H&R Block, the tax preparation company, has teamed up with Metavante and Monitise Americas to provide Emerald Prepaid MasterCard cardholders access to mobile phone text messaging to check their balances and receive account reload mobile alerts.

“While the Emerald Card has proven to be a safe, lower cost and convenient way for customers to receive their tax refunds, we are continuing to explore ways we can provide improved account access and support to our clients,” said Kevin Morrison, H&R Block’s assistant vice president of card programs. “By piloting the addition of text message and balance inquiry functionality through Monitise Americas and Metavante, we will be able to continue to learn how our Emerald Card can build loyalty while meeting the specific support needs of our tax clients – giving them another reason to choose H&R Block year after year.”

In addition to text messaging balance inquiry, the Emerald Card offers clients other features, including: Payroll direct deposit; connection to line of credit; access to a savings account; link to money transfer services and nationwide ATM access and point-of-sale purchasing wherever MasterCard debit cards are accepted.

This year, H&R Block issued 2.6 million cards. Some customers continue to use the card by loading their account with payroll direct deposit and other funds.