# Linked Accounts in YNAB

> Linked accounts in YNAB use Direct Import. Learn about this feature and the actions you can take with these accounts and connections!

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/linked-accounts-in-ynab-B1991f2Cc

Last updated: 2026-07-28T20:17:10.913Z

Use our optional Direct Import feature to import transactions into YNAB by linking a new or existing account to a bank connection. Follow our platform-specific steps for a variety of actions, including adding new bank connections, removing existing ones, linking or unlinking accounts, and how to import transactions.

#### In This Article

[The Manage Bank Connections Window](#overview)

[How to Add a Bank Connection](#add)

[How to Remove a Bank Connection](#remove)

[How to Link a New Account](#new)

[How to Link an Existing Account](#existing)

[Update Button or Banner](#update)

[Unlinking an Account](#unlink)

[How to Import Transactions](#import)

[OAuth](#oauth)

[Frequently Asked Questions](#faq)

#### How Direct Import Works

Learn more about the Direct Import experience ([what Direct Import is, how bank connections work, and what to expect if something goes wrong](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-direct-import-works-H1IGYLgnxl)).

* * *

## The Manage Bank Connections Window

The Manage Bank Connections window is the control room for your Direct Import experience in YNAB. Learn more about [the actions you can take and the information you can find in the Manage Bank Connections window](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/manage-bank-connections-SySQ5lTxbx).

[Back to Top  
](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Add a Bank Connection

Here's how to [add an **Apple Wallet** connection](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-connections-rkShEfrUh#new-connection), which is different than the steps below. 

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Tap the three dots icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap _Settings & Privacy_.
    
4.  Choose _Manage Bank Connections._ (You may need to scroll down.) 
    
5.  Tap _Add a New Bank Connection_.
    
6.  Follow the prompts to establish a connection with the bank.
    
7.  Adding a bank connection does not automatically link your accounts. You'll need to do that separately by: 
    
    1.  Tapping the bank connection.
        
    2.  Tapping the account you'd like to link.
        
    3.  Tapping _Link to an Existing Account_ or _Add as a new Account_ and following the prompts. 
        

**Working from an iPad?** If the iOS steps don't seem right, there's a chance you may be running the web app since iPads allow you to _Request Desktop Version_ if you navigate directly to **https://app.ynab.com** in Safari. Try the **web steps** in this article to check whether those more accurately reflect your experience! You can also check out [Using YNAB on an iPad: A Guide](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/using-ynab-on-an-ipad-a-guide-BkzOqBdAq) for more specifics.

#### Multiple login credentials? No problem.

If you have more than one set of credentials with the same bank, you can add a separate connection for each. Then, [link the accounts](#existing) associated with each set of credentials with the corresponding bank connection. **Pro tip**: Always make sure you're using the primary account holder's credentials for the best import experience. 

### Android

1.  Tap the _Plan_ tab.
    
2.  Tap the three dots icon in the upper right at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Tap _Settings & Privacy_.
    
4.  Choose _Manage Bank Connections._ (You may need to scroll down.)
    
5.  Tap _Add a New Bank Connection_.
    
6.  Follow the prompts to establish a connection with the bank.
    
7.  Adding a bank connection does not automatically link your accounts. You'll need to do that separately by: 
    
    1.  Tapping the bank connection.
        
    2.  Tapping the account you'd like to link.
        
    3.  Tapping _Link to an Existing Account_ or _Add as a new Account_ and following the prompts. 
        

#### Multiple login credentials? No problem.

If you have more than one set of credentials with the same bank, you can add a separate bank connection for each. Then, [link the accounts](#existing) associated with those credentials with the corresponding bank connection. **Pro tip**: Always make sure you're using the primary account holder's credentials for the best import experience. 

