your Emerald Card Number
2. Add the funds you want and the $3.95 fee.
3. Keep the reference number that confirms your transactions.
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.
Reload Instructions
1. Buy a Green Dot MoneyPak™ package for $4.95.
2. Follow the directions on the package.
Western Union®
To find a Western Union location near you, call 1-800-325-6000 or visit the website.Western union
1. Complete the gray Prepaid Services form and provide the agent with cash for your load amount and the $3.95 fee.
2. Save your receipt with your Money Transfer Control Number
Access Card Information
- View Card Information
- View Card balance and transaction history
- View monthly statements
- Change your PIN
- Change User Password
- Enroll in Mobile Text Updates
- Request your balance anytime, anywhere by texting "BAL" to 42265
- Receive alerts when funds are loaded or removed from your card
- Receive alerts when H&R Block Bank has new products or services that may interest you as a cardholder
- Enroll today
Lost or Stolen Cards
Access Funds
| Source of Funds | Amount of Time |
|---|---|
| H&R Block Emerald Advance Line of Credit | 1 hour |
| Refund Anticipation Check | within 21 days |
| IRS Direct Deposit | within 21 days |
Contact Us
Emerald Card Fees & Terms
Did you know that all of these features are FREE?
- No fee to make a purchase
- No fee to get cash-back with purchase
- No fee to request a card with your name on it
- No fee to call customer service
- No fee to receive a text message anytime you add or remove money – enroll in Mobile Updates!.
- No fee for Mobile Banking.
| Fee Schedule | Fees |
|---|---|
| ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee | $2.50 |
| ATM Balance Inquiry/Denial Fee | $1.00 |
| Over the Counter Withdrawal Fee | $25.00 |
| Express Delivery Fee for Replacement Card | $35.00 |
| Monthly Inactivity Fee | $2.50 |
| Item Type | Fee | How to avoid a fee |
|---|---|---|
| ATM Cash Withdrawal | $2.501 |
|
| Over-the-counter withdrawal | $25.00 |
|
| ATM Balance Inquiry/Denial | $1.00 |
|
| Express Delivery Fee for Replacement Card | $35.00 |
|
| Monthly Inactivity Fee | $2.50 |
|
Direct Deposit Authorization Form
Change of Address Form
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 a completed form to:
H&R Block Bank
P.O. Box 10364
Kansas City, MO 64171-0364
FAX: 816-854-8050
Transfer Request Form
- Another H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard, or
- Another Financial Institution
Reference Guide
Emerald Card Cardholder Agreement
General
The Emerald Card is a general purpose reloadable prepaid debit card which is a low-cost and convenient solution for receiving and using your tax refund or loading money to your card year-round. The card can be used for everyday purchases, bill payments and ATM withdrawals anywhere debit MasterCard cards are accepted. You can also add money to your card any time through direct deposit (payroll, unemployment or government benefits) or at participating retail reloading locations through the MoneyGram®, Green Dot® and Western Union® networks.
*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 can use your card to buy things like groceries, gas, clothes, gifts, books, movies – anywhere Debit MasterCard cards are accepted. Use it for phone, mail order and internet purchases or to pay your bills online. Get cash at any ATM that displays the MasterCard Brand mark. Get cash at over 35,000 Allpoint ATMs (US and Puerto Rico) displaying the Allpoint logo to avoid the ATM owner surcharge fee*. The ATM withdrawal fee noted in your Cardholder Agreement H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard Cardholder Agreement still applies.
*If you use an ATM not owned by us for any transaction, including a balance inquiry, you may be charged an additional surcharge fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a withdrawal. Surcharge fees are generally $1.50 to $3.00. However, ATMs in the AllPoint Network are surcharge free. To locate an AllPoint ATM, visit www.allpointnetwork.com. ATM fees noted in your Cardholder Agreement still apply.
- Before using your new card, you must call 1-866-353-1266 to activate it.
- You will be requested to enter the last 4 digits of your social security number.
- Select your 4-digit PIN to use when accessing cash at an ATM or getting cash back on purchases.
- Sign the back of your card.
