OpenAI lets ChatGPT access your bank accounts via Plaid integration
Your trust in AI is about to be tested as OpenAI lets ChatGPT peek at your finances.
OpenAI is pushing deeper into personal data territory by letting ChatGPT access users' bank accounts. The new feature, announced in preview today, integrates with Plaid — the financial data platform that bridges 12,000 institutions including Schwab, Fidelity, Chase, and Capital One. Initially available only to US-based ChatGPT Pro subscribers (the $200/month tier), the system can display a dashboard of spending history, active subscriptions, and investment accounts. OpenAI says users can ask for help with financial decisions like buying a house or choosing a credit card, and the chatbot can flag changes in spending habits. However, ChatGPT cannot make transactions or see full account numbers.
This launch follows OpenAI's January introduction of ChatGPT Health, a service for health-related questions. Privacy concerns naturally arise, especially given the sensitivity of financial data. OpenAI promises user control: accounts can be disconnected at any time, with data deletion taking up to 30 days. Users can also view and delete “financial memories” saved by the chatbot, and choose whether financial conversation data is used to train AI models. Still, the company doesn't specify what it will do with financial information beyond training, or what protections exist against system hacks. The feature will later roll out to Plus subscribers.
- ChatGPT integrates with Plaid, covering 12,000+ financial institutions including Chase, Schwab, and Capital One.
- Feature launches for US ChatGPT Pro subscribers ($200/month) before expanding to Plus tier.
- OpenAI can see balances and transactions but cannot move money; users can disconnect and request data deletion within 30 days.
Why It Matters
AI gaining direct access to sensitive financial data raises urgent trust and privacy questions for users and regulators alike.