# How Direct Import Works > Learn how YNAB’s Direct Import feature helps automatically link your bank account, import transactions, manage balances, and troubleshoot issues. Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-direct-import-works-H1IGYLgnxl Last updated: 2026-07-02T17:23:13.624Z When you link your accounts in YNAB, our goal is simple: keep your plan updated with accurate, timely information. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot that happens to make this work. Here’s an overview of what Direct Import is, how bank connections work, and what to expect if something goes wrong. #### In This Article [What Is Direct Import?](#what) [How Bank Connections Work](#how) [Security and Privacy](#security-and-privacy) [Reliability and Limitations](#reliability-and-limitations) [When Things Go Wrong](#when-things-go-wrong) #### Getting Started With Direct Import Direct Import is completely optional. However, if you’d like to link your accounts, YNAB works with multiple import providers ([MX](https://www.mx.com/company/) and [Plaid](https://plaid.com/company/)) to offer our Direct Import feature. We also offer a direct connection between YNAB and [select Apple Wallet accounts](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-connections-rkShEfrUh). Additionally, Apple supports [connecting applicable third-party spending accounts in the United Kingdom](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-third-party-H1gE_0CRyg).  Once you link an account, YNAB will import the opening balance of that day and create a Starting Balance transaction. Transactions that cleared before the date of the Starting Balance will not be imported.  When new transactions clear your bank, you'll be able to find them in the account register soon after—typically within 24-72 hours. If you need to take action on imported transactions, you'll be notified at the [top of the Home tab on our mobile apps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/spotlight-BkdHBZUokg) and at the top of the account register on the web app. * * * ## What Is Direct Import? Direct Import brings your recent transactions and current balances from your bank into YNAB. When you link an account, YNAB works with an import provider to create a secure connection with your bank. Once the bank connection is in place, you can link your accounts in YNAB to your accounts at that bank. The provider retrieves your transaction details and delivers them to YNAB so your plan reflects your real-world spending. Direct Import isn’t instant. Most linked accounts refresh once or twice a day, though some banks limit updates to less frequent intervals. Combined with the time it takes for transactions to post, it can take up to three days for a posted transaction to appear in your plan. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## How Bank Connections Work YNAB partners with two trusted providers, MX and Plaid, who specialize in securely connecting banks to apps like YNAB. They: * Authenticate with your bank using encrypted communication * Retrieve balances, transactions, and account types * Send that data back to YNAB Using two providers gives us more flexibility to keep your connection stable and accurate. Your bank connection will use the provider currently performing best for your bank, and we regularly monitor performance and adjust as needed. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## Security and Privacy Your security is critical. All communication between you, the provider, and your bank is encrypted in transit and at rest. YNAB receives only limited data—never your login credentials. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## Reliability and Limitations Direct Import relies on multiple systems: your bank, the provider, and YNAB. If any part of that chain changes—like a bank adding new security steps or updating its website—the connection can break. Common signs of a disruption include: * Accounts showing an error * Missing transactions * Balances that don’t match your bank These issues aren’t unique to YNAB—they can happen with any service that connects to banks. Some banks and credit cards (especially so with Canadian institutions) are more challenging. Canada’s move toward open banking will hopefully make things smoother over time. Our team monitors connection health, communicates issues with providers, and advocates for broader coverage to minimize these disruptions. [Back to Top](#backtotop) * * * ## When Things Go Wrong If your connection fails, it’s rarely permanent. If you experience a disruption, [we have some troubleshooting steps you can try](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s). While troubleshooting, you can keep your accounts updated by using: * [File-Based Import](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/file-based-import-a-guide-Bkj4Sszyo): Download a file from your bank and upload it to YNAB * Manual Entry: Add transactions yourself for immediate accuracy, or [schedule them if they're regularly occurring](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/scheduled-transactions-a-guide-BygrAIFA9) Learn more about [adding transactions without direct import](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/adding-transactions-without-direct-import-B1kBALVaxx). [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!