What if I don't have a bank account?

You have several options if you are getting a refund but don't have a bank account:

Choose the TurboTax Refund Card.  Put your refund on the TurboTax Refund Card and get your refund in as few as 7 days (if you e-file).  This prepaid Visa debit card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted - including online, for paying bills, and at ATMs.  Click here to learn more about the TurboTax Refund Card.

Open a low- or no-cost bank account. To have your refund directly deposited, you can also open a low- or no-cost bank account.  Visit your local bank or credit union, or even go online, to open an account with no minimum balance requirement.  Some banks even offer Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), which are dedicated savings accounts targeted specifically to lower-income working families.  Individual Development Accounts typically receive matching deposits from public, non-profit, and/or private sources, but may limit usage to activities such as education classes beyond high school, money to help grow a business, or help with home ownership. 

If you want this option, open your new bank account first, and then return to TurboTax to enter your account information.  That way you can e-file your return and your refund will be directly deposited into your account.

Have your refund mailed in a check.  You can receive your refund by check, whether you're printing or e-filing.  This will take longer than direct deposit.

Important: We do not recommend using direct deposit to put your refund into someone else's account.  Many banks will only accept a direct deposit from the IRS if the name on the refund matches the name on the bank account.  If the bank rejects your direct deposit request, the IRS will mail your refund check instead (which will take even longer).