I had a d-uhh moment this morning re: the tax refund cards.

[grumpyduck]

Sorry if this has been posted before...

Probably like a lot of us, I've wondered why the state of CA is sending out tax refund cards instead of depositing the money directly or sending check. Like, is the card cheaper once you consider what the bank may be charging?

Then it hit me: is the card (the bank) just keeping track of what we spend money on, so the bank can sell the info for marketing purposes?

[patphil]

1. How many people get these kind of cards and don't use all the money the card has on it?

When the amount goes down to just a few dollars it often sits and doesn't get used.
A few dollars here and there can add up to quite a windfall for a bank, given the many thousands of cards issued.

[usonian]

2. I read the "privacy" notice that came with the card.

No "opt out" of sharing my info?
Can CA be sending out cards (from an out of state issuer) that break CA privacy laws?

Messed up, I think.