# Apple Wallet in YNAB: Authorized Bank Connections

> Connect applicable third party spending accounts in the United Kingdom to an iPhone running iOS 18.6 or higher to import transactions automatically.

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-third-party-H1gE_0CRyg

Last updated: 2026-07-29T17:26:41.095Z

Connect applicable third party spending accounts in the United Kingdom to an iPhone running iOS 18.6 or higher to import transactions automatically. Apple uses open banking to access various financial data in the UK from select institutions. To find out if your institution is supported, [check with Apple](https://developer.apple.com/financekit/).

Learn how to troubleshoot error messages, and review a number of frequently asked questions about these types of connections.

#### Located in the United States?

Connecting to third party spending accounts through Apple Wallet is only available in the UK. If you're in the US and looking to connect your Apple Card, Apple Cash, and/or Savings with Apple Card, those Apple products _are_ available in the United States. Please check out [Apple Wallet Connections in YNAB: Using Apple Card, Apple Cash, and Savings with Apple Card](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-connections-rkShEfrUh) for more information.

#### In This Article

**Requirements, Connections, and Apple Accounts**  
  

[Apple Wallet Setup Requirements](#requirements)  
  

[How to Link Your Spending Accounts Using Apple Wallet in YNAB](#how)  
  

[How to Manage Your Apple Wallet Connection](#manage)  
  

**Troubleshooting**  
  

[Permission Required or No Accounts Found](#permissions)  
  

[Delayed Connections](#delayed)  
  

[Transactions and Payees](#transactions-and-payees)  
  

[Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#faq)

* * *

## Apple Wallet Setup Requirements

Apple Wallet connections are different from all other linked accounts you may have with our Direct Import providers. Because of this difference:

*   iOS 18.6 or higher and the most up-to-date version of YNAB are required to authorize an Apple Wallet connection.
    
*   Your bank must be connected in Apple Wallet and specific accounts granted access via open banking. This is different than adding a credit or debit card in Apple Wallet.
    
*   A successful Apple Wallet connection depends entirely on open communication between the YNAB app and a single iPhone (whichever iPhone you used to originally authorize the Apple Wallet connection). We recommend using your main, most-frequently-used iPhone to authorize your Apple Wallet connection.
    
*   ["Background App Refresh" needs to remain toggled on](#background-app-refresh) in iOS Settings.
    
*   Troubleshooting errors ([Permission Required](#permissions), [No Accounts Found](#permissions), [Delayed Connections](#delayed)) must be completed on the iPhone you used to originally authorize the Apple Wallet connection. (If you no longer have access to that iPhone, you'll need to use a new one to [remove and re-add your Apple Wallet connection](#remove) to begin troubleshooting.)
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Link Your Bank Account Using Apple Wallet in YNAB

Follow these steps on your main, most-frequently-used iPhone, as transaction imports rely on the communication between this iPhone and the YNAB mobile app. Once set up using the steps in the sections below, transactions will automatically sync to your other YNAB devices (web app, iOS, or Android)

### How to Link a New Account 

If you have no existing account in YNAB, follow these steps. 

1.  From the _Accounts_ tab, tap _Add Account_ at the bottom of your account list.
    
2.  Select your existing Apple Wallet connection. 
    
    1.  If you have _no_ existing Apple Wallet connection, tap _Import from Apple Wallet_ and follow the instructions.
        
3.  Select any (or all) of the accounts you would like to link in YNAB.
    
4.  Tap _Next_.
    
5.  You'll be prompted to edit the account details Apple populated. Tap _Edit_ to give each account a nickname and ensure the account type is correct.
    
6.  Tap _Next_.
    
7.  After the success message, tap _Done_.
    
8.  To keep transactions importing without interruption, the communication between YNAB and **this** iPhone needs to remain open. It's important to [verify that "Background App Refresh" is toggled on](#background-app-refresh) before using your new Apple Wallet connection.
    

### How to Link an Existing Account

If the account you would like to link already exists in YNAB, follow these steps. 

1.  First, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) the account. This helps limit the possibility of duplicate transactions. 
    
2.  If the account is already linked to a non-Apple Wallet bank connection in YNAB, you will need to [unlink it](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/linked-accounts-B1991f2Cc#unlink) in order to connect it using Apple Wallet. If it's already unlinked, skip to step 3.
    
3.  From the _Accounts_ tab, tap the specific account you want to link.
    
4.  Tap the three dots icon at the top of the screen.
    
5.  Tap _Link Account_.
    
6.  Select your existing Apple Wallet connection. 
    
    1.  If you have _no_ existing Apple Wallet connection, tap _Import from Apple Wallet_ and follow the instructions.
        
7.  Select the corresponding account from the list.
    
    1.  Don't see the account you're looking for? Follow the steps in the [Permission Required or No Accounts Found section](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-third-party-H1gE_0CRyg#permissions) below and try the above steps again.
        
