There are several ways to get money from your Emerald Card. One is withdrawal via the ATM.
Read this guide to learn how to withdraw funds for free using your Emerald Card.
At What ATMs Can You Withdraw for Free With the Emerald Card
You will not have to pay fees when you withdraw money using the Emerald Card's in-network ATMs, which is MetaBank. You can also use surcharge-free ATM networks where MetaBank is a member.
The Emerald Card is an H&R Block prepaid MasterCard, initially utilized as a reloadable debit card for direct deposits of tax refunds.
H&R Block loans cannot be released through checks or direct deposits. All borrowers have to get their loan funds on a prepaid Mastercard.
Currently, there are over 2.5 million H&R Block clients who use the Emerald Card, making it one of the biggest prepaid card portfolios in the United States.
You can use the Emerald Card the same way you would use a debit card. Like other prepaid cards, it can be utilized to pay for bills with no overdraft fees, send money, make purchases, and even get cash rewards.
There is also a mobile app that you can use for easy access to your funds and to track your account. You can transfer money to a bank account with just a few taps and review your transaction history.
Even if you have already spent your loan funds, you can keep on using the Emerald Card. You just need to add money to your account via direct deposit or load a check through the mobile banking app.
You can also load cash at the nearest Walmart or 7-Eleven. Finding the closest location is easy thanks to the mobile app.
Since the Emerald Card is FDIC insured, your money is safe even if the financial institution goes bankrupt. FDIC covers funds up to $250,000 per account.
H&R Block does not charge annual or monthly activity fees, overdraft fees, card request fees, or signature/PIN transaction fees.
There are also several cash reward programs you can participate in. You may even get a cashback when you use the Emerald card at affiliated stores.
Finally, unlike other prepaid cards, the Emerald Card allows you to add cardholders to your account.
To get a card, you have to apply directly at an H&R Block office or through the company’s tax preparation software.
Essentially, the Emerald Card can be used anywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. You can also withdraw money via any ATM that accepts the MasterCard, Cirrus, or Maestro brand.
However, some ATM operators may charge a fee for every withdrawal you make. This is in addition to the surcharge applied by MetaBank for out-network ATM withdrawals.
To withdraw funds, you simply insert your card into the ATM, then select Credit Card. Afterward, enter your card PIN and the amount you wish to withdraw.
Complete the transaction by following the prompts on the ATM screen.
What’s the Daily Withdrawal Limit for the Emerald Card?
The daily limit for withdrawals for Emerald Card is $3,000, which is high compared to other prepaid card limits.
You are limited to seven ATM transactions per day. In those seven transactions, you should ensure that you will not exceed the daily limit; otherwise, your withdrawal will not be allowed.
Meanwhile, for debit card transactions, the maximum account you can spend daily is $3,500. This includes both point of sale (POS) authorization and cash withdrawals.
For the daily cash load limit, the Emerald Card has lower than the average. Most prepaid cards allow you to load up to $2,500 each day.
How Much Does the Emerald Card Charge to Withdraw at an ATM?
The Emerald Card will charge you $3 per withdrawal for out-of-network ATMs. Meanwhile, there are no fees if you withdraw from an in-network ATM.
For balance requests or inquiries, you will be charged $1.50 per transaction.
On top of these fees, the ATM owner may charge you additionally for using their cash machine, which typically ranges between $1 to $3.
What Bank Is Affiliated With Emerald Card?
The Emerald Card is affiliated with MetaBank, a conventional bank with headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Both banking products by H&R Block, the Emerald Card, and the Emerald Advance are provided by Metabank.
While the Emerald card is a prepaid debit Mastercard, the Emerald Advance is H&R Block’s line of credit.
MetaBank started its operations in 1954 and has since amassed assets totaling $5 billion. Meanwhile, its deposits amount to over $4 billion.
Aside from being the issuer of the Emerald Card for H&R Block, MetaBank offers its own array of banking products. These include savings and checking accounts, mortgage products, and money market accounts.
Considered a large bank, it now has a total of 11 locations in Iowa and South Dakota.
MetaBank also offers a mobile app for banking on the go.
Before MetaBank became affiliated with H&R Block, the Emerald Card was distributed by Axos Bank.
It was in 2020 when all the existing Emerald accounts were moved from Axos Bank to MetaBank after H&R Block terminated its agreement with the California-based bank.
How Do I Apply for the Emerald Card?
If you want to apply for an Emerald Card, you can do it online and undergo the prequalification process.
You will need to submit your personal information, including your phone number, complete address, and email address. You may also be asked for your citizen service number and the latest tax refund.
Once your application is approved, the Emerald Card will be delivered to your physical address. You must activate it by calling the Emerald Card Helpline at 1-866-353-1266.
You should also create an online account so you can manage your money through the MyBlock mobile app.
The Emerald Card allows you to get an Emerald Advance. Depending on your credit score, you can acquire funds anywhere between $350 and $1,000.
You should note that only those 18 years old and above may apply for an Emerald Card.
Once you have the Emerald Card, you can use it for purchases (both offline and online), money transfers, and bill payments.
You should know that the Emerald Card will charge you for account inactivity. If you have not used the prepaid card for transactions within 60 days, you will need to pay the $4.95 surcharge.
For bill payments, the Emerald Card will charge you $0.95 per transaction.
Sources:
Biz Journal: H&R Block will take its Emerald Card to greener pastures