GREEN DOT CORP

Previous wording

Green Dot Corporation is a financial technology and registered bank holding company ("BHC") committed to giving all people the power to bank seamlessly, affordably, and with confidence. Our technology platform enables us to build products and features that address the most pressing financial challenges of consumers and businesses, transforming the way they manage and move money, and making financial empowerment more accessible for all. Through our bank, we offer a suite of financial products to consumers and businesses including debit, prepaid, checking, credit and payroll cards, as well as robust money processing services, such as tax refund processing, cash deposits and disbursements.

Current wording

Green Dot Corporation is a financial technology platform and registered bank holding company ("BHC") that builds banking and payment solutions to create value, retain and reward customers, and accelerate growth for businesses of all sizes. For more than two decades, we have delivered financial tools and services that address the most pressing financial needs of consumers and businesses, and that transform the way people and businesses manage and move money. Through Green Dot Bank, our wholly-owned subsidiary, we deliver a broad spectrum of financial products to consumers and businesses through our portfolio of brands, including debit, checking, credit, prepaid, and payroll cards, as well as robust money processing services, such as tax refunds, cash deposits and disbursements.

Previous wording

Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (our “CODM” who is our Chief Executive Officer) organizes and manages our businesses primarily on the basis of the channels in which our product and services are offered and uses net revenue and segment profit to assess profitability. Segment profit reflects each segment's net revenue less direct costs, such as sales and marketing expenses, processing expenses, third-party call center support and transaction losses. Our operations are aggregated amongst three reportable segments: 1) Consumer Services, 2) Business to Business ("B2B") Services, and 3) Money Movement Services. Net interest income, certain other investment income earned by our bank, interest profit sharing arrangements with certain BaaS partners (a reduction of revenue), eliminations of inter-segment revenues and expenses, and unallocated corporate expenses that are not considered when our CODM evaluates the performance of our three reportable segments are recorded in Corporate and Other expenses. Refer to "Part I, Item 1. Business" for more detailed information about our operations and Note 24—Segment Informationto the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Current wording

Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (our “CODM” who is our Chief Executive Officer) organizes and manages our businesses primarily on the basis of the channels in which our product and services are offered and uses net revenue and segment profit to assess profitability. Segment profit reflects each segment's net revenue less direct costs, such as sales and marketing expenses, processing expenses, transaction losses and fraud management, and customer support and related expenses. Our operations are aggregated amongst three reportable segments: 1) Consumer Services, 2) Business to Business ("B2B") Services, and 3) Money Movement Services. Net interest income, certain other investment income earned by our bank, interest profit sharing arrangements with certain BaaS partners (a reduction of revenue), eliminations of inter-segment revenues and expenses, and unallocated corporate expenses that are not considered when our CODM evaluates the performance of our three reportable segments are recorded in Corporate and Other expenses. Refer to "Part I, Item 1. Business" for more detailed information about our operations and Note 24—Segment Informationto the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Previous wording

Our total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased $51.8 million, or 4% over the prior year comparable period, driven primarily by higher revenues in our B2B Services segment, partially offset by lower revenues earned in our Consumer Services and Money Movement Services segments.

Current wording

Our total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $222.5 million, or 15% over the prior year comparable period, driven primarily by higher revenues in our B2B Services segment and to a lesser extent in our Money Movement Services segment, partially offset by lower revenues earned in our Consumer Services segment.

Previous wording

Our consolidated total operating revenues increased year-over-year due to the continued growth of certain BaaS partner programs, which generated an increase in our total gross dollar volume of 35% for the year ended December 31, 2023. However, our total operating revenues were negatively impacted by several other factors impacting our deposit account programs, including our strategic decision to reduce marketing spend on GO2bank in the beginning of the fiscal year in response to market trends, our decision to wind-down many of our legacy cardholder programs in support of GO2bank, macro-economic factors leading to economic challenges for consumers and other trends that have impacted acquisition at retail locations, and the non-renewal of certain partner programs as previously disclosed. These factors impacted the number of consolidated active accounts, purchase volume and number of cash transfers, each of which decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 by 14%, 16% and 6%, respectively, from the prior year comparable period.

Current wording

Our consolidated total operating revenues increased year-over-year due to the continued growth of certain BaaS partner programs, which generated an increase in our total gross dollar volume of 33% for the year ended December 31, 2024. However, as discussed below, our total operating revenues were negatively impacted by unfavorable trends and factors in our deposit account programs that reduced the average number of consolidated active accounts, purchase volume and number of cash transfers for the year ended December 31, 2024 by 5%, 10% and 5%, respectively, from the prior year comparable period.

Previous wording

In our Consumer Services segment, revenues decreased during the year ended December 31, 2023 by 15% from the prior year comparable period. As compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, gross dollar volume and purchase volume each declined 15% and 16%, respectively, and the average number of active accounts and direct deposit accounts for the fiscal year declined by 16% and 17%, respectively. We believe these decreases are attributable to the factors discussed above, including lower account acquisition from reduced marketing spend on GO2bank in the beginning of fiscal year 2023 in our Direct channel in response to market trends, our decision to wind-down many of our legacy cardholder programs in support of GO2bank, observed changes in consumer traffic within our retail locations and the non-renewal of one of our retail partner programs. These factors had a corresponding impact on the amount of revenue we earn from accounts, including through monthly maintenance fees, new card fees, ATM fees and interchange fees. These declines in revenue from our Consumer Services segment were partially offset by the continued adoption of our optional overdraft protection program services available to accountholders across our portfolios.

