Please note that this page is outdated and maintained for archival purposes only. However, consumer comments below are current and new consumer reviews (by folks like you) on this card are still encouraged. You can view our current prepaid card reviews here.
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Overview–
Activation Fee: None
Monthly Fee: $5 (no fee in NY, TX and VT). No fee in AR until you register your card.
Card Limit: $0 at MoneyPass® ATMs
PIN Transaction Fee: $0.00
Signature Transaction Fee: $0.00
ATM Withdrawal Fee: $0 at MoneyPass ATMs (ATM owner/operator fees may apply)
ATM Out of Network Withdrawal Fee: $3.50 at Non-Money Pass ATM’s (ATM owner/operator fees may apply)
Inactivity/Maintenance Fee: Card price is zero.
Cash Load Fee (* asterisk indicates third party fees): Up to $3.95 (varies by retailer)
Card Features
Initial Fees
Average Monthly Fees
Bill Pay Fees / Features
Loading Fees / Options
Total Score
User Rating
65 total ratings
Things We Like
~ With the exception a $3.50 fee for ATM withdrawals at non-MoneyPass ($0 at MoneyPass® ATMs, but ATM operator fees may apply) and up to $3.95 fee for cash reloads (varies by retailer), the JH Prepaid American Express Serve Card has relatively low fees.
Things We Dislike
~ No good rewards or incentive program
22
Posted August 24, 2022 by Curtis Arnold
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Your input is invaluable and we’d love to have your opinion as to whether the Jackson Hewitt reloadable Serve prepaid debit card is legit and a good deal (see below) – this site is powered by consumers like you!
JH Prepaid Serve Card Review (from American Express aka AmEx):
Like H&R; Block and other tax preparation companies, Jackson Hewitt now has its own prepaid debit card. The JH Prepaid American Express Card (American Express Serve® Card), like those of its competitors, promotes itself as a quick way to get your tax refund.
Consumer Note!
Want to apply for a prepaid Visa, which is more widely accepted than American Express, with no monthly fee (with a direct deposit- Jackson Hewitt charges $5) with better benefits than JH?
Wanting to build or rebuild your credit (having a high credit score can save you lots of money)? Want to get paid 2 days early?
If so, then consider the Brand New Go2Bank Cash Rebate Visa- Click Here for More Info and to Apply Online in Just Mins (No Fee with Direct Deposit). (Sponsor Link)
It is much faster to get your tax refund loaded onto a prepaid card than it is to wait for a paper check. The card can be ordered online or picked up at one of the many Jackson Hewitt offices nationwide (they have a temporary card they can issue you).
Please read our bottom line independent (JH does not advertise with us through an affiliate program) review at the bottom of this page and read customer reviews, including (both good comments and bad complaints, issues and problems) and be sure to post your own opinion!
For More Information, Please See our Full Detailed Review of the Jackson Hewitt Prepaid Debit Card by clicking HERE.
Click HERE for our Current Ratings of the Best Prepaid Cards Including the Best Overall No Fee Visa and See How This Card Compares to Others.
The Serve AmEx prepaid account does NOT help you improve your credit. 🙁
.
Previously (in our review from a few years ago), Jackson Hewitt offered the JH Preferred Prepaid Visa Card and they still apparently service Visa accounts (for existing cardholders), but it doesn’t appear that you can apply for a new Visa account. So it appears the prepaid Visa has been replaced by the new Serve American Express card.
Although the card’s website touts the rewards JH cardholders can earn, the only real perk seems to be getting $15 added to your account if you set up direct deposit.
The card also offers bill pay options and text and email alerts but the list of payees for bill pay is sparse. Worst of all, $3.50 at non-MoneyPass® ATMs (free at 30,000 MoneyPass nationwide), getting cash from an ATM can be expensive.
Details of Cashing your Tax Refund in Mins:
This card offers a benefit for folks that need to cash their tax rebate check quickly. Cash Pickup Powered by Ria allows you to withdraw cash from your Serve Prepaid Account at any Walmart store (in a matter of mins).
Fees and limits apply. Serve Cash Pickup transactions are conducted by Ria in accordance with Ria’s Terms and Conditions of Service and Ria’s Privacy Policy, and are subject to the Prepaid AmEx Serve User Agreement.
How to File a Complaint Against JH Serve from American Express:
If you have contacted AmEx and are unable to resolve your account issues in good faith, we strongly suggest taking the following steps:
1) Please post your account issues and problems at the bottom of this page in our cardholder comments section.