8.  Confirm the match between the accounts by tapping _Next_.
    
9.  After the success message, tap _Done_.
    
10.  To keep transactions importing without interruption, the communication between YNAB and **this** iPhone needs to remain open. It's important to [verify that "Background App Refresh" is toggled on](#background-app-refresh) before using your new Apple Wallet connection.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Manage Your Apple Wallet Connection

An Apple Wallet connection is required before you begin importing transactions for your spending accounts. While detailed steps are provided in the section above, you can use the following steps to remove and re-add your Apple Wallet connection which can often help troubleshoot possible issues.

### How to Remove an Apple Wallet Connection

1.  From any tab, tap the three dots icon at the top of the screen. 
    
2.  Tap _Settings & Privacy_.
    
3.  Scroll down and tap _Manage Bank Connections_.
    
4.  Tap the Apple Wallet connection you want to remove.
    
5.  Tap _Remove Bank Connection_, then tap _Remove_ again to confirm.
    
6.  Tap the _X_ at the top of the screen to close the Manage Bank Connections window.
    

#### Don't Fret About Losing Transaction History

Removing a connection will unlink all the accounts you have in your Apple Wallet connection. You won't lose any transaction history already in your accounts. 

### How to Add or Re-add an Apple Wallet Connection

1.  From any tab, tap the three dots at the top of the screen.
    
2.  Tap _Settings & Privacy_.
    
3.  Scroll down and tap _Manage Bank Connections_.
    
4.  Tap _Add Connection._ 
    
5.  Tap the _Import from Apple Wallet_ button.
    
6.  Follow the prompts to complete the connection.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Permission Required or No Accounts Found 

If you receive either of these errors, permissions aren’t set up correctly in the iOS settings app. Follow these steps on the iPhone you originally used to authorize the Apple Wallet connection.

### How to Troubleshoot

1.  Navigate to the iOS Settings app.
    
2.  Select _Privacy & Security_.
    
3.  Select _Wallet_.
    
4.  Select _YNAB_.
    
5.  Select each account you'd like to authorize, along with the amount of account information you'd like to share.
    

#### Using a New iPhone

If you’re using a new iPhone, you’ll need to [remove then re-add](#remove) the Apple Wallet connection on that device.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Delayed Connections

If you receive a Delayed Connection error, the YNAB app isn't receiving transaction information from the iPhone you used to originally authorize the Apple Wallet Connection.

### How to Troubleshoot

1.  Open the YNAB app on the iPhone you used to originally authorize the Apple Wallet connection. This may clear the error. If so, the watch icon will disappear. If not, continue to the next step.
    
2.  Keep the YNAB mobile app open (running in the background).
    
3.  Navigate to the iOS Settings app.
    
4.  Select _Privacy & Security_.
    
5.  Select _Wallet_.
    
6.  Select _YNAB_.
    
7.  Select each account you'd like to authorize, along with the amount of account information you'd like to share.
    

To keep communication open between your iPhone and YNAB in the future, [verify “Background App Refresh” is toggled on](#background-app-refresh).

**Still noticing a Delayed error?**  [Remove then re-add](#remove) the Apple Wallet connection. If that doesn't resolve the problem, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) to ensure that your message gets to our Support team!

#### Using a New iPhone

If you’re using a new iPhone, you’ll need to [remove then re-add](#remove) the Apple Wallet connection on that device.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Transactions and Payees 🚨

### Importing Transactions

We check for transactions multiple times a day while the app is active in the background and more often when the app is in the foreground. Once imported, transactions sync to our server and then become available across other platforms that you use to access YNAB  (web, Android, iPad). We can only import transactions from the last 31 days, even if you chose a longer timeframe.

### Transfer Transactions

For privacy reasons, Apple limits the details it shares for transfer transactions. [Review these steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/transfer-transactions-a-guide-HJOsZz4Jj#imported) to manually set an imported transaction as a transfer.

### Payees

You may notice generic payees for some of your imported transactions. For example, you may notice “Transfer” as the payee for a transfer transaction or "Apple Services" for a variety of different app store purchases. This is expected. For privacy reasons, Apple limits the details it shares for certain transactions.

If you notice your transactions consistently import with the same incorrect payee, a renaming rule may be causing the issue. Follow [these steps to delete the renaming rule](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-rename-payees-BkotNUSyo#turnoff).

To manually edit a generic or incorrect payee after the transaction imports:

1.  Tap the imported transaction you want to edit.
    
2.  Tap _Payee_.
    
3.  In the search bar, type the name of the payee you'd like to use.
    
4.  Tap on an existing payee to choose it, or tap _Create "\[Search Term\]" Payee_ to create a new one.
    
5.  Tap _Save_.
    
6.  Tap _Done_.
    

### Missing or Delayed Transactions

There are a number of reasons your transactions may be missing or delayed.