Current wording

In our Consumer Services segment, revenues decreased during the year ended December 31, 2024 by 19% from the prior year comparable period. Gross dollar volume and purchase volume declined for the year ended December 31, 2024 by 16% and 19%, respectively, and the average number of active accounts and direct deposit accounts for the fiscal year declined by 18% and 19%, respectively. We believe these decreases in our Consumer Services segment are attributable to several factors, including our decision to wind-down many of our legacy accountholder programs in support of GO2bank, macro-economic factors affecting consumer behavior and other competitive trends that have impacted acquisition at retail locations, and the non-renewal of one of our retail partner programs in a prior period. These factors had a corresponding impact on the amount of accountholder fee revenue we earn from accounts, including monthly maintenance fees, new card fees, ATM fees and interchange fees. Revenues within this segment were also adversely impacted by a decrease in breakage revenue on our gift card portfolios for the comparable period.

Previous wording

In our B2B Services segment, revenues increased by 30% during the year ended December 31, 2023 over the prior year comparable period. The increase was driven by strong year-over-year growth in our gross dollar volume, which increased during the year ended December 31, 2023 by 58%, despite a year-over-year reduction in purchase volume by 14%, and a year-over-year decline in the average number of active accounts by 20%. The growth in gross dollar volume was driven primarily by certain BaaS programs that do not generate interchange fees and resulted in a net increase in segment revenue due to higher program management service fees earned from these BaaS partners, partially offset by the non-renewals of other BaaS partners as previously disclosed.

Current wording

In our B2B Services segment, revenues increased by 40% during the year ended December 31, 2024 over the prior year comparable period. The increase was driven by strong year-over-year growth in our gross dollar volume, which increased during the year ended December 31, 2024 by 45%, and to a lesser extent, growth in purchase volume, which also increased year-over-year by 9%. The average number of active accounts for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by 15% over the prior year comparable period. The growth in gross dollar volume was driven primarily by certain BaaS programs that do not generate interchange fees and resulted in a net increase in segment revenue due to higher program management service fees earned from these BaaS partners, partially offset by the non-renewals of certain other BaaS partners in prior periods.

Previous wording

Our Money Movement Services segment revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 by 6% from the prior year comparable period. The decrease in our Money Movement Services segment was primarily attributable to the number of cash transfers processed, which decreased by 6% from the prior year comparable period, and to a lesser extent, a 3% decrease in our tax processing revenues. The Green Dot Network is a service provider to accountholders in our Consumer Services and B2B Services segments, as well as third-party programs. The decrease in cash transfers was the result of lower active accounts within our Consumer Services and B2B Services segments discussed above. However, we continued to experience an increase in the number of cash transfers processed for third-party programs, which has grown steadily on a year-over-year basis, and represented the majority of our total cash transfers as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

In our Money Movement Services segment, revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 by 4% from the prior year comparable period. The increase in revenues was driven primarily by an increase in our tax processing revenues, partially offset by a decrease in cash transfer revenues. Although the number of tax refunds processed decreased by 2% during the year ended December 31, 2024, our tax processing revenues increased due to a favorable mix-shift in the distribution channel in which the tax refund was processed and from the expansion of our taxpayer advance programs. These increases were partially offset by a 5% decline in the number of cash transfers processed during the year ended December 31, 2024 from the prior year comparable period. The decline in the number of cash transfers processed was due to a lower number of active accounts within our Consumer Services segment as discussed above. The Green Dot Network is a service provider to accountholders in both our Consumer Services and B2B Services segments, as well as third-party programs. We continued to experience an increase in the number of cash transfers processed for third-party programs, which has grown steadily on a year-over-year basis, and represented the majority of our total cash transfers as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Net interest income earned by Green Dot Bank, a component of our Corporate and Other segment, decreased for the year ended December 31, 2023 by 11% from the prior year comparable period. The decrease in net interest income was the result of an increase in interest shared with certain BaaS partners (a reduction of revenue), partially offset by higher yields on our cash balances, each driven by increases in short-term interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

Current wording

Revenues within our Corporate and Other segment were driven primarily by net interest income earned by Green Dot Bank, which increased by 67% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from the prior year comparable period. The increase in net interest income was the result of an increase in cash from deposit programs with our partners and yields earned at the Federal Reserve, partially offset by an increase in interest shared with certain BaaS partners (a reduction of revenue).

Previous wording

Our total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased $123.5 million, or 9%, over the prior year comparable period. As discussed in more detail below, the increase in our total operating expenses was driven primarily by an increase in processing expenses within our B2B Services segment, and to a lesser extent, a net increase in other general and administrative expenses, partially offset by a decrease in sales and marketing expenses, and lower compensation and benefits expenses.

Current wording

Our total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $246.9 million, or 17%, over the prior year comparable period. The increase in our total operating expenses was driven primarily by an increase in processing expenses within our B2B Services segment, and to a lesser extent, a net increase in compensation and benefits expenses and other general and administrative expenses, partially offset by a decrease in sales and marketing expenses, each as discussed in more detail below.

Previous wording

The increase in our total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 was driven primarily by an increase in processing expenses associated with the growth of certain BaaS account programs within our B2B Services segment discussed above, partially offset by reductions in processor costs realized from the migration to our in-licensed card management system. Other general and administrative expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2023 in part due to an estimated accrual we recorded based on a proposed consent order we and our subsidiary bank received from the Federal Reserve Board, as discussed in more detail below. Other general and administrative expenses also increased due to an increase in overall transaction losses attributable to an increase in the amount of customer dispute volume across our portfolios and higher professional services fees related to our anti-money laundering program ("AML"), including improvements to our compliance controls, policies and procedures, partially offset by a $13 million legal settlement and certain impairment charges of internal-use software that were recorded in the prior year comparable period, which in each case did not recur in 2023.

