ChatGPT Tests Bank Linking for Personalized Finance Advice
OpenAI has started testing a personal finance tool for ChatGPT that allows US Pro subscribers to link their bank accounts. This feature delivers custom analysis drawn from users' actual financial information. A preview version appears on the web and iOS platforms. Users see a spending dashboard where they can pose questions tied to their own data, moving beyond general tips.
ChatGPT already draws over 200 million monthly users for tasks like budgeting and financial planning. OpenAI aims to make these interactions more precise by using real data. The company will adjust the tool using initial user input before rolling it out to Plus subscribers. Access for all users remains a future target.
Connections Through Plaid
Users link accounts via Plaid, a service that covers more than 12,000 financial institutions. Integration with Intuit follows later. After authentication, ChatGPT spends a few minutes to sync and sort the data. The process grants read-only access only.
The dashboard shows portfolio results, spending categories, subscriptions, and payments due soon. Users supply extra details, such as a mortgage payment or savings goal. ChatGPT then examines recent transactions. For instance, it might identify spending patterns and propose specific monthly limits, rather than vague ideas like reducing food delivery orders.
In a demonstration from OpenAI, the tool assessed real transactions and found potential monthly savings of about $705. It broke this down by areas including dining, shopping, transportation, unused subscriptions, and groceries. The system stores user inputs as "Financial Memories" for ongoing chats. Users can view or remove these at any point.
Advanced Model for Finance Tasks
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Finance queries use the GPT-5.5 Thinking model by default. OpenAI states this model handles complex factors like income, debts, and time periods. An internal test, reviewed by more than 50 financial specialists, gave GPT-5.5 Thinking a score of 79 out of 100 for quality and accuracy. GPT-5.5 Pro reached 82.5, compared to 59.4 for the earlier GPT-5.3 Instant.
OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022 as a conversational AI based on its GPT models. The service quickly gained popularity for everyday assistance, including money management. This new feature builds on that base, with Plaid handling secure data links. Plaid powers connections for apps like Venmo and Robinhood, ensuring broad bank coverage.
Future updates include a tie-up with Intuit, maker of Mint and TurboTax. This will allow direct steps inside ChatGPT, such as applying for suggested credit cards or reaching tax help.
Privacy and Access Limits
ChatGPT views balances, transactions, investments, and debts with read-only permissions. It never accesses full account numbers or alters funds. Users revoke connections anytime. OpenAI removes synced data within 30 days of disconnection. Temporary chat sessions skip financial data entirely.
Model training from these chats follows each user's existing privacy choices in ChatGPT. OpenAI urges multi-factor authentication for accounts. The company stresses that ChatGPT lacks status as a licensed financial advisor or tax expert. Users must check all outputs independently.
This rollout comes as of May 15, 2026, focusing first on US Pro users to gather feedback.