*   If a small watch icon appears to the left of the account name on the Accounts tab, your transactions may be delayed. Follow our [troubleshooting steps for a Delayed Connection](#delayed).
    
*   If your phone has entered Low Power Mode or is turned off, transactions will not import, as this setting turns off Background App Refresh. Once you’ve exited Low Power Mode or turned your phone back on, transactions should begin to import again. If they don’t, follow our [troubleshooting steps for a Delayed Connection](#delayed).
    
*   When adding an Apple Wallet connection, Apple offers you the choice to import transactions from the last 1-2 years. Our system, however, will only bring in transactions from the last 30 days.
    

### Duplicate Transactions

When adding an Apple Wallet connection, Apple offers you the choice to import past transactions. If you linked an existing account without reconciling first, it’s possible that some of the transactions you entered manually before linking will be duplicated. Here's how to handle duplicate transactions:

1.  First, remove the duplicates from your register.
    
    1.  Select the transactions you don't need by tapping the circles to the left. You may need to tap _Select_ at the top of the screen.
        
    2.  Tap the three dots icon at the bottom of your screen.
        
    3.  Tap _Delete_.
        
2.  Once they're removed, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) your accounts to be sure your balance is spot on.
    

**Still experiencing this issue?** [Tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) to ensure that your message gets to our Support team!

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### What do I do if I get a new iPhone?

If you’re using a new iPhone, you’ll need to [remove then re-add](#remove) the Apple Wallet connection on that device.

### How do I keep communication open between my iPhone and YNAB?

Once you've created an Apple Wallet connection on your main iPhone and linked a bank account, transactions will import and then sync to your other YNAB devices (web app, iOS, or Android).

To keep transactions importing without interruption, "Background App Refresh" needs to be enabled on the iPhone you used to originally authorize the Apple Wallet connection. Here's how to verify whether it's been enabled:

1.  Open the YNAB app on the iPhone you originally used to authorize the Apple Wallet connection.
    
2.  Keep the YNAB app open (running in the background).
    
3.  Navigate to the iOS Settings app.
    
4.  Scroll all the way down and select _Apps_.
    
5.  Scroll all the way down and select _YNAB_.
    
6.  Make sure “Background App Refresh” is toggled **on**.
    

#### Keeping Your iPhone Charged and Powered On for Import

Turning your phone off or enabling Low Power Mode will prevent transactions from importing until your phone is powered on and Low Power Mode has been disabled.  
  

### Can I use an Apple Wallet connection on Android?

The Apple Wallet connection must be initiated from an iPhone. If you don’t have one, then you can’t create the connection. 

If you do have an iPhone, but also use YNAB on other devices (like Android or an iPad), you’ll need to first create the connection via your iPhone, and then transactions will sync to your other devices where you can approve and categorize them!

### Why are my transactions importing with the wrong dates?

The transaction dates we receive should match the transaction dates listed in your Apple Wallet. If they don't match, [edit the transaction date](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-edit-and-delete-transactions-BJG4oS1s#edit) in YNAB.

### What’s the difference between connecting with Apple Wallet or Plaid?

Both Apple Wallet and Plaid are secure ways to link your bank accounts to YNAB. We offer both so you can choose what works best for you. If you use an iPhone, already have your accounts set up in Apple Wallet, and prefer Apple’s ecosystem, an Apple Wallet connection might be a great fit. Plaid is another secure option that works well for many users, especially if your bank isn’t in Apple Wallet or you prefer a different connection method. Either way, you’ll be able to securely link your accounts and keep your plan updated.

### Can I use my bank accounts in YNAB without importing transactions?

Yes! Follow these steps:

1.  Create an [unlinked account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-an-account-ByoxswMJs).
    
2.  [Enter transactions manually](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-add-transactions-in-ynab-HyDwA_byi) as they occur to keep the account up to date.
    
3.  [Reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) the account regularly to confirm that the balance in YNAB matches the balance with Apple Wallet. We recommend reconciling at least once a week.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Help Us Help You!

Our Knowledge Base team reviews article feedback responses weekly, and we actively revise these articles to make them as helpful as possible. That's where you come in! Our articles are scored based on the _Yes_ or _No_ ratings received below. We also collect freeform feedback for any _No_ ratings (so our team can focus in on what you were specifically searching for!).

**Success**: Found what you were searching for? It would be super helpful if you click _Yes_ below.

**Suggestions**: Didn't find what you're searching for and you'd like to share what terms or topics you wanted? Click _No_ below. You'll then be able to submit your feedback about this article. **Please note:** the feedback submissions are anonymous, and we’re not able to respond, so make sure to use the next option if you have a specific scenario or question you would like a response to.

**Support**: If you have a question or would like a response to your specific question, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) to ensure that your message gets to our Support team!