ChatGPT Wants to See Your Bank Account — Should You Let It?

TLDR

• OpenAI has launched a personal finance feature in ChatGPT that links to bank accounts via Plaid
• The preview is currently available to Pro subscribers in the US at $100/month
• It uses GPT-5.5 Thinking and scores 82.5/100 on OpenAI’s internal benchmark
• ChatGPT can view your finances but cannot make transactions or access account numbers
• Early user reaction has been cautious, with privacy and accuracy concerns raised on Reddit

OpenAI has rolled out a new personal finance feature inside ChatGPT that lets users connect their bank accounts and ask questions about their money.

The feature is currently in preview for Pro subscribers in the United States. Pro users pay $100 per month. OpenAI plans to expand it to Plus subscribers, who pay $20 per month, after gathering feedback from early users.

How It Works

Users can connect accounts from more than 12,000 financial institutions using Plaid. Supported accounts include bank accounts, savings accounts, and investment accounts. Intuit will also be available as a connection option soon.

Once connected, users get a dashboard showing spending, payments, and net worth. The interface displays the data in tables and charts, similar in style to a spreadsheet.

From there, users can ask ChatGPT questions about their finances. It can help set a budget, identify spending patterns, and explain investment risks. The AI uses both the linked account data and information the user shares in conversation.

The feature is powered by GPT-5.5 Thinking. OpenAI says this model outperforms earlier versions on personal finance tasks. It scores 82.5 out of 100 on the company’s internal benchmark.

What It Cannot Do

ChatGPT cannot move money, make trades, or conduct transactions. It also cannot access specific bank account numbers. OpenAI says it cannot take any financial actions at this stage.

The company does say it plans to eventually allow users to take action on financial goals through partners. Examples given include submitting a credit card application or booking a session with a tax professional. Those features are not yet available.

OpenAI has also been clear that the tool is not a replacement for professional financial advice.

How It Compares to Existing Apps

Budgeting apps like Rocket Money and You Need a Budget already offer similar account-linking features through Plaid. Many of these apps cost under $100 per year, compared to ChatGPT Pro’s $100 per month.

The main difference with ChatGPT is the conversational element. Users can ask detailed, personalized questions and get responses that factor in both account data and broader financial goals they’ve shared.

The feature was developed with input from more than 50 finance professionals.

Early Reactions

OpenAI says users can disconnect accounts and delete chats at any time. The company acknowledges the risk of AI errors, noting the tool is meant to keep users informed, not replace expert advice.

The feature is live now for US Pro subscribers via the Finances option in the ChatGPT sidebar.

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