### Web

1.  Select the name of your plan in the upper left-hand corner.
    
2.  Choose _Manage Bank Connections_ from the drop down menu. (You may need to scroll.)
    
3.  Click _Add a New Bank Connection_.
    
4.  Follow the prompts to establish a connection with your bank.
    
5.  Adding a bank connection does not automatically link your accounts. You'll need to do that separately by: 
    
    1.  Tapping the bank connection.
        
    2.  Tapping the account you'd like to link.
        
    3.  Tapping _Link to an Existing Account_ or _Add as a new Account_ and following the prompts. 
        

#### Multiple login credentials? No problem.

If you have more than one set of credentials with the same bank, you can add a separate bank connection for each. Then, [link the accounts](#existing) associated with each set of  credentials with the corresponding bank connection. **Pro tip**: Always make sure you're using the primary account holder's credentials for the best import experience. 

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Remove a Bank Connection

You may remove a bank connection if:

*   You no longer need YNAB to import transactions from your bank.
    
*   You are troubleshooting an issue with it. 
    

Removing a bank connection will unlink all accounts previously linked to it, but it will not remove their transaction history or the accounts themselves. 

### iOS

1.  From the _Accounts_ tab, tap _Manage Bank Connections_ at the bottom of the screen. You may need to scroll.
    
2.  Tap the bank connection you want to remove.
    
3.  Tap _Remove Bank Connection_, and tap _Remove_ again to confirm.
    
4.  Tap the _X_ at the top of the screen to close the Manage Bank Connections window. If you're removing a bank connection you no longer need, you're all set.
    
5.  For troubleshooting, [reset the bank connection](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/primary-troubleshooting-for-linked-accounts-and-imported-transactions-r1kZc67_xe).
    

**Working from an iPad?** If the iOS steps don't seem right, there's a chance you may be running the web app since iPads allow you to _Request Desktop Version_ if you navigate directly to **https://app.ynab.com**. Try the **web steps** in this article to check whether those more accurately reflect your experience! You can also check out [Using YNAB on an iPad: A Guide](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/using-ynab-on-an-ipad-a-guide-BkzOqBdAq) for more specifics.

### Android

1.  From the _Accounts_ tab, tap _Manage Bank Connections_ at the bottom of the screen. You may need to scroll.
    
2.  Tap the bank connection you want to remove.
    
3.  Tap _Remove Bank Connection_, and tap _Remove_ again to confirm.
    
4.  Tap the _X_ at the top of the screen to close the Manage Bank Connections window. If you're removing a connection you no longer need, you're all set.
    
5.  For troubleshooting, [reset the bank connection](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/primary-troubleshooting-for-linked-accounts-and-imported-transactions-r1kZc67_xe).
    

### Web

1.  Select the name of your plan in the top left corner.
    
2.  Click _Manage Bank Connections_ on the drop-down menu. (You may need to scroll.) 
    
3.  Click the bank connection you want to remove.
    
4.  Tap _Remove Bank Connection_, and tap _Remove_ again to confirm.
    
5.  Tap the X at the top of the screen to close the Manage Bank Connections window. If you're removing a bank connection you no longer need, you're all set.
    
6.  For troubleshooting, [reset the bank connection](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/primary-troubleshooting-for-linked-accounts-and-imported-transactions-r1kZc67_xe).
    

[Back to Top  
](#backtotop)

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## How to Link a New Account

You can add an account **and** link it to your bank at the same time by following these steps. Note: Accounts created with the **cash** type are not able to be linked. 

**Are you wanting to link a new Apple Card, Apple Cash, or Savings with Apple Card account? You'll want these** [**separate Apple Wallet-specific instructions**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-connections-rkShEfrUh#new-account).

### iOS

1.  From the _Accounts_ tab in the **mobile app**, tap _Add Account_  at the bottom of your account list.
    
2.  Choose from the list of your accounts, search for your bank, or tap on one of the popular options.
    
3.  Is this a new-to-YNAB account from a bank that already has other accounts linked in YNAB?  
    
    1.  If **yes**, you'll want to choose the existing bank connection from the list. **Don't see the account listed?** Tap the back arrow < to choose _Unlinked_ and finish adding the account that way. Then, try [removing and re-adding your existing bank connection](#remove)️. If it still doesn't show up, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) so we can help! 
        
