Fixed-rate, short-term loan helps with year-end expenses. No monthly payments required, no credit-score impact to apply, and approved funds available within minutes of approval
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — H&R Block (NYSE: HRB), a global leader in tax preparation services, is now accepting applications for the Emerald Advance® Loan, originated by Pathward®, N.A., through Dec. 30.¹ This fixed-rate, short-term loan of up to $1,750 has a 35.90% APR and no minimum monthly payments, and no impact to an applicant’s credit score.² As families navigate year-end expenses and the holiday season, the Emerald Advance Loan is designed to give them the flexibility to cover budget gaps and keep their finances on track, with loan repayment not due in full until March 31, 2027.3
According to Deloitte’s 2026 Holiday Retail Survey, average household holiday spending is expected to reach $1,654, up 4% year over year, with 79% of respondents expecting prices to be higher than last season.4 For many families, planned spending already stretches the budget, leaving little room when unexpected costs arise.
“Rising prices are stretching household budgets at exactly the time of year when expenses tend to pile up,” said John Thompson, vice president of financial services and small business at H&R Block. “H&R Block supports our clients during tax season and throughout the year. For those who need a little extra help as we wrap up the year, the Emerald Advance® Loan offers a fixed-rate term to help manage those year-end expenses.”
A tool for real needs
In a 2025 H&R Block survey of Emerald Advance Loan applicants, 65% of respondents reported using the loan funds to pay bills.
Because short-term loans deserve the same careful attention as any financial decision, H&R Block encourages anyone considering Emerald Advance to look closely at three things before borrowing:
- Repayment terms: Understand the repayment timeline and know what happens if repayment cannot be made as scheduled.
- Interest rate: Consider the total cost of borrowing over the life of the loan.
- Loan amount: Borrow based on your real need, rather than the maximum available. A little extra cushion sounds comforting, but every dollar borrowed is a dollar plus interest you’ll owe.
“At H&R Block we want you to treat a short-term loan as a deliberate decision, not a quick fix,” Thompson added. “Know your terms, borrow the minimum that meets your need, and have a realistic plan to repay on time.”
How it works
The Emerald Advance Loan requires no minimum monthly payments. Approved borrowers simply repay the loan by March 31, 2027. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 35.90%. This structure, coupled with convenient repayment options, is designed to provide flexibility tailored to borrowers’ financial needs.
If the end of the year is tighter than expected, applying is straightforward. Customers can visit a participating H&R Block office by making an appointment online at HRBlock.com or by walking in. Eligible customers also have the option to apply online. Approved applicants can access their loan funds within minutes of approval on an Emerald Card® or in a Spruce℠ account.5
For more information or to check eligibility, visit https://www.hrblock.com/financial-services/emerald-advance-loan/.
ABOUT H&R BLOCK:
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small business solutions. Named CNET’s Best Overall online tax service for 2026, the company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and manage their money better using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.
ABOUT PATHWARD:
Pathward®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASH). Pathward is a U.S.-based financial empowerment company driven by its purpose to power financial inclusion. Pathward strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity across our Banking as a Service and Commercial Finance business lines. The strategic business lines provide end-to-end support to individuals and businesses. Learn more at Pathward.com.
1 H&R Block Emerald Advance® Loan originated by Pathward®, N.A. Subject to eligibility and credit approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 35.90%. Loan amounts vary from $400–$1,750. If approved, loan proceeds will be disbursed as directed to prepaid card or checking account at Pathward. Additional terms and conditions apply; see account agreements for details. Offered for a limited time at participating locations.
2 Checking eligibility will not impact your credit score. Credit approval is required to receive a loan.
3 Loan Example: A $900 loan originated on November 2 would accrue $131.90 interest if paid in full on March 31 the following year. This is an estimate based on an average customer and timely repayment. Actual loan amounts will vary, subject to application approval.
4 Deloitte 2026 Holiday Retail Survey, 2026. Survey of 4,000 U.S. consumers conducted Aug. 26–Sept. 10, 2026.
5 Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and the Spruce debit card and the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® are issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Additional fees, conditions, and terms apply to how you use your Emerald Card or Spruce account. Consult your Cardholder Agreement or Spruce Spending Account Agreement for details.
Media Contact
Media Desk, mediadesk@hrblock.com.
