Amex bluebird advertises that you can use your account to deposit your tax refund. On their website it states immediate same day processing. I specifically changed to have my refund deposited to Bluebird from Netspend because they expressly stated on their website immediate same day processing, that my refund will be available the day they receive it.
I had my refund approved and sent to Santa Barbara TPG to process and take out my income tax return fees taken out. SBBT received the refund on 2/3, took out their fees and immediately sent via ACH my refund to AMEX Bluebird in the amount of $5150.01, ACH transaction (blocked for privacy)
Several hours after confirming Santa Barbara bank sent the refund to AMEX Bluebird, I called AMEX Bluebird to find out the status and see what time my money would be available. I was told it wouldn't be available for 2 days!
First of all it was hard to explain to the gentlement living in India that my refund had already been sent, processed to have fees taken out and submitted via ACH to Bluebird. He kept telling me to call the IRS.
After going round and round trying to explain about Santa Barbara Tax Products Group bank, etc etc, I tried to explain that the Bluebird website under FAQs for income tax return expressly states it is processed immediately and another Bluebird page states same day availability he called me a liar!
I switched from Netspend because Bluebird expressly promises the same, same day processing. Now I'm told I will get days later!!!!
This is not what is advertised! This is not what is under FAQs for tax refunds at the Bluebird site! This is not what is being told on the phone when I called before agreeing to use Bluebird to deposit my refund! Had I been told the truth, I would have stayed with Netspend. They are misleading people with their claims of immediate/same day availability and then holding funds for interest! I would have stayed with Netspend which honors the same day processing had they not lied!
American Falsely advertises their services for income tax refund availability.