    2.  If **no**, choose _Add Connection_ and follow the prompts to establish a connection with your bank. (If you run into an error, try [these troubleshooting steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s) or tap _Skip_ to set up an Unlinked account instead.) 
        
4.  Select the account(s) you want added to YNAB from the list. Leave the accounts you **do not** want added to YNAB unchecked. 
    
5.  Select _Edit_ to customize the account details that our import providers populated. **Note**: the type of account cannot be changed once created (though we do have [a workaround that allows you to replace it with a new account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/changing-an-account-type-a-guide-HJRnSXWko)). 
    
6.  Tap _Next_.
    
7.  Tap _Add \[#\] Account(s)_.
    
8.  **If you added a credit card account**, you'll be able to set a target to pay off your Starting Balance. Otherwise, you're done. Success! You've added an account and linked it to your bank connection.
    

#### Can’t find your bank?

If you search for your bank and come up empty, you'll have the option to suggest one. (If you don't have the option to suggest a bank, that means your bank was **automatically** suggested to be added.) We can't guarantee if or when a new bank may be added, but your request will help our Direct Import providers prioritize which banks to add next. In the meantime, you'll be able to bulk import transactions by dragging and dropping a file downloaded from your bank. File-Based Importing is a [quick and easy alternative](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/file-based-import-a-guide-Bkj4Sszyo) to Direct Import!

### Android

1.  From the _Accounts_ tab in the **mobile app**, tap _Add Account_  at the bottom of your account list.
    
2.  Choose from the list of your accounts, search for your bank, or tap on one of the popular options.
    
3.  Is this a new-to-YNAB account from a bank that already has other accounts linked in YNAB?  
    
    1.  If **yes**, you'll want to choose the existing bank connection from the list. **Don't see the account listed?** Tap the back arrow < to choose _Unlinked_ and finish adding the account that way. Then, try [removing and re-adding your existing connection](#remove)️. If it still doesn't show up, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) so we can help! 
        
    2.  If **no**, choose _Add Connection_ and follow the prompts to establish a connection with your bank. (If you run into an error, try [these troubleshooting steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s) or tap _Skip_ to set up an Unlinked account instead.) 
        
4.  Select the account(s) you want added to YNAB from the list. Leave the accounts you **do not** want added to YNAB unchecked. 
    
5.  Select _Edit_ to customize the account details that our import providers populated. **Note**: the type of account cannot be changed once created (though we do have [a workaround that allows you to replace it with a new account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/changing-an-account-type-a-guide-HJRnSXWko)). 
    
6.  Tap _Next_.
    
7.  Tap _Add \[#\] Account(s)_.
    
8.  **If you added a credit card account**, you'll be able to set a target to pay off your Starting Balance. Otherwise, you're done. Success! You've added an account and linked it to your bank connection.
    

#### Can’t find your bank?

If you search for your bank and come up empty, you'll have the option to suggest one. (If you don't have the option to suggest a bank, that means your bank was **automatically** suggested to be added.) We can't guarantee if or when a new bank may be added, but your request will help our Direct Import providers prioritize which banks to add next. In the meantime, you'll be able to bulk import transactions by dragging and dropping a file downloaded from your bank. File-Based Importing is a [quick and easy alternative](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/file-based-import-a-guide-Bkj4Sszyo) to Direct Import!

### Web

1.  From the **web app**, click _Add Account_ in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Choose from the list of your accounts, search for your bank, or tap on one of the popular options.
    
3.  Is this a new-to-YNAB account from a bank that already has other accounts linked in YNAB?  
    
    1.  If **yes**, you'll want to choose the existing bank connection from the list. **Don't see the account listed?** Tap the back arrow < to choose _Unlinked_ and finish adding the account that way. Then, try [removing and re-adding your existing connection](#remove). If it still doesn't show up, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) so we can help! 
        
