Can I Direct Deposit My Refund Without a Checking Account?

Wondering if the IRS can direct deposit your refund if you don’t have a checking or savings account? You can’t receive your refund this way, but we can explain why and outline another option.

The IRS will attempt to deposit your refund into whatever account you enter, so you’ll need to make sure you’re authorized to use that account. If you’re not authorized, the bank will reject the transaction. The IRS will then send a check to the address on the return.

Tell us the routing number and the bank account number for the direct deposit account in the filing portion of the program. If you don’t have a bank account, you can pay using another person’s credit card. If you’re expecting a refund, you can have the check mailed.

An Emerald Card Is a Convenient Option for Receiving Your Refund Electronically

Another option is to have your refund deposited on an H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® instead of a bank account. With an H&R Block Emerald Card, you have a secure and convenient way to access your refund by using it everywhere you’d use a Debit Mastercard® — Ex: at the grocery store or ATM.