topic So the "5 day refund" through Credit Karma is real or wishful thinking? in After you file

So the "5 day refund" through Credit Karma is real or wishful thinking?

Kronoss65 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:31:24 GMT

Greetings.....filed via turbo tax 1/31....refund approved by fed and state.....chose the Credit Karma '5 day refund" option....checked the "refund tracker" today.....showing "NA"...not helpful.

Am I missing something? Thanks

Re: So the "5 day refund" through Credit Karma is real or wishful thinking?

xmasbaby0 — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:07:28 GMT

Only the IRS controls when you will get your refund.

First, check your e-file status to see if your return was accepted:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

Once your federal return has been accepted by the IRS, only the IRS has any control. TurboTax does not receive any updates from the IRS. Your ONLY source of information about your refund now is the IRS.

You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount (line 35a of your 2023 Form 1040) of your federal refund to track your Federal refund:

https://www.irs.gov/refunds

To track your state refund:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901548-why-do-some-refunds-take-longer-than-others

If you chose to have your TurboTax fees deducted from your federal refund, that will take some extra time, while the third party bank handles the refund processing.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2580357-who-provides-the-refund-processing-service

https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2840013-does-accepted-mean-my-refund-is-approved

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2724106-my-return-is-accepted-but-still-not-approved-is-there-a-problem-should-i-be-worried

If you are getting earned income credit on line 27 or additional child tax credit on line 28 You are subject to the delay required by the PATH act. Do not expect your refund earlier than late February.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/internal-revenue-service/federal-refunds-delayed-due-path-act/L5jnQJsBi_US_en_US?uid=lrrwpybr

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/what-is-the-path-act-and-how-may-it-impact-your-taxes/L2fkZJmNC

https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc152

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing

Re: So the "5 day refund" through Credit Karma is real or wishful thinking?

Kronoss65 — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:19:47 GMT

Understood....but how are they offering a 5 day refund if the typical IRS refund turnaround time is 21 days?

I checked the IRS refund tracker and it told me what I already know....my refund amount and that it's been approved. Thanks

Re: So the "5 day refund" through Credit Karma is real or wishful thinking?

JulieS — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:30:38 GMT

Yes, you could get your refund in just a few days, if you applied for and were approved for a TurboTax Refund Advance through Credit Karma.

If that is the case, check here for the status of your Refund Advance.

Re: So the "5 day refund" through Credit Karma is real or wishful thinking?

Kronoss65 — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:39:59 GMT

Yes, but I didn't go with the "instant" rapid refund....but the "5 day" option. I assumed all was cool as they issued me a "spending account" with a debit card, etc. If there were qualifying standards they should have made that more clear, or I wouldn't have bothered.