APPLY ONLINE

You could get a loan for up to $1,300

Emerald Advance® Loan is a fixed-rate short term loan ranging from $350 to $1,300. Just repay in full on or before March 31, 2025.

Apply from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31

How it works

Step 1

Use your invite code to apply online

This includes providing proof of income and an unexpired government-issued photo ID.

Step 2

Decide where to deposit your loan funds

If approved, you can deposit the funds onto an existing Emerald Card or a new or existing Spruce account.

Step 3

Manage your loan with MyBlock

Use MyBlock to make payments and stay up-to-date on important loan information.

Applying Online for an Emerald Advance Loan

You can apply online if you received an invitation code. To apply online, click on the secure link in the email, log in to MyBlock, or enter your unique invitation code.

  • Your personal invitation ID
  • Proof of income within the last 31 days
  • Connect securely to your payroll or bank provider to verify income
  • Valid, government-issued photo ID

 

I’m not able to log into MyBlock and need help accessing my profile.


You may call 1-855-897-8639
Monday – Sunday

7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. CT

Proof of income is required to ensure you have the ability to repay your loan. You will be asked to verify your income by connecting to your payroll provider or bank account online.

You may visit a participating H&R Block office to continue your application.

You may contact 1-866-852-9250, available 7am to 10pm CT, where an agent may be available to assist you.

More Emerald Advance Loan FAQs

Emerald Advance® Loan FAQs

Emerald Advance® Loan is a fixed-rate short term loan ranging from $350 to $1,300 that must be repaid in full on or before March 31, 2025.

Interest: The Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”) is 35.90%.

 

Late fee: If the loan is not paid in full within 14 days of its due date of March 31, 2025, the account will be charged a $30 late fee and additional interest.



 

Other fees: Additional fees may apply to the use of your Emerald Card® or Spruce account, as outlined in the respective Account Agreements.

Your Emerald Advance Loan funds can be deposited into a Spruce Spending Account or on your existing Emerald Card. You can use funds for emergency expenses, shopping, medical bills, and more.

Qualifying for an Emerald Advance® Loan

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (19 if a resident of Alabama or Nebraska)
  • Have a physical address in the United States
  • Provide a valid, US government-issued photo ID
  • Provide proof of income such as a paystub, bank statement or award letter, dated within the past 31 days
  • Have an active e-mail address and access to a mobile device to setup your MyBlock account

No, you are not required to file your taxes with H&R Block to be approved for a loan.

To apply, make an appointment at a participating H&R Block location during the offer period. You will meet with an associate who will guide you through the application process.

You are welcome to walk into a participating office, but you may experience a long wait time. Starting Oct. 17, 2024, you can schedule an appointment time that’s convenient for you during the Nov. 1-Dec. 31 application window.

To apply, you'll need to bring your valid government-issued photo ID and a copy of your most recent pay statement or other proof of current income dated within the past 31 days.

No, a valid Social Security Number is required to apply.

Loan amount and approval are based on assessment of your creditworthiness. Both credit and non-credit information, such as credit history and ability to repay, are considered in the loan decision.

No, though you can apply for an Emerald Advance Loan at an H&R Block retail office, H&R Block is not the lender.  The Emerald Advance Loan is originated by Pathward®, N.A., who is the lender.

Income verification is a component of loan underwriting and helps the lender determine that the loan amount you request is affordable and that you have the ability to repay.

No. Emerald Advance® Loans are individual loans and co-borrowers are not allowed.

There is no impact to your credit to check for a prequalified offer. However, if you are approved and take a loan, the loan information will be reported to one or more credit bureaus, which may impact your credit score.

You can request and review your free report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

No, collateral is not required. The Emerald Advance® Loan is an unsecured loan.

Of course!  You will be able to review important loan details, such as the APR, pre-qualified amount, and estimated loan payment, before you finalize your application.

If you submit a complete application and are approved, you will have the opportunity to select how you would like to receive your loan funds.

 

We can:

  • Load funds onto an existing Emerald Card
  • Deposit funds into your new or existing Spruce Spending Account

Repaying your Emerald Advance® Loan

Minimum monthly payments are not required. However, if you would like to make one or more payments early, there are no pre-payment penalties for doing so, even if you pay the loan off in full before the due date. In fact, that’s a great way to save yourself some interest!

There are no pre-payment penalties on your loan. Payments will be first applied to any accrued and unpaid interest, then the remaining amount will be applied towards the principal balance. If you do not pay the loan off by the due date and owe a late fee, your payment will first be applied to satisfy the late fee then the past due amount owed.

The loan is due in full on March 31, 2025, but there is a 14-day grace period. If we do not receive your loan payment in full within 14 days of the due date, we will charge you a $30 late fee.

 

If you make a payment online, we will consider the payment effective as of the day you authorize the payment, even if it doesn't process until the next business day. Please note, this process does not apply if the authorized payment account has insufficient funds to make the payment in full.

To make a payment, you can:

  • Pay online using any debit card by logging into MyBlock.com and accessing your Emerald Advance® Loan account under the ‘Finances’ tab.
  • Pay with any debit card by calling: 1-800-472-5625.
  • Make a check or money order payable to Pathward and mail it to:  
     
    C/O Emerald Financial Services     
    PO BOX 4521
    Carol Stream, IL 60197-4521

     

Customers should be sure to include their account number (found in MyBlock) and name on the check/money order


  • If you complete your taxes with H&R Block and receive a refund, you can choose to repay your loan from your tax refund proceeds.

H&R Block Emerald Advance® Loan originated by Pathward®, N.A. Subject to eligibility and credit approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 35.9%. Loan amounts vary from $350-$1300. If approved, loan proceeds will be disbursed as directed to prepaid card or checking account at Pathward. Additional terms and conditions apply, see account agreements for details. Offered for a limited time at participating locations.

The Spruce℠ Spending Account is established at, and the Spruce debit card is issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Additional fees, terms and conditions apply; consult your Cardholder Agreement for details. ©2023 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

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