You do not need a checking account to receive a tax refund, but the IRS requires some way to deposit the money electronically
The IRS stopped issuing paper checks for tax refunds in most cases years ago. That does not mean you need a checking account — you have other options. You can use a savings account, a money market account, a prepaid card with routing and account numbers, or even a third-party service that holds the money temporarily. The requirement is that you provide routing and account numbers on your tax return so the IRS can deposit the refund directly into an account in your name.
If you do not have any of these accounts, you will need to open one before filing. The process takes a few days at most, and many banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fee. A prepaid card from a retailer like Walmart or Target works just as well as a bank account for this purpose — the IRS treats them the same way.
Key Takeaways
- A savings account, prepaid card, or money market account works for tax refunds just as well as a checking account does.
- You need routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit, which takes a few minutes to find and enter on your tax form.
- If you do not have any account, opening one at a bank, credit union, or retailer takes three to five business days.
- Paper checks are available only if you request them on your return, and they take four to six weeks to arrive.
What accounts work for direct deposit of your refund
The IRS accepts direct deposit to any account that has a routing number and account number in your name. That includes checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and prepaid cards issued by banks or retailers. Credit union accounts work the same way. The account does not have to be at a large national bank — community banks and online-only banks are fine.
Prepaid cards are often the fastest option if you do not have a bank account. Cards from Walmart, Target, Green Dot, and NetSpend all accept direct deposits and have routing numbers. You can buy one in-store or online, set up it in minutes, and have your refund deposited within one to three business days of the IRS processing your return. The card itself costs between five and twenty dollars, depending on the brand.
A savings account at any bank or credit union works just as well as a checking account. Some people use savings accounts specifically because they are less likely to spend the refund when ready. The IRS does not care which type of account you use — only that it has routing and account numbers and is in your name.
How to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. If you do not have a check, you can find both numbers by logging into your online banking portal or calling your bank's customer service line. Most banks also print this information on statements or in the account details section of their app.
For prepaid cards, the routing and account numbers are usually in the welcome materials that come with the card or in the card's mobile app. If you cannot find them, call the customer service number on the back of the card — they can read them to you in under a minute.
When you enter these numbers on your tax return (Form 1040, line 33a for federal refunds), double-check them against your bank statement or app. A single digit wrong will send your refund to the wrong account, and you will have to contact the IRS to correct it — a process that takes weeks.
Opening an account if you do not have one
If you do not have any account with routing and account numbers, you have two main paths: open a bank or credit union account, or buy a prepaid card. A prepaid card is faster — you can have one activated and ready to receive a deposit in under an hour. A bank account takes three to five business days from process to set up, though some online banks can speed this up to one business day.
For a bank account, you will need a government-issued ID and usually a Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. Credit unions often have lower fees and friendlier terms for people with no banking history, but they may require you to live or work in a specific area or belong to a specific group.
For a prepaid card, you typically need only an ID and a way to pay for the card itself. Some retailers let you set up the card at checkout; others require you to set up it online or by phone. Once activated, you can use it to receive direct deposits just like a bank account.
Timing: when your refund arrives after you file
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, the IRS typically processes your return within one to three weeks. Once the IRS approves your return, the money moves to your bank or prepaid card account within one to three business days. The total time from filing to having the money in your account is usually two to four weeks, though it can be faster if you file early in the tax season.
If you request a paper check instead, the IRS will mail it to you after processing your return. A paper check takes four to six weeks to arrive, and you then have to deposit it into an account or cash it. This is why direct deposit is faster — the money goes straight to your account without a mailing step.
The IRS publishes a "Where's My Refund?" tool on its website where you can check the status of your return. It updates once per day and will tell you when the money has been sent to your bank.
What happens if you provide the wrong account number
If you enter an incorrect routing or account number on your return, the IRS will attempt the deposit anyway. The money will go to whatever account those numbers belong to — which might be someone else's account, or it might be rejected by the bank. Either way, you will not receive your refund.
If this happens, you need to contact the IRS directly. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or file a Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to report the error. The IRS will investigate, and if the money went to another account, they will attempt to recover it. This process takes several weeks to several months.
To avoid this, compare the routing and account numbers on your return against your bank statement or app before you submit. If you catch the error before filing, you can correct it. If you catch it after filing but before the IRS processes your return, you can call the IRS to correct it over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's account to receive my refund?
No. The account must be in your name. If you use someone else's account, the IRS will reject the deposit, and you will have to resubmit with the correct account. If the money does go into another person's account by mistake, recovering it requires the other person's cooperation and IRS involvement.
What if I do not have a bank account and cannot open one before I file?
You can request a paper check on your tax return instead. The check will be mailed to your address on file four to six weeks after the IRS processes your return. You can then cash it at a bank, credit union, check-cashing service, or retailer like Walmart or Target.
Do I need direct deposit, or can I choose a paper check?
You can choose either one when you file. Direct deposit is faster and more find, but a paper check is an option if you do not have an account or prefer not to use one. The choice is yours on your tax return.
Will opening a new account affect my credit?
Opening a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Banks may check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, but this is not a credit check and does not lower your score. Prepaid cards do not involve any credit check at all.
Can I split my refund between two accounts?
Yes. Form 1040 allows you to direct deposit up to three separate amounts to three different accounts. You might split your refund between a checking account and a savings account, for example. Each account needs its own routing and account numbers.