@mrkprrt23 @kraal - let me provide an alternative explanation (and if I am wrong so be it)
the cards are NOT issued by TT (or SBTPG) - they are NOT banks!!! Greendot is a bank (google the routing number on your documents and see what google surfaces!)
TT employees SBTPG to process the tax payments - read their website and see what SBTPG does for a living!!!
The refunds are sent by the IRS to GREENDOT to an account controlled by SBTPG. SBTPG then strips off the fees that are due to TT, leaving you with the net. Otherwise if the entire refund went directly to you, TT might never get its fees! this protects TT by getting their fees and you get the refund net of the fees.
That net refund is then put on a debit card which is sent to you (or if the card is already in your possession Greendot loads the card with the money). The Card is issued Greendot bank "through SBPTG"). Greendot is a bank so you are then confident your money is secure because it is backed by the FDIC (look at the card small print closely - I bet is says Greendot and not SBTPG or TT) . SBTPG is a 'non-bank subsidiary" of Greendot and as a non-bank can't hold deposits - that is federal law!
So let's look at the SBPTG website:
https://www.sbtpg.com/coronavirus-stimulus-payment-info/
this is what the FAQ states:
I paid for tax preparation using <<NCPERSON: which you did if TT took their fees from your refund>> Santa Barbara TPG this tax season. How will I receive my Economic Impact Payment?
The IRS will be distributing Economic Impact Payments directly to taxpayers and TPG will not play a role in facilitating these payments. << NCPERSON: that is because their role was solely to strip off the fees due TT and there are no fees in this case.>> Unfortunately, TPG does not have any visibility into this information, therefore our agents can not answer any questions regarding these payments.
The IRS will issue direct deposits to taxpayers that received a direct deposit. An IRS-issued check will be mailed to taxpayers that received a check printed from their tax professional's office or a debit card issued through Santa Barbara TPG. <<NCPERSON: and if you had your TT fees subtracted from your refund it was done by SBTPG and the debit card was issued through SBTPG by Greendot!>>
this is certainly a mess (and I may be totally wrong!) and would encourage thinking 'worst case scenario' - meaning receiving a check. I did read tonight that the IRS is supposed to have their new website available next week for taxpayers to update their direct deposit information.