    2.  If **no**, follow the prompts to establish a connection with your bank. (If you run into an error, try [these troubleshooting steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s) or set up an Unlinked account instead.) 
        
4.  Select the account(s) you want added to YNAB from the list. Leave the accounts you **do not** want added to YNAB unchecked. 
    
5.  Select _Edit_ to customize the account details that our import providers populated. **Note**: the type of account cannot be changed once created (though we do have [a workaround that allows you to replace it with a new account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/changing-an-account-type-a-guide-HJRnSXWko)). 
    
6.  Click _Next_. 
    
7.  Click _Add \[#\] Account(s)_.
    
8.  **If you added a credit card account**, you'll be able to set a target to pay off your Starting Balance. Otherwise, you're done. Success! You've added an account and linked it to your bank connection.
    

#### Can’t find your bank?

If you search for your bank and come up empty, you'll have the option to suggest one. (If you don't have the option to suggest a bank, that means your bank was **automatically** suggested to be added.) We can't guarantee if or when a new bank may be added, but your request will help our Direct Import providers prioritize which banks to add next. In the meantime, you'll be able to bulk import transactions by dragging and dropping a file downloaded from your bank. File-Based Importing is a [quick and easy alternative](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/file-based-import-a-guide-Bkj4Sszyo) to Direct Import!

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Link an Existing Account

Have you already added the account in YNAB, but you need to link it back up to the bank connection? Do you see a successful bank connection in the Manage Bank Connections window, but it displays 0 accounts are linked? Maybe you've tried removing the bank connection as part of troubleshooting and you want to make sure the accounts are linked back up correctly. Here's how!

**Are you seeing an _Update_ button by your account**? If so, you'll want to [follow this process instead](#update)️.

**Are you wanting to link an existing Apple Card, Apple Cash, or Savings with Apple Card account?** You'll want these separate [Apple Wallet-specific instructions](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/apple-connections-rkShEfrUh#unlinked). 

### How to Link an Existing Account

Note: Accounts created with the **cash** type are not able to be linked.

### iOS

1.  In the **mobile app**, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) your account if it already contains transactions in YNAB. This helps limit the possibility of duplicate transactions. 
    
2.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab.
    
3.  Select the specific account you want to link. 
    
4.  Tap the three dots icon button at the top of the screen. 
    
5.  Tap _Link Account_. (**Finding only an _Unlink Account_ button?** This means this account is already linked to a bank connection. If transactions aren't importing, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) for further assistance.)
    
6.  Tap the appropriate existing bank connection or tap _Add a New Bank Connection_ and follow the prompts.
    
    1.  You may need to enter your login credentials. 
        
    2.  If you run into an error, try [these troubleshooting steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s). 
        

Once the account is linked, if you have any recently posted transactions, they'll be available to approve and/or categorize after they import. YNAB will import transactions that cleared up to three days prior to your latest reconciled transaction. If you happen to notice any duplicates, you can reject them—and you shouldn't find any other duplicates going forward. We recommend you reconcile again for good measure.

### Android

1.  In the **mobile app**, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) your account if it already contains transactions in YNAB. This helps limit the possibility of duplicate transactions. 
    
2.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab.. 
    
3.  Select the specific account you want to link. 
    
4.  Tap the three dots icon button at the top of the screen. 
    
5.  Tap _Link Account_. (**Finding only an _Unlink Account_ button?** This means this account is already linked to a bank connection. If transactions aren't importing, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) for further assistance.)
    
6.  Tap the appropriate existing bank connection or tap _Add a New Bank Connection_ and follow the prompts.
    
    1.  You may need to enter your login credentials. 
        
    2.  If you run into an error, try [these troubleshooting steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s). 
        

Once the account is linked, if you have any recently posted transactions, they'll be available to approve and/or categorize after they import. YNAB will import transactions that cleared up to three days prior to your latest reconciled transaction. If you happen to notice any duplicates, you can reject them—and you shouldn't find any other duplicates going forward. We recommend you reconcile again for good measure.

