Does anyone know of another way to use the tax refund advance without credit karma?

No.  The refund advance requires that you put your refund on a Credit Karma card.  There is no way around that requirement.

that's the gimmick. the refund advance goes on the CK card, but unused funds subject to limitations can be used by CK. it's a debit card and banks do the same  

Thank you! That's crappy but at least I have the right answer!