At what point do you apply for the advance loan? Why do I not have the option to apply for an advance? Do you have to submit the return first?

[xmasbaby0]

The advance has to be offered to you.  When you go through the FILE section you might see the option to click on Refund Advance.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-refund/offer-details-disclosures-ref... 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/refund-advance/

Refund Advance eligibility

Here are some of the eligibility requirements to qualify for a Refund Advance loan:

• You’re 18 or older
• Your expected federal refund amount is $500 or more
• You’re not a resident of North Carolina, Connecticut, or Illinois
• You’re e-filing your federal tax return with TurboTax
• Your physical address is listed on your tax return. Your address must be located in one of the eligible states and can’t be a PO box or prison address
• You’re not filing one of these tax forms: 1310, 4852, 4684, 4868, 1040SS, 1040PR, 1040X, 8888, or 8862
• You aren’t filing on behalf of a deceased taxpayer
• You must report income on a Form W-2, 1099-R, or Sched C
• You must open or have an existing Credit Karma MoneyTM checking account1.