The outstanding balance of ExtraCash receivables is subject to variability based on differences in Member activity over the trailing 120-day measurement period, including intra-quarter seasonal shifts. Additionally, the calendar day on which a quarter ends materially affects provision expense due to intra-week fluctuations in outstanding balances. This inherent timing effect contributes to variability in our quarterly provision for credit losses.
Historical loss rates used in provision assumptions increased moderately for the three months ended September 30, 2025, reflecting expected shifts in collection performance and higher realized loss rates during the period compared to the prior year quarter. Changes in these historical loss rates, as well as actual collection metrics, directly affect both the allowance for credit losses and the corresponding provision. All uncollectible ExtraCash receivables are written off against the allowance for credit losses, reducing the allowance accordingly.
For additional details on the aging composition of ExtraCash receivables and a complete roll-forward analysis of the allowance for credit losses, refer to the detailed tables presented in Note 6 — ExtraCash Receivables, Net in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
Processing and service costs—Processing and servicing costs totaled $9.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $8.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase of $1.0 million, or 12%, was primarily driven by cost increases from ExtraCash origination volume from $1.4 billion to approximately $2.0 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2025, respectively, offset by cost savings due to price reductions and rebates from our processors and card network partners.
Financial network and transaction costs—Financial network and transaction costs totaled $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase of $1.1 million, or 18%, was primarily driven by increases in debit card network fees and debit card processing costs due to a 25% increase in spend-related transaction volume period over period, partially offset by decreases in negative balance expenses due to continued fraud mitigation efforts.
Advertising and activation costs —Advertising and activation costs totaled $18.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $14.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase of $4.0 million, or 27%, was primarily driven by strategic marketing investments aimed at efficiently acquiring and engaging new Members, supported by increased seasonal activity during the quarter. Spending levels increased from the summer marketing period, reflecting sustained campaign momentum into early fall. We continued to emphasize performance-driven marketing execution, utilizing advanced measurement and attribution tools to optimize budget allocation. Enhanced channel optimization, creative testing, and real-time performance monitoring supported disciplined resource deployment focused on maintaining efficiency and maximizing return on marketing investment.
Compensation and benefits—Compensation and benefits expenses totaled $24.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $30.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The decrease of $5.6 million, or 18%, was primarily attributable to the following:
•a decrease in stock-based compensation of $6.2 million, primarily due to the vesting of certain performance based restricted stock units during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2025, in addition to reductions in stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units and stock options granted in prior years that have fully vested; offset by
•an increase in temporary labor and contractor costs of $0.5 million, as we continued to leverage specialized skills and flexible workforce arrangements to support key operating initiatives and capacity needs during the three months ended September 30, 2025.
Technology and infrastructure—Technology and infrastructure expenses totaled $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase of $0.3 million, or 12%, was primarily driven by increased investment levels in supporting the reliability, security, and scalability of our systems. Management continues to focus on efficiency and operational resilience in technology-related spend, ensuring that resources are aligned with business growth, cybersecurity, and customer needs.
Other operating expenses—Other operating expenses totaled $11.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The decrease of $2.1 million, or 16%, was primarily attributable to the following:
•a decrease in legal expenses of $1.3 million primarily attributable to $2.5 million in lower settlement-related expenses, partially offset by an increase in general legal and litigation expenses of $1.2 million compared to the prior period. The