Current wording

The increase in our processing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was driven primarily by the growth in gross dollar volume associated with certain BaaS account programs within our B2B Services segment discussed above, partially offset by reductions in processor costs realized from the migration to our in-licensed card management system. Our total operating expenses also increased due to an increase in compensation and benefits expenses, driven primarily by an increase in third-party call center support costs associated with the growth of the BaaS account programs, as discussed above, and higher accrued bonus compensation expense, partially offset by lower salary and wages driven by the reduction in employee workforce we initiated in February 2024 (the "Headcount Reduction") and lower employee stock-based compensation expense, primarily due to fluctuations in the expected achievement of certain performance-based equity awards. Other general and administrative expenses increased during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to a civil money penalty paid, as discussed further below, higher professional services fees related to our anti-money laundering program ("AML") programs, including improvements to our compliance controls, policies and procedures, and the settlement payment and impairment charges related to internal-use software and other related assets associated with the termination of our partnership agreement to develop a new core banking system. These increases in other general and administrative expenses were partially offset by a decrease in overall transaction losses attributable to a decrease in the amount of customer dispute volume across our portfolios and favorable reductions in our dispute loss rates, as well as lower losses from purchase overdraft transactions.

Previous wording

We and our subsidiary bank received a proposed consent order from the Federal Reserve Board relating principally to various aspects of compliance risk management, including consumer compliance and compliance with AML regulations. The matters addressed in the proposed consent order relate to activities and practices that commenced prior to our CEO transition in 2020. Included in the proposed consent order are proposals for civil money penalties related to these issues. While we are still in discussions with the Federal Reserve Board regarding these proposals, we accrued an estimated liability of $20 million related to the proposed consent order during the three months ended December 31, 2023. We believe the estimate of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses (meaning the likelihood of losses is more than remote but less than likely), is up to $50 million as of December 31, 2023. This estimated range of reasonably possible losses is based on currently available information for those proceedings in which we are involved and considers our best estimate of such losses for those matters for which an estimate can be made. However, there can be no assurance that our accrual is sufficient or that losses from the proposed consent order will not exceed the estimated range. For further discussion, see the headings"As a bank holding company, we are subject to extensive and potentially changing regulation and are required to serve as a source of strength for Green Dot Bank" and“Litigation or investigations could result in significant settlements, sanctions, fines or penalties” included as part of our risk factor disclosures in "Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

On July 19, 2024, we and our subsidiary bank entered into a consent order (the "Consent Order") with the Federal Reserve Board relating principally to various aspects of compliance risk management, including consumer compliance and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Included in the Consent Order was a civil money penalty related to these issues in the amount of $44 million which was subsequently paid in July 2024. We previously accrued an estimated liability of $20 million related to the Consent Order during the three months ended December 31, 2023, and the remaining portion was accrued during the three months ended June 30, 2024. For further discussion, see the headings "As a bank holding company, we are subject to extensive and potentially changing regulation and are required to serve as a source of strength for Green Dot Bank" and “Litigation or investigations could result in significant settlements, sanctions, fines or penalties” included as part of our risk factor disclosures in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

Previous wording

Our income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased $11.8 million, or 60% over the prior year comparable period. The decrease in our income tax expense was due primarily to an 83% decrease in our income before taxes, partially offset by an increase in our effective tax rate. Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 54.1% and 23.5%, respectively. The increase in our effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the expense associated with tax shortfalls from stock-based compensation, expense related to nondeductible penalties, and higher expenses related to state taxes, net of federal benefits, partially offset by higher tax benefits from general business credits and cash value growth in bank owned life insurance policies. The increase in nondeductible penalties for the year ended December 31, 2023 is related to the tax effect associated with the estimated accrual for our proposed consent order received from the Federal Reserve Board discussed above.

Current wording

Our income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased $3.7 million, or 47%, from the prior year comparable period. The decrease in our income tax expense was due primarily to a decrease in our pre-taxable income. Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was (18.5)% and 54.1%, respectively. The decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily attributable to a decrease in state income taxes expense, net of federal benefits, the impact of general business credits, and a reduction in the amount of compensation expense that was subject to the Internal Revenue Code (the "IRC") Section 162(m) limitation on the deductibility of certain executive compensation. These decreases were partially offset by incremental taxes and penalties ("surrender penalties") we incurred in connection with the surrender and restructuring of our existing bank owned life insurance policies, an increase in the valuation allowance on a portion of our unrealized loss on equity securities, an increase in tax expense associated with shortfalls from stock-based compensation, and an increase in tax expense due to nondeductible expenses and penalties. The increase in nondeductible expenses and penalties for the year ended December 31, 2024 is primarily related to the tax effect associated with the civil money penalty for the Consent Order.

Previous wording

During the third quarter of 2023, we completed the final account migrations of our processor conversion. While we will continuously seek opportunities to enhance and invest in our overall technology platform, we expect the implementation of our card management platform will allow us to begin fully realizing reductions in our processing expenses in 2024. Additionally, in February 2024, we also initiated a reduction in workforce that impacted approximately 10% of our global employees. This strategic reduction in force is intended to improve our cost structure, streamline operations, and refocus resources on core strategic priorities.

Current wording

We have seen reductions in our processing expenses from our processor conversion and expect the implementation of our card management platform will allow us to continue to realize reductions in our processing expenses as we seek to expand account programs.

Previous wording

We expect these cost reduction initiatives to be partially offset by increases in other areas, as we will continue to invest in and incur additional expenses in connection with our AML program, including improvements to our compliance controls, policies and procedures, which we believe will ultimately help us to continue to remediate regulatory matters discussed above and mitigate and reduce our fraud losses over the long term.

