Why is it making me join credit karma in order for me to track my refund?

You do not have to join Credit Karma to track your refund.  

 

Once the IRS starts accepting income tax returns on February 12, you can track your refund by going to Where is my refund?

ok

It clearly states after yyou finish filing, that the only way to track your return through turbo tax is to sign up for credit karma. This is predatory and you should be ashamed. 

The operative word is  THRU  TT ... you can always check the IRS and state sites directly.  

@TheToolMan 

AFTER your e-file has been accepted you can track your refund yourself on the IRS and state sites:

 

You need your filing status, your Social Security number and the exact amount  (line 35a of your 2021 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

You are a liar. When you e file through turbo tax the irs website will not track but give you the same within 21 days notice on turbo tax. To see where your refund is at you NEED to get credit karma.