Jackson Hewitt uses multiple banks depending on how you receive your refund

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service does not use a single bank for all customers. Instead, the company partners with different banks depending on which refund option you choose. If you get a refund anticipation loan (a short-term loan against your expected tax refund), the bank involved depends on Jackson Hewitt's current lending partners. If you receive your refund through direct deposit to your own bank account, Jackson Hewitt is not involved in that transaction at all — the IRS deposits directly to whatever bank account you specify on your tax return.

The bank that appears on your paperwork matters because it determines where your money goes, how long it takes to arrive, and what fees might explore. Understanding which bank is involved in your specific situation helps you know what to expect and spot any unexpected charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Jackson Hewitt's banking partner changes over time and may vary by location, so you should ask which bank will handle your refund when you file.
  • If you choose direct deposit to your own bank account, Jackson Hewitt is not involved — the IRS sends money directly to the bank you list on your return.
  • Refund anticipation loans come with fees and interest charges that reduce the amount you receive, even though you get the money faster.
  • The bank name appears on your loan documents and receipt, so check those papers to confirm which institution holds your refund.

How Jackson Hewitt's banking partnerships work

Jackson Hewitt has partnered with banks including MetaBank, Pathward (formerly Metabank's parent company), and others to process refund loans and hold customer funds. These partnerships are not permanent — the company changes banking partners periodically, and different locations may use different banks at the same time. When you file your taxes at a Jackson Hewitt office, the tax preparer should tell you which bank will be involved and what fees explore.

The bank's role is to issue the refund anticipation loan (if you choose that option) and hold the funds until the IRS processes your actual tax return. Once the IRS approves your return and sends the refund, the bank releases the loan amount plus any interest or fees, and you receive the net amount. This process typically takes one to three weeks from the time you file.

Direct deposit versus refund loans

If you choose direct deposit, you tell Jackson Hewitt which bank account to list on your tax return. The IRS then deposits your refund directly into that account — your own bank, not Jackson Hewitt's partner bank. This route has no fees from Jackson Hewitt and is faster than waiting for a check. Direct deposit usually arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though it can be faster.

A refund anticipation loan works differently. You borrow money against your expected refund before the IRS processes your return. Jackson Hewitt's partner bank issues this loan, and you receive the money within days. However, you pay interest and fees for this speed — typically $50 to $200 or more, depending on the loan amount and the bank's terms. When your actual refund arrives from the IRS, it goes to the bank to repay the loan, and you receive what is left.

Finding out which bank is handling your refund

The clearest way to know which bank is involved is to ask the tax preparer before you sign anything. They should tell you the bank name, the loan amount (if you are taking a loan), all fees, and the interest rate. This information appears on your loan agreement and receipt.

If you have already filed and do not have this information, check the papers Jackson Hewitt gave you. The bank name and account number appear on the loan documents or the receipt. If you cannot find the papers, call the Jackson Hewitt location where you filed and ask them to confirm which bank processed your return and provide your loan account number if applicable.

What to watch for with refund loans

Refund anticipation loans are convenient but expensive. The total cost — interest plus fees — can range widely depending on the loan amount and the bank's pricing. A $3,000 loan might cost $100 to $200 in fees and interest combined. Before you accept a loan, ask Jackson Hewitt for the exact dollar amount you will owe and the net amount you will receive after the bank deducts its fees.

Some people also use a refund transfer, which is different from a loan. With a transfer, Jackson Hewitt pays the bank a fee upfront to hold your refund temporarily, and you receive the full refund amount (minus the transfer fee) once the IRS approves your return. This is slower than a loan but cheaper than a loan with interest. Ask whether your location offers this option.

If you need to contact the bank about your refund

If your refund is delayed or you have questions about a loan, you may need to contact the bank directly. The bank's customer service number should be on your loan documents or receipt. Have your loan account number ready when you call.

If you filed for direct deposit and your refund has not arrived after 21 days, contact the IRS directly using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, or call 1-800-829-1040. The IRS can tell you whether your return has been processed and where your refund is in the pipeline. Jackson Hewitt is not involved in this process once you have filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change banks after I file with Jackson Hewitt?

If you chose direct deposit to your own bank, you cannot change it after filing without amending your return, which takes weeks. If you took a refund loan, the loan goes to the bank Jackson Hewitt designated, and you cannot redirect it. For future years, you can choose a different bank or a different refund option.

What happens if the bank goes out of business?

Banks that hold customer refunds are required to carry FDIC insurance, which protects deposits up to $250,000. If a bank fails, the FDIC ensures you receive your money. This is rare, but it is why the bank's stability matters — ask Jackson Hewitt if you are unsure about the bank they use.

Do I have to take a refund loan?

No. You can choose direct deposit to your own bank account, which has no fees and is faster than a loan in most cases. You can also ask Jackson Hewitt about a refund transfer instead of a loan. The tax preparer should explain all options before you decide.

Is the bank fee included in Jackson Hewitt's tax preparation fee?

No. Jackson Hewitt's preparation fee and the bank's loan fees are separate charges. You pay Jackson Hewitt for preparing your return, and you pay the bank for the loan or transfer. Both amounts should be clearly listed on your receipt before you sign.