2) Notify AmEx Bank (ask to speak to a manager or decision maker) that you have complained in writing on BestPrepaidDebitCards.com (feel free to take a screen shot), a consumer advocacy site that has been featured for years in many major national media outlets.
Also, feel free to share that your post can be shared by our site with members of the media (we will change your name to protect your privacy and will certainly not share any personal account info).
3) Consider also filing your grievance with the BBB and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and your state’s Attorney General Office.
4) Please post any updates to your problem after taking these steps as sharing your experiences will help educate and empower other consumers! 🙂
Jackson Hewitt Prepaid Debit Card Review (JH Prepaid American Express Serve):
The bottom line is that the JH Serve AmEx isn’t a bad deal if you’re an existing JH tax preparation customer. However, there are no fee Visa offers, such as Chime and Go2Bank below, that are more widely accepted than the JH American Express (Visa is taken by more small business owners for ex.).
For more information please see our FULL REVIEW of the Jackson Hewitt Prepaid Debit Card by clicking HERE.
Click HERE for our current ratings of the Best Prepaid Cards including the best overall No Fee Visa and see how this card compares to others.
Please note that the Serve card has several flavors that are not affiliated with JH, such as one that has no monthly fee when you direct deposit $500 or more within a statement period. Also, the Serve® Pay As You Go Visa® Prepaid Card does not charge a monthly fee, but charges a $1.00 fee each time you make a purchase (whether PIN or signature based).
Serve also has a free cash reloads option that allows you to add cash often without incurring fees. Finally, the Serve has a cash back option which rewards you with unlimited 1% Cash Back when you spend money in stores or online.
Also, we would suggest that our read consumer complaints and praises below before applying – and be sure to post your own opinion and or question. An editor will typically respond to your request or problem within 24 hours.
Also, please consider writing your consumer review of this card at the bottom of the page and reading other cardholder reviews- it only takes a few mins and will help others!
Money Savings Alert! Want to apply for a prepaid Visa, which is more widely accepted than American Express, with no monthly fee (with a direct deposit- Jackson Hewitt charges $5) with better benefits than JH?
Want to get paid up to 4 days early and be able to reload your card whenever you want and avoid the monthly fees charged by most other prepaid Visas?
Jackson Hewitt Prepaid Debit Card Serve Card American Express Good- Reviews and Complaints
Related Prepaid MasterCard to Compare to JH Serve Tax Refund Card:
Read our full review of the TaxSlayer prepaid Visa tax refund card here.
Editorial Note!:
“The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, including this review and the reviews written by actual cardholders below.”
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Curtis Arnold
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22 CommentsLeave a comment »
Jennifer VogtDecember 17, 2021 at 1:39 am
Do yourself a favor do NOT get this card. I got it for my taxes and was getting my child tax credit on here. I got fraud on it and called same day I have the same day and she assured me that she took care of anything and I went on to my account and it was taken off but then the next day it was back on and fully processed.
Thought that kept coming across my mind but they either really don’t care or they have something to do with it because of the schedule conversations I had with over 8 workers one manager who was the most incompetent. They have no desire to help. I’m going to get my payments transferred to my bank account and report this reloadable card company.
Curtis ArnoldDecember 23, 2021 at 9:07 pm
Thanks for sharing your rating of JH Jennifer! Sorry for what appears like a scam.
Out of curiosity, Who do you plan on reporting them to?
Becky MillerMarch 14, 2021 at 6:47 pm
My serve reloadable card isn’t working
I had to leave everything at walmart can’t get on nothing
I’m getting pissed I need access to my money and the $@$& card to work
Jesus HernandezApril 15, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Dont ever got this Serve AmEx- it Sucks when I did my tax return I thought ok cool but no I got the pre card and one of the numbers to the card was erased so I couldn’t use it or register it and after calling both numbers on the card and on the web site they couldn’t help me so I had to wait for the card In the mail after receiving it it ben a lock and unlock situation oh
and then go on the web site and redo pin numbers this was a month ago right now i can’t even get a person to talk to it just go s thur there promp and then the line goes dead did not know it was this hard to get ur money
Curtis ArnoldJuly 14, 2020 at 8:12 pm
Thanks for your post Jesus about complaints involving your Serve tax refund card from American Express.