Current wording

Despite the meaningful reductions to our cost structure we have achieved across our organization through our various initiatives, we are incurring increased expenses in other areas, as we have incurred additional expenses in connection with our continued investments in our AML program, including improvements to our compliance controls, policies and procedures. We believe these investments will ultimately help us to continue to remediate matters identified in the Consent Order and mitigate and reduce our fraud losses over the long term.

Previous wording

During 2022, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by an aggregate of 425 basis points. During 2023, the Federal Reserve raised rates by an additional 100 basis points, which further contributed to a market slowdown. The market consensus is that interest rates will decrease during 2024, but we expect that an elevated interest rate environment may persist for the foreseeable future. The Federal Reserve's decision-making policies for short-term interest rates will continue to impact the amount of net interest income we earn in the future. In general, while increases in short-term interest rates benefit the yield we earn on our cash, certain of our BaaS partner arrangements allow for the BaaS partner to share in a significant portion of the interest earned from accountholder deposits (which are recorded as a reduction of revenue in our consolidated financial statements), and yields on our investment portfolio tend to lag interest rate increases as securities mature and proceeds are reinvested. Accordingly, the net effect has had and may continue to have a negative impact on our consolidated financial statements, and will be dependent upon future interest rate changes enacted by the Federal Reserve.

Current wording

In September 2024, the Federal Reserve decreased interest rates by 50 basis points, the first rate cut in over four years, and further reduced interest rates by an additional 50 basis points during the fourth quarter of 2024. The Federal Reserve's decision-making policies for short-term interest rates will continue to impact the amount of net interest income we earn in the future. In general, while increases in short-term interest rates benefit the yield we earn on our cash, certain of our BaaS partner arrangements allow for the BaaS partner to share in a significant portion of the interest earned from accountholder deposits (which are recorded as a reduction of revenue in our consolidated financial statements), and yields on our investment portfolio tend to lag interest rate increases as securities mature and proceeds are reinvested. Accordingly, the net effect has had and we expect will continue to have a negative impact on our consolidated financial statements and will be dependent upon future interest rate changes enacted by the Federal Reserve.

Previous wording

Further, the duration and magnitude of the continuing effects of macro-economic factors remain uncertain and dependent on various factors. See "Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors," for an additional discussion of risks related to macro-economic factors.

Current wording

Further, the duration and magnitude of the continuing effects of macro-economic factors remain uncertain and dependent on various factors outside of our control. See Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," for an additional discussion of risks related to macro-economic factors.

Previous wording

Gross Dollar Volume — Represents the total dollar volume of funds loaded to our account products from direct deposit and non-direct deposit sources. A substantial portion of our gross dollar volume is generated from direct deposit sources. We use this metric to analyze the total amount of money moving onto our account programs, and to determine the overall engagement and usage patterns of our account holder base. This metric also serves as a leading indicator of revenue generated through our Consumer Services and B2B Services segments, inclusive of fees charged to account holders and interchange revenues generated through the spending of account balances.

Current wording

Gross Dollar Volume — Represents the total dollar volume of funds loaded to our account products from direct deposit and non-direct deposit sources. A substantial portion of our gross dollar volume is generated from direct deposit sources. We use this metric to analyze the total amount of money moving onto our account programs, and to determine the overall engagement and usage patterns of our accountholder base. This metric also serves as a leading indicator of revenue generated through our Consumer Services and B2B Services segments, inclusive of fees charged to accountholders and interchange revenues generated through the spending of account balances.

Previous wording

Purchase Volume — Represents the total dollar volume of purchase transactions made by our account holders. This metric excludes the dollar volume of ATM withdrawals and volume generated by certain BaaS programs where the BaaS partner receives interchange fees and we earn a program management service fee. We use this metric to analyze interchange revenue, which is a key component of our financial performance.

Current wording

Purchase Volume — Represents the total dollar volume of purchase transactions made by our accountholders. This metric excludes the dollar volume of ATM withdrawals and volume generated by certain BaaS programs where the BaaS partner receives interchange fees and we earn a program management service fee. We use this metric to analyze interchange revenue, which is a key component of our financial performance.

Previous wording

Number of Cash Transfers — Represents the total number of cash transfer transactions conducted by consumers, such as a point-of-sale swipe reload transaction, the purchase of a MoneyPak or an e-cash mobile remittance transaction marketed under various brand names, that we conducted through our retail distributors in a specified period. This metric excludes disbursements made through our Simply Paid wage disbursement platform. We review this metric as a measure of the size and scale of our retail cash processing network, as an indicator of customer engagement and usage of our products and services, and to analyze cash transfer revenue, which is a key component of our financial performance.

Current wording

Number of Cash Transfers — Represents the total number of cash transfer transactions conducted by consumers, such as a point-of-sale swipe reload transaction, the purchase of a MoneyPak or an e-cash mobile remittance transaction marketed under various brand names, that we conducted through our retail distributors in a specified period. This metric excludes disbursements made through our wage disbursement platform. We review this metric as a measure of the size and scale of our retail cash processing network, as an indicator of customer engagement and usage of our products and services, and to analyze cash transfer revenue, which is a key component of our financial performance.

Previous wording

Card Revenues and Other Fees — Card revenues consist of monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, new card fees and other revenues. We charge maintenance fees on prepaid cards, checking accounts and certain cash transfer products, such as MoneyPak, pursuant to the terms and conditions in our customer agreements. We charge ATM fees to cardholders when they withdraw money at certain ATMs in accordance with the terms and conditions in our cardholder agreements. We charge new card fees, if applicable, when a consumer purchases a prepaid card, gift card, or a checking account product through our Retail channel. Other revenues consist primarily of revenue associated with our gift card program, annual fees associated with our secured credit card portfolio, transaction-based fees, fees associated with optional products or services, such as our overdraft protection program, and cash-back rewards we offer to cardholders. Our cash-back rewards are recorded as a reduction to card revenues and other fees. Also included in card revenues and other fees are program management service fees earned from our BaaS partners for programs we manage on their behalf.