Add money to your card, it's fast and free through direct deposit. You could avoid check cashing fees with Direct Deposit. Just ask your employer if they participate in direct deposit and give your employer a complete copy of the Direct Deposit Authorization Form that comes with the card. Download the form or call 1-866-353-1266 and request a form. You can also add money to your card any time at a participating retail reloading location through the Green Dot®, MoneyGram® and Western Union® networks.* To find a reload location near you, visit www.hrblock.com/reload.
*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.
Many merchants, including grocery, drug and discount stores, will allow you to get cash back at the point of sale free of charge. You can also get cash 24 hours a day at more than 1 million ATMs worldwide displaying the MasterCard brand mark. Select "withdraw from checking" to access. Please note, a fee may be charged by the ATM owner as well. Avoid ATM owner surcharge fees* by using your Emerald Card at any ATM with the Allpoint logo Allpoint website in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. You now have access to over 35,000 ATMs nationwide which are conveniently located in National and Regional Retailers such as 7-Eleven, Walgreens, Target, CVS/pharmacy and Costco. The ATM withdrawal fee noted in your Cardholder Agreement still applies.
*If you use an ATM not owned by us for any transaction, including a balance inquiry, you may be charged an additional surcharge fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a withdrawal. Surcharge fees are generally $1.50 to $3.00. However, ATMs in the AllPoint Network are surcharge free. To locate an AllPoint ATM, visit www.allpointnetwork.comallpoint-link-card-faq-1. ATM fees noted in your Cardholder Agreement still apply.
Your card is initially funded based on the selection you made at the tax office. Find the selection you made in the chart below to determine the amount of time it will typically take for the funds to be loaded onto your Emerald Card.
| Source of Funds | Amount of Time |
|---|---|
| H&R Block Emerald Advance Line of Credit | 1 hour |
| Refund Anticipation Check | 7-14 days |
| IRS Direct Deposit | 7-14 days |
If the time expected for the card to be funded has passed, you can call 1-866-353-1266 for further assistance.
- A Driver's License or state issued ID.
- Your current home (physical) address and a previous home address (if you have lived at your home address less than 2 years).
- A U.S. Social Security Number.
- Date of Birth.
Note: You must be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien. However, if you are a resident of Alabama or Nebraska, you must be 19 year of age, and residents of Puerto Rico must be 21 years of age.
- Please call 1-888-OUR-HRBB (1-888-687-4722) and selection option 3 from the main menu.
- Please be prepared to provide information from your enrollment confirmation or application ID.
Security
Using your Emerald Card is safer than carrying cash, and the funds associated with your card are FDIC insured. You can shop with confidence knowing the U.S. MasterCard Zero Liability policy* protects you against unauthorized purchases.
*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.
Additional Cards
Transactions
-
Mobile Updates* - A simple way to track your balance and transactions through free text message alerts.
Enroll online at
www.onlinecardaccess.com/hrblockcard or call 1-866-353-1266.
- Request your balance anytime, anywhere by texting "BAL" to 42265.
- Receive alerts when funds are loaded or removed from your card.
- Receive alerts when H&R Block Bank has new products or services that may interest you as a cardholder.
- Call the phone number on the back of the card.
- Check online at www.onlinecardaccess.com/hrblockcard.
*H&R Block Bank does not charge a fee for Mobile Updates; however¸ standard text message fees from your service provider may apply
Fees and Limitations
| H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard Fees: | |
|---|---|
| ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee*: (each/per occurrence, etc.) | $2.50 |
| ATM Balance Inquiry/ATM Denial Fee*: (each/per occurrence, etc.) | $1.00 |
| Over the Counter Withdrawal Fee: (each/per occurrence, etc.) | $25.00 |
| Express Delivery Fee for Replacement Card: (each; delivery fee only. Express delivery is optional at cardholder request.) | $35.00 |
| Monthly Inactivity Fee** (after 3 consecutive months with no activity, a fee may be assessed for each month with no activity.) | $2.50 |
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.
*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.comallpoint-link-card-faq-1.
**Monthly Inactivity Fee: 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.
Emerald Plus Bill Pay
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