### Web

1.  In the **web app**, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) your account if it already contains transactions in YNAB. This helps limit the possibility of duplicate transactions. 
    
2.  In the left sidebar, hover your mouse pointer over the name of the account you'd like to link. 
    
3.  Click the edit (pencil) icon that appears to the left. 
    
4.  Choose _Link Account_ in the window that pops up. You may need to scroll down. (**Finding only an _Unlink Account_ button?** This means this account is already linked to a bank connection. If transactions aren't importing, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) for further assistance.)
    
5.  Tap the appropriate existing bank connection or tap _Add a New Bank Connection_ and follow the prompts.
    
    1.  You may need to enter your login credentials. 
        
    2.  If you run into an error, try [these troubleshooting steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s). 
        

Once the account is linked, if you have any recently posted transactions, they'll be available to approve and/or categorize after they import. YNAB will import transactions that cleared up to three days prior to your latest reconciled transaction. If you happen to notice any duplicates, you can reject them—and you shouldn't find any other duplicates going forward. We recommend you reconcile again for good measure.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## _Update_ Button or Banner

If you see an _Update_ button or banner, that means that our support team has interacted with your bank connection and it has either been reset or it has been moved to another import provider. Clicking or tapping on the _Update_ button or banner will walk you through completing the underlying bank connection while keeping your account in YNAB linked to it. 

If you don’t want to update this account, you can unlink it. If you’re unable to update the bank connection successfully, let the support team know in the established conversation so that they can take another look.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Unlinking an Account

Unlinking an account will not impact the underlying bank connection or the transaction history within the account. Unlinking an account will:

*   Stop transactions from importing. 
    
*   Allow the account to be linked to a different bank connection or a different account within a bank connection. 
    

### iOS

Tap the _Accounts_ tab. 

1.  Select the specific account you want to unlink.
    
2.  Tap the three dots icon button at the top of the screen. 
    
3.  Choose _Edit Account_. 
    
4.  Tap _Unlink Account_. 
    
5.  Need to link back up, too? First, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) your account if it already contains transactions in YNAB. Then, [link the existing account in YNAB](#existing).
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab. 
    
2.  Select the specific account you want to unlink.
    
3.  Tap the three dots icon button at the top of the screen. 
    
4.  Choose _Edit Account_. 
    
5.  Tap _Unlink Account_. 
    
6.  Need to link back up, too? First, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) your account if it already contains transactions in YNAB. Then, [link the existing account in YNAB](#existing).
    

### Web

1.  In the left sidebar, hover over the name of the account you'd like to unlink. 
    
2.  Click the edit (pencil) icon that appears to the left. 
    
3.  Choose _Unlink Account._ (You may need to scroll.)
    
4.  Need to link back up, too? First, [reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) your account if it already contains transactions in YNAB. Then, [link the existing account in YNAB](#existing).
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Import Transactions

When new transactions clear your bank, they should import soon after—typically within 24-72 hours. Transactions that cleared **before** the date of the Starting Balance will not be imported.

### How to Import Transactions

### iOS

1.  In the **mobile app**, once your account is linked, if transactions are available from your bank, they'll import automatically into your account register.
    
2.  If you have any new transactions requiring action (approve and/or categorize), a banner displaying “\[#\] New transactions" will appear at the top of the Home tab. (You'll also have a blue notification dot next to the specific accounts that have transactions waiting for action).
    
3.  Tap the banner to approve and categorize transactions. Imported transactions will automatically match to ones you entered manually and wait for you to [approve them](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/approving-and-matching-transactions-a-guide-ByYNZaQ1i)!
    
4.  Wash, rinse, and repeat until you've approved (or rejected!) and categorized all of your transactions. **Here's** [**how to take actions in bulk**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/approving-and-matching-transactions-a-guide-ByYNZaQ1i#bulk). 
    

