Can I set up direct deposit for my tax refund advance? Instead of using the Credit Karma Prepaid Debit Card?

[xmasbaby0]

No.   If the advance is offered to you and you want to get it then you have to agree to the terms---which include getting a credit karma card.

The refund loan will not be available until later in January when you can e-file your 2021 return.   The money for the loan is not given to you until the IRS ACCEPTS your e-file.  The IRS will not begin to accept e-files until January 24.

You cannot apply for the refund loan.  It has to be offered to you, and you have to agree to the terms—-which have changed since last year——so read some information——and pay attention to the details in the fine print …  https://turbotax.intuit.com/refund-advance/