Current wording

Card Revenues and Other Fees — Card revenues consist of monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, new card fees and other revenues. We charge maintenance fees on prepaid cards, checking accounts and certain cash transfer products, such as MoneyPak, pursuant to the terms and conditions in our customer agreements. We charge ATM fees to accountholders when they withdraw money at certain ATMs in accordance with the terms and conditions in our accountholder agreements. We charge new card fees, if applicable, when a consumer purchases a prepaid card, gift card, or a checking account product through our Retail channel. Other revenues consist primarily of revenue associated with our gift card program, annual fees associated with our secured credit card portfolio, transaction-based fees, fees associated with optional products or services, such as our overdraft protection program, and cash-back rewards we offer to accountholders. Our cash-back rewards are recorded as a reduction to card revenues and other fees. Also included in card revenues and other fees are program management service fees earned from our BaaS partners for programs we manage on their behalf.

Previous wording

Our aggregate monthly maintenance fee revenues vary primarily based upon the number of active accounts in our portfolio and the average fee assessed per account. Our average monthly maintenance fee per active account depends upon the mix of products in our portfolio at any given point in time and upon the extent to which fees are waived based on various incentives provided to customers in an effort to encourage higher usage and retention. Our aggregate ATM fee revenues vary based upon the number of cardholder ATM transactions and the average fee per ATM transaction. The average fee per ATM transaction depends upon the mix of products in our portfolio at any given point in time and the extent to which cardholders use ATMs within our free network that carry no fee for cash withdrawal transactions. Our aggregate new card fee revenues vary based upon the number of prepaid cards and checking accounts activated and the average new card fee. The average new card fee depends primarily upon the mix of products that we sell since there are variations in new account fees based on the product and/or the location or source where our products are purchased. The revenue we earn from each of these fees may also vary depending upon the channel in which the active accounts were acquired. For example, certain BaaS programs may not assess monthly maintenance fees and as a result, these accounts may generate lower fee revenue than other active accounts. Our aggregate other fees vary primarily based upon account sales of all types, gift card sales, purchase transactions and the number of active accounts in our portfolio.

Current wording

Our aggregate monthly maintenance fee revenues vary primarily based upon the number of active accounts in our portfolio and the average fee assessed per account. Our average monthly maintenance fee per active account depends upon the mix of products in our portfolio at any given point in time and upon the extent to which fees are waived based on various incentives provided to customers in an effort to encourage higher usage and retention. Our aggregate ATM fee revenues vary based upon the number of accountholder ATM transactions and the average fee per ATM transaction. The average fee per ATM transaction depends upon the mix of products in our portfolio at any given point in time and the extent to which accountholders use ATMs within our free network that carry no fee for cash withdrawal transactions. Our aggregate new card fee revenues vary based upon the number of prepaid cards and checking accounts activated and the average new card fee. The average new card fee depends primarily upon the mix of products that we sell since there are variations in new account fees based on the product and/or the location or source where our products are purchased. The revenue we earn from each of these fees may also vary depending upon the channel in which the active accounts were acquired. For example, certain BaaS programs may not assess monthly maintenance fees and as a result, these accounts may generate lower fee revenue than other active accounts. Our aggregate other fees vary primarily based upon account sales of all types, gift card sales, purchase transactions and the number of active accounts in our portfolio.

Previous wording

Cash Processing Revenues — Cash processing revenues consist of cash transfer revenues, tax refund processing service revenues, Simply Paid disbursement revenues and other tax processing service revenues. We earn cash transfer revenues when consumers fund their cards through a reload transaction at a Green Dot Network retail location. Our aggregate cash transfer revenues vary based upon the mix of locations where reload transactions occur, since reload fees vary by location. We earn tax refund processing service revenues at the point in time when a customer of a third-party tax preparation company chooses to pay his or her tax preparation fee through the use of our tax refund processing services. We earn Simply Paid disbursement fees from our business partners at the point in time payment disbursements are made.

Current wording

Cash Processing Revenues — Cash processing revenues consist of cash transfer revenues, tax refund processing service revenues, disbursement revenues and other tax processing service revenues. We earn cash transfer revenues when consumers fund their cards through a reload transaction at a Green Dot Network retail location. Our aggregate cash transfer revenues vary based upon the mix of locations where reload transactions occur, since reload fees vary by location. We earn tax refund processing service revenues at the point in time when a customer of a third-party tax preparation company chooses to pay his or her tax preparation fee through the use of our tax refund processing services. We earn disbursement fees from our business partners at the point in time payment disbursements are made.

Previous wording

Interchange Revenues — We earn interchange revenues from fees remitted by the merchant’s bank, which are based on rates established by the payment networks, at the point in time when customers make purchase transactions using our products. Our aggregate interchange revenues vary based primarily on the number of active accounts in our portfolio, the average transactional volume of the active accounts in our portfolio, the merchant category of spend, and on the mix of cardholder purchases between those using signature identification technologies and those using personal identification numbers and the corresponding rates.

Current wording

Interchange Revenues — We earn interchange revenues from fees remitted by the merchant’s bank, which are based on rates established by the payment networks, at the point in time when customers make purchase transactions using our products. Our aggregate interchange revenues vary based primarily on the number of active accounts in our portfolio, the average transactional volume of the active accounts in our portfolio, the merchant category of spend, and on the mix of accountholder purchases between those using signature identification technologies and those using personal identification numbers and the corresponding rates.

