OpenAI is connecting ChatGPT to bank accounts via Plaid
OpenAI has partnered with Plaid, a financial data aggregator, to give ChatGPT the ability to connect to users' bank accounts. This integration, announced on May 15, 2026, allows ChatGPT to read transaction histories, check balances, and even initiate payments on behalf of users. The feature is rolling out to ChatGPT Plus subscribers initially, with a broader release planned. Users must authenticate via Plaid's secure link, which provides read and write access to their accounts. This development marks a significant expansion of ChatGPT's capabilities into personal finance, but it also introduces new risks: if compromised, an attacker could drain accounts or steal sensitive financial data. OpenAI emphasizes that user data will be encrypted and not used for training, but the move has sparked debate about the wisdom of granting an AI direct access to bank accounts.
Developers must now consider AI agents as potential financial actors with real-world consequences.