As you spend, you should still enter transactions in the mobile app! Once those transactions clear your bank and import, they'll match right up (as long as they're the exact amount and within 10 days of each other). You can also manually match an imported transaction with one you entered.

If this is an investment or loan account, here's the [best way to handle investment and loan transactions in YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s#invest).

### Android

1.  In the **mobile app**, once your account is linked, if transactions are available from your bank, they'll import automatically into your account register.
    
2.  If you have any new transactions requiring action (approve and/or categorize), a banner displaying "\[#\] New transactions" will appear at the top of the Home tab. (You'll also have a blue notification dot next to the specific accounts that have transactions waiting for action).
    
3.  Tap the banner to approve and categorize transactions. Imported transactions will automatically match to ones you entered manually and wait for you to [approve them](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/approving-and-matching-transactions-a-guide-ByYNZaQ1i)!  
    
4.  Wash, rinse, and repeat until you've approved (or rejected!) and categorized all of your transactions. **Here's** [**how to take actions in bulk**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/approving-and-matching-transactions-a-guide-ByYNZaQ1i#bulk). 
    

As you spend, you should still enter transactions in the mobile app! Once those transactions clear your bank and import, they'll match right up (as long as they're the exact amount and within 10 days of each other). You can also manually match an imported transaction with one you entered.

If this is an investment or loan account, here's the [best way to handle investment and loan transactions in YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s#invest).

### Web

1.  In the **web app**, once your account is linked, if transactions are available from your bank, they'll import automatically into your account register.
    
2.  If you have transactions requiring **action**, you'll have a white notification dot to the left of the account name in the left sidebar. 
    
3.  When you select the account, a blue banner displaying "(#) new transactions to approve or categorize" will appear across the top notifying you that there are transactions to approve or categorize.
    
4.  Clicking the banner (or _View_ button) will apply a search to show only those transactions and any others that need to be [categorized or approved](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/approving-and-matching-transactions-a-guide-ByYNZaQ1i). Imported transactions will automatically match to ones you entered manually and wait for you to approve them. 
    
5.  Wash, rinse, and repeat until you've approved (or rejected!) and categorized all of your transactions. **Here's** [**how to take actions in bulk**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/approving-and-matching-transactions-a-guide-ByYNZaQ1i#bulk). 
    

As you spend, you should still enter transactions in the mobile app! Once those transactions clear your bank and import, they'll match right up (as long as they're the exact amount and within 10 days of each other). You can also manually match an imported transaction with one you entered.

If this is an investment or loan account, here's the [best way to handle investment and loan transactions in YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-linked-accounts-BJ9Mv9b1s#invest).

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## OAuth

Some banks enable Direct Import through a method called OAuth. OAuth allows YNAB to access your account and transaction data without you having to provide your online banking credentials to an intermediary—in this case, MX or Plaid. Instead, you can authenticate directly with your bank, which gives permission (through a digital token) for MX or Plaid to receive the account and transaction information YNAB needs. 

As a part of this OAuth process, you may be asked by your bank to authorize sharing information such as your name, street address, or phone number alongside your transaction data. **We want to be clear on this point: As a part of this OAuth process, YNAB does not request, view, make use of, or store any data other than what’s required to process and display your accounts and transactions.** That means that we will request and store individual transaction data (date, payee, amount, etc), as well as some account details (account name, balance, interest rate, etc), but we don’t request or store other personal information like your name, street address, or phone number. We’re not in the business of needing to know everything about you, and we’re proud of that.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is my account linked?

Here's how to check at a glance:

*   **iOS** /**Android**: Tap into the account. Beneath the account name at the top of the screen, you'll see either _Linked_ or _Unlinked_.
    
*   **Web**: In the left sidebar, look to the right of the account name. A checkmark means the account is linked. No checkmark means it is not.
    

Ready to link? Follow the steps to [link an existing account](#existing).

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## Help Us Help You!

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