Previous wording

Processing Expenses — Processing expenses consist primarily of the fees charged to us by the payment networks, which process transactions for us, the third-party card processors that maintain the records of our customers' accounts and process transaction authorizations and postings for us and the third-party banks that issue our accounts. These costs generally vary based on the total number of active accounts in our portfolio and gross dollar volume transacted by those accounts. Also included in processing expenses are bank fees associated with our tax refund processing services and gateway and network fees associated with our Simply Paid disbursement services. Bank fees generally vary based on the total number of tax refund transfers processed and gateway and network fees vary based on the number of disbursements made.

Current wording

Processing Expenses — Processing expenses consist primarily of the fees charged to us by the payment networks, which process transactions for us, the third-party card processors that maintain the records of our customers' accounts and process transaction authorizations and postings for us and the third-party banks that issue our accounts. These costs generally vary based on the total number of active accounts in our portfolio and gross dollar volume transacted by those accounts. Also included in processing expenses are bank fees associated with our tax refund processing services and gateway and network fees associated with our disbursement services. Bank fees generally vary based on the total number of tax refund transfers processed and gateway and network fees vary based on the number of disbursements made.

Previous wording

We charge new card fees, if applicable, when a consumer purchases a prepaid card, gift card, or a demand deposit account product through our Retail channel. Our new card fee provides our cardholders a material right and accordingly we defer and recognize new card fee revenues on a straight-line basis over the period commensurate with our performance obligation to our customers. We consider the performance obligation period to be the average card lifetime, which is currently less than one year for our deposit account programs acquired through our Retail channel. The average card lifetime is determined based on recent historical data using the period from sale (or activation) of the card through the date of last positive balance. We reassess average card lifetime quarterly for prepaid cards and checking accounts and annually for gift cards. Average card lifetimes may vary in the future as cardholder behavior changes relative to historical experience because customers are influenced by changes in the pricing of our services, the availability of substitute products, and other factors.

Current wording

We charge new card fees, if applicable, when a consumer purchases a prepaid card, gift card, or a demand deposit account product through our Retail channel. Our new card fee provides our accountholders a material right and accordingly we defer and recognize new card fee revenues on a straight-line basis over the period commensurate with our performance obligation to our customers. We consider the performance obligation period to be the average card lifetime, which is currently less than one year for our deposit account programs acquired through our Retail channel. The average card lifetime is determined based on recent historical data using the period from sale (or activation) of the card through the date of last positive balance. We reassess average card lifetime quarterly for prepaid cards and checking accounts and annually for gift cards. Average card lifetimes may vary in the future as accountholder behavior changes relative to historical experience because customers are influenced by changes in the pricing of our services, the availability of substitute products, and other factors.

Previous wording

Transaction prices related to our account services are based on stand-alone fees stated within the terms and conditions and may also include certain elements of variable consideration depending upon the product’s features, such as cash-back rewards and fee assessments that may overdraw an account. We estimate such amounts using historical data and customer behavior patterns to determine these estimates which are recorded as a reduction to the corresponding fee revenue. Additionally, while the number of transactions that a cardholder may perform is unknown, any uncertainty is resolved at the end of each daily service contract.

Current wording

Transaction prices related to our account services are based on stand-alone fees stated within the terms and conditions and may also include certain elements of variable consideration depending upon the product’s features, such as cash-back rewards and fee assessments that may overdraw an account. We estimate such amounts using historical data and customer behavior patterns to determine these estimates which are recorded as a reduction to the corresponding fee revenue. Additionally, while the number of transactions that an accountholder may perform is unknown, any uncertainty is resolved at the end of each daily service contract.

Previous wording

The amount of cash-back rewards on our programs varies based on multiple factors, including the terms and conditions for cardholder eligibility, the redemption amount based on cardholder activity, and the cardholder redemption rates. Our estimated cash-back rewards are recorded as a reduction to card revenues and other fees on our consolidated statements of operations and as a component of other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Cash rewards have decreased by approximately 13% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year period, as our cash-back programs have declined, principally from our shift from our legacy products to our GO2bank product which does not have a cash rewards feature. Increases or decreases in our estimate of cash-back rewards is dependent upon cardholder behavioral changes and we periodically evaluate our estimation process and assumptions based on developments in redemption patterns, dollars redeemed and other cardholder behavioral trends. A relatively small change in any of our assumptions could result in a sizable increase or decrease in the amount of cash-back rewards we accrue. For example, on our Green Dot Unlimited product, a combination of a 1% increase in cardholder eligibility and a $1 increase in the average redemption amount would translate to additional cash rewards of approximately $0.5 million. Differences between actual results and our estimates are adjusted in the period that each cardholder's annual rewards cycle is completed.

Current wording

The amount of cash-back rewards on our programs varies based on multiple factors, including the terms and conditions for accountholder eligibility, the redemption amount based on accountholder activity, and the accountholder redemption rates. Our estimated cash-back rewards are recorded as a reduction to card revenues and other fees on our consolidated statements of operations and as a component of other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Cash rewards have decreased by approximately 15% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the prior year period, as our cash-back programs have declined, principally from our shift from our legacy products to our GO2bank product which does not have a cash rewards feature. Increases or decreases in our estimate of cash-back rewards is dependent upon accountholder behavioral changes and we periodically evaluate our estimation process and assumptions based on developments in redemption patterns, dollars redeemed and other accountholder behavioral trends. A relatively small change in any of our assumptions could result in a sizable increase or decrease in the amount of cash-back rewards we accrue. For example, on our Green Dot Unlimited product, a combination of a 1% increase in accountholder eligibility and a $1 increase in the average redemption amount would translate to additional cash rewards of approximately $0.5 million. Differences between actual results and our estimates are adjusted in the period that each accountholder's annual rewards cycle is completed.

