If your tax refund is stuck and you are waiting still for it in 2025, then the way you selected to get it could result in it. According to the IRS, direct deposit is still the fastest and most secure way to receive your refund, whereas paper checks and debit card options take more time and also come with certain risks.
Moreover, a federal deadline is approaching this fall to get rid of paper checks, and thus, those customers who use or plan to use the previous system will have this year as the only chance to do so.
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We do the math to show us the number of days each of the procedures requires and the new IRS safer refund processes.
The Average Refund in 2025 is $3,271—Find Out Below the Timing for It
Per the IRS’s official data that was made public in March 2025, the average tax refund paid to customers this year is currently $3,271 which signifies a 5.2% rise from last year. Many Americans have already got their money back, especially those who transmitted their tax return via the internet and chose to get direct deposit to their bank accounts.
The general delivery time for the various refund methods is as follows:
- Method Time frame Direct Deposit 7–14 business days (some as early as 7)
- Prepaid Debit Card10–17 business days
- Paper Check 14–28 business days (can take longer)
In the case of no errors, math problems, or set holds, the majority of the direct deposit refunds are sent out within 21 calendar days of filing. In comparison to it, paper checks might need an additional 7-14 days and debit cards are activated via the mail and so it is usually the case that they need about 1 week to accomplish all steps of the process.
Direct Deposit: Genuinely the Quickest and Most Trusty
To make absolutely sure you’ll get your refund quickly and safely, the IRS strongly urges the use of direct deposit as the only delivery method.
The advantages are as follows:
- No need to wait for check delivery by mail
- Less incidents of refueling getting lost or stolen
- Your bank or credit union account is credited directly with the amount of your refund
- You can check the status of your refund through the IRS “Where’s My Refund” feature
Nine out of every ten refunds, as reported by the IRS, have been processed through direct deposit in 2025. You are given the opportunity to provide your direct deposit data securely on your Form 1040 or to update it through your tax filing software.
Regarding Prepaid Debit Cards?
In the event you have no bank account, there is still a chance that you are a candidate for a prepaid debit card.
Prepaid cards, such as Direct Express®, are usually utilized for benefit payments, like Social Security compensation, but an IRS-authorized debit card for tax refunds is issued to the select few for free file options or when requested.
Pros:
- Quicker than paper checks
- Can be used for withdrawals and purchases
- Match people who have no bank account
Cons:
- Could require delivery time of 10 to 17 days
- Needs activation of the card
- May have ATM or service charges
Those who plan to use the prepaid card should be extremely careful in providing the address and the terms and conditions of the card before making a selection, as per the IRS.
TMFF Paper Checks And Goldsmithep?
The latest statistics from the IRS show that about 3.5% of the total number of refunds still come in the form of paper checks. In order to keep the expenses of the government down, the government is trying to eliminate the use of this form.
On March 25, 2025, an executive order to eliminate all federal paper checks by the Treasury Department was signed by the President Donald Trump, and this measure is to take effect by September 30, 2025. This includes:
- Tax refunds
- Social Security
- Veterans’ benefits
- Other federal disbursements
Meaning, this may be the last tax season where you will be mailed a refund check.
To ensure that the bank is not overwhelmed with requests from taxpayers to change it in 2026 or to keep the benefits going to the right account, the Treasury Department notifying the people to open an account in the bank is to be done now by calling the bank directly or going to the bank in person.
How to Choose or Change Your Refund Method
If you have not yet filed your tax return or need to alter the manner in which your refund is sent:
- Choose direct deposit on your tax form (Form 1040)
- Ensure that you have input accurate routing and account numbers
- If you are unbanked, investigate the Direct Express option or use a debit card provided by an IRS Free File partner
If you have filed already, and if your return has not been dealt with, you can go through the IRS and make changes to your bank details through 1-800-829-1040.
The IRS has made it crystal clear: direct deposit is not just the fastest but also the safest way to receive your refund in 2025. Since the refund amounts are increasing and the mailed checks are closing, this is the best time for you to make the switch.
To keep track of your refund status and to find out the expected payment dates, visit the IRS “Where’s My Refund” page at irs.gov/refunds.
Never allow an obsolete method of payment to hinder your transactions. Obtain your refunds quickly—and safely—this year.