Were you able to get your money back? Any updates. Sounds like you also had customer service issues, which is surprising as AmEx usually gives good service.
KimberkyFebruary 18, 2019 at 5:57 am
How do I apply for pay day loan
Curtis ArnoldFebruary 18, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Thanks for your customer feedback Kimberly about the JH Prepaid card. Are you talk about the JH Early Access loan, which is an alternative to payday loans?
With Early Access, you can get up to $400 before payday, throughout the year, but please note our rating of this loan is low because it has A LOT of fees. Read our review here:
RonaldMay 4, 2018 at 6:41 pm
I have been trying to reach some one to simply get a statement for the last 60 days,and calling the customer service number on the back of the card is a joke,you will never get a live person,it just sends you in circles….
Anna SmithMarch 17, 2018 at 8:51 pm
What banks are considered in the network for the jh preferred card?
Curtis ArnoldMay 4, 2018 at 6:37 pm
If you are asking where you can load funds, please visit their site
BrandonMarch 1, 2018 at 7:12 pm
Worst customer service y’all pur a hold on my acct and I need the hold released asap need to get in touch with some one that can expedited the hold release
Christine MadayJanuary 30, 2018 at 5:06 am
Please help
Shane TripconyFebruary 2, 2018 at 1:48 am
Thank you for visiting our website and leaving a comment. Although we are not the provider of the card, I can direct you where you can get customer service. You can call their Customer Care at 1-855-598-4818.
Christine MadayJanuary 30, 2018 at 5:06 am
Lost my jhprefered card they sent a new one my pay check is directly deposit ed
Receive new card today can’t activate it I’m ready to cry this week check will be direct deposit my son died yesterday I need my money OMG
Sandy johnstonAugust 18, 2017 at 12:31 am
My card was hacked on July 20. I called as soon as I noticed which was July 20. I have called four times since then and still have not received a card it is now August 17. The customer care people don’t really seem inspired to help or send a replacement in a timely manner. This is ridiculous!! I have a fair balance on my card that is for bills which still are not paid because it takes over a **** month to get a new one. Extremely unsatisfied. You will never do my taxes again as long as I breath.
Sandy johnstonAugust 18, 2017 at 1:36 am
So another 7 to 10 days to wait for a card because of the total epic failure of your company. Apparently 30 days is not enough time to respond to a customer it now takes 40 days. Your staff is the most uncaring robotic people I have ever had the displeasure of talking to. Over six hours spent on the phone 4 or 5 calls and even faced with the total failure in their profession they still will do not hing but the standard read of the response sheet. I will ne contacting my lawyer.
TyquillaApril 3, 2017 at 12:36 pm
I called in for a dispute they locked my card and never sent me another one , they keep charging me the monthly fee and I can’t get in touch with them.
Shane TripconyApril 7, 2017 at 12:35 am
I am sorry to hear you are experiencing difficulty. I found some contact information in case the number you have been trying is not working. It is on this page at the very bottom of their site.
“For customers of other states with questions or complaints, please contact customer service at 1.855.598.4818” Once you get in touch with them, they should be able to credit back the monthly fees. If you do not have any luck with their customer support by phone, you can mail them your information about the problem. Here is that address. That is an extra step, but you would have it in writing. Hopefully, it does not have to go further, but you can report to Attorney General’s office or Better Business Bureau if you do not get a satisfactory resolution.
JH Preferred Customer Care
PO Box 826
Fortson, GA 31808
Ricky DanielsMay 8, 2015 at 3:09 pm
I am waiting for my tax refund to be posted to my account. Can’t even get information on where it was sent, or if it has been received.
Shane TripconyMay 11, 2015 at 9:36 pm
Thank you for your comment. On the back of your card, you should have an 800 number for their customer support. They should be able to help you. We review cards on the website, but unfortunately, we can not access cardholder information for any of the cards we review on the site. What card issuer are you working with?
Forist JohnsonFebruary 10, 2015 at 8:19 pm
I’m just trying to find out the Balance on my Card, it say’s to find 6 digit number on Card, but there is no 6 digit number. The number imprinted on the Card on the back, is not the correct number.
Hilary DoddridgeFebruary 12, 2015 at 5:40 pm
I’m so sorry you are having trouble. We are not actually the card issuing company, you will need to contact them directly. We are BestPrepaidDebitCards.com, our goal is to provide the best information possible to help you make an informed decision on which card is best for you or your family member. Good luck!