Previous wording

For cardholders who are not enrolled or do not meet the eligibility requirements of our overdraft protection program, we generally decline authorization attempts for amounts that exceed the available balance in a cardholder’s account, however, the application of card association rules, the timing of the settlement of transactions and the assessment of the card’s monthly maintenance fee, among other things, can still result in overdrawn accounts. These overdrawn account balances are deemed to be receivables due from cardholders, and are included as a component of accounts receivable, net, on our consolidated balance sheets.

Current wording

For accountholders who are not enrolled or do not meet the eligibility requirements of our overdraft protection program, we generally decline authorization attempts for amounts that exceed the available balance in an accountholder’s account, however, the application of card association rules, the timing of the settlement of transactions and the assessment of the card’s monthly maintenance fee, among other things, can still result in overdrawn accounts. These overdrawn account balances are deemed to be receivables due from accountholders, and are included as a component of accounts receivable, net, on our consolidated balance sheets.

Previous wording

We generally recover overdrawn account balances from those cardholders that perform a reload transaction and, in some cases, through enforcement of payment network rules, which allow us to recover the amounts from the merchant where the purchase transaction was conducted. However, we are exposed to losses from any unrecovered overdrawn account balances. The probability of recovering these amounts is primarily related to the number of days that have elapsed since an account had transaction activity, such as a purchase, ATM transaction or fee assessment. We generally recover approximately 50-60% of overdrawn account balances in accounts that have had transaction activity in the last 30 days and less than 10% when more than 30 days have elapsed. As such, we establish a reserve for uncollectible overdrawn accounts.

Current wording

We generally recover overdrawn account balances from those accountholders that perform a reload transaction and, in some cases, through enforcement of payment network rules, which allow us to recover the amounts from the merchant where the purchase transaction was conducted. However, we are exposed to losses from any unrecovered overdrawn account balances. The probability of recovering these amounts is primarily related to the number of days that have elapsed since an account had transaction activity, such as a purchase, ATM transaction or fee assessment. We generally recover approximately 50-60% of overdrawn account balances in accounts that have had transaction activity in the last 30 days and less than 10% when more than 30 days have elapsed. As such, we establish a reserve for uncollectible overdrawn accounts.

Previous wording

We review the recoverability of goodwill at least annually or whenever significant events or changes occur, which might impair the recovery of recorded costs. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill may not be recoverable include a decline in our stock price and market capitalization, declines in the market conditions of our products, reductions in our future cash flow estimates, and significant adverse industry or economic market trends. We test for impairment of goodwill by first assessing various qualitative factors with respect to developments in our business and the overall economy to determine if it is more likely than not our goodwill is impaired. In the event it is more likely than not the carrying value of our reporting units is greater than its fair value, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit and record an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The estimate of fair value requires management to make a number of assumptions and projections, which could include, but would not be limited to, future revenues, earnings and the probability of certain outcomes. We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2023 and concluded there was no impairment in any of our reporting units.

Current wording

We review the recoverability of goodwill at least annually or whenever significant events or changes occur, which might impair the recovery of recorded costs. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill may not be recoverable include a decline in our stock price and market capitalization, declines in the market conditions of our products, reductions in our future cash flow estimates, and significant adverse industry or economic market trends. We test for impairment of goodwill by first assessing various qualitative factors with respect to developments in our business and the overall economy to determine if it is more likely than not our goodwill is impaired. In the event it is more likely than not the carrying value of our reporting units is greater than its fair value, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit and record an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. When applying the quantitative assessment, we determine the fair value of our reporting units based on a weighted average of multiple valuation techniques, principally a combination of an income approach and a market approach. The income approach calculates a value based upon the present value of estimated future cash flows, while the market approach uses earnings multiples of similarly situated guideline public companies. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires management judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which could include, but would not be limited to, future revenues, earnings and the

Previous wording

Card Revenues and Other Fees — Card revenues and other fees totaled $1,007.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $131.3 million, or 15%, from the comparable prior year period. Card revenues and other fees increased primarily due to growth in gross dollar volume in our B2B Services segment programs, which resulted in higher program management service fees earned from our BaaS partners. In addition, card revenues and other fees also increased due to customer adoption of optional features launched on our card programs, such as our overdraft protection program. These increases were partially offset by decreases in cardholder fees, such as monthly maintenance fees, new card fees and ATM fees for the reasons discussed above in "Overview."

Current wording

Card Revenues and Other Fees — Card revenues and other fees totaled $1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $223.9 million, or 22%, from the comparable prior year period. Card revenues and other fees increased primarily due to growth in gross dollar volume in our B2B Services segment programs, which resulted in higher program management service fees earned from our BaaS partners. These increases were partially offset by decreases in accountholder fees, such as monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, and new card fees, and lower breakage revenue on our gift card portfolios.

Previous wording

Cash Processing Revenues — Cash processing revenues totaled $225.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $10.0 million, or 4%, from the comparable prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to a decline in the number of cash transfers processed year-over-year as a result of lower active accounts within our Consumer Services and B2B Services segments, partially offset by an increase in the number of cash transfers processed for third-party programs as discussed above in "Overview." To a lesser extent, cash processing revenues also decreased due to lower overall tax processing revenues, as a result of a 3% decrease in the number of tax refunds processed.

Current wording

Cash Processing Revenues — Cash processing revenues totaled $231.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $6.4 million, or 3%, from the comparable prior year period. Although the number of tax refunds processed decreased by 2% during the year ended December 31, 2024, our tax processing revenues increased due to a favorable mix-shift in the distribution channel in which the tax refund was processed and from the expansion of our taxpayer advance programs. These increases were partially offset by a 5% decline in the number of cash transfers processed during the year ended December 31, 2024 from the prior year comparable period. The decline in the number of cash transfers processed was due to a lower number of active accounts within our Consumer Services segment.

Previous wording

Interchange Revenues — Interchange revenues totaled $231.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $64.6 million, or 22%, from the comparable prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to a 16% decrease in purchase volume during the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as a lower effective interchange rate for the comparable periods. Our interchange fees have both fixed and variable components, and as a result, the effective rate we earn may vary based on the size of transactions, among other factors. In addition, our interchange rate declined due to a mix shift toward categories of consumer purchases with lower effective rates.

Current wording

Interchange Revenues — Interchange revenues totaled $198.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $32.7 million, or 14%, from the comparable prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to a 10% decrease in purchase volume during the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as a lower effective interchange rate for the comparable periods. Our interchange rate declined due to a mix-shift toward categories of consumer purchases with lower effective rates. In addition, our interchange fees have both fixed and variable components, and as a result, the effective rate we earn may vary based on the size of transactions, among other factors.

Previous wording

Interest Income, net — Net interest income totaled $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $4.9 million, or 11%, from the comparable prior year period. The decrease in net interest income was the result of an increase in interest shared with certain BaaS partners (a reduction of revenue), partially offset by higher yields on our cash balances, each driven by increases in short-term interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

Current wording

Interest Income, net — Net interest income totaled $62.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $25.1 million, or 67%, from the comparable prior year period. The increase in net interest income was primarily the result of an increase in cash from deposit programs with our partners and yields earned at the Federal Reserve, partially offset by an increase in interest shared with certain BaaS partners (a reduction of revenue).

Previous wording

Sales and Marketing Expenses — Sales and marketing expenses totaled $245.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $52.6 million, or 18% compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in sales commissions due to lower revenues generated from certain products that are subject to tiered revenue-sharing agreements and our strategic decision to reduce marketing spend on GO2bank in the beginning of the fiscal year in our Direct channel in response to market trends. In addition, our sales and marketing expenses decreased as a result of lower supply chain expenses, which consists of debit card plastics and related materials, as a result of a lower number of active accounts for the comparable periods and the non-renewal of certain partner programs as previously disclosed.

Current wording

Sales and Marketing Expenses — Sales and marketing expenses totaled $217.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of $28.1 million, or 11%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in sales commissions due to lower revenues generated from certain products that are subject to tiered revenue-sharing agreements, and to a lesser extent, reduced marketing spend within our Consumer Services segment.

Previous wording

Compensation and Benefits Expenses — Compensation and benefits expenses totaled $238.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $5.4 million, or 2%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to lower accrued bonus compensation expense, partially offset by an increase in third-party call center support costs associated with the growth of certain programs within our B2B Services segment.

Current wording

Compensation and Benefits Expenses — Compensation and benefits expenses totaled $251.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $12.5 million, or 5%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in third-party call center support costs associated with the growth of certain BaaS programs within our B2B Services segment and higher accrued bonus compensation expense, partially offset by lower salary and wages driven by the Headcount Reduction and lower employee stock-based compensation expense, primarily due to fluctuations in the expected achievement of certain performance-based equity awards.

Previous wording

Processing Expenses — Processing expenses totaled $639.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $157.7 million, or 33%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was principally due to growth in gross dollar volume on certain BaaS account programs within our B2B Services segment, partially offset by reductions in processor costs realized from the migration to our in-licensed card management system.

Current wording

Processing Expenses — Processing expenses totaled $887.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $248.0 million, or 39%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. This increase was principally due to growth in gross dollar volume on certain BaaS account programs within our B2B Services segment, partially offset by reductions in processor costs realized from the migration to our in-licensed card management system.

Previous wording

Our income tax expense totaled $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing a decrease of $11.8 million from the comparable prior year period. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily driven by the decrease in our operating income, partially offset by an increase in our effective tax rate.

Current wording

Our income tax expense totaled $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, representing a decrease of $3.7 million from the comparable prior year period. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily driven by the decrease in our taxable income and a lower effective tax rate.

Previous wording

Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 is higher than our statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the expense associated with tax shortfalls from stock-based compensation, the expense related to nondeductible penalties, and higher expenses related to state taxes, net of federal benefits, partially offset by higher tax benefits from general business credits and cash value growth in bank owned life insurance policies. The increase in nondeductible penalties for the year ended December 31, 2023 is related to the tax effect associated with the estimated accrual for our proposed consent order received from the Federal Reserve Board discussed above in "Overview." Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 is higher than our statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to higher taxes from tax shortfalls from stock-based compensation, and higher expenses related to state taxes, net of federal benefits, partially offset by higher tax benefits from general business credits.

Current wording

Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 is higher than our statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the expense associated with tax shortfalls from stock-based compensation, the expense related to nondeductible penalties, and higher expenses related to state taxes, net of federal benefits, partially offset by higher tax benefits from general business credits and cash value growth in bank owned life insurance policies.

Previous wording

Segment revenues within Consumer Services for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased $88.2 million, or 15%, compared to the prior year comparable period, while our segment expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased $43.2 million, or 12%.

Current wording

Segment revenues within Consumer Services for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased $96.2 million, or 19%, compared to the prior year comparable period, while our segment expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased $80.9 million, or 25%.