Disconnecting Plaid takes two steps: revoke access in your bank's settings, then disconnect in the app that uses Plaid

Plaid is a service that lets apps and websites read your bank information without storing your password. When you disconnect, you're telling both Plaid and your bank to stop sharing that connection. The process is straightforward, but you need to do it in both places — just deleting an app won't fully disconnect Plaid.

Most people disconnect because they no longer use the app, they're concerned about data sharing, or they want to reduce the number of services that can see their account. Whatever your reason, the steps are the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Disconnecting Plaid requires action in two places: your bank's website or app, and the third-party app that connected through Plaid.
  • Your bank's settings usually list connected apps under "Connected Services," "Third-Party Access," or "Authorized Apps" — the exact name varies by bank.
  • Removing Plaid from your bank stops data sharing when ready, but the third-party app may still show Plaid as connected until you also disconnect there.
  • After disconnecting, the app will no longer see your account balance, transactions, or other bank data, though any historical data it already stored may remain.

Disconnect Plaid through your bank's website or app

Start by logging into your bank's website or mobile app. Look for a settings or security section — this is usually in the main menu or under your account name. Banks use different names for this feature: some call it "Connected Services," others use "Third-Party Access," "Authorized Apps," "App Permissions," or "Connected Accounts." If you can't find it, search the bank's help section for "Plaid" or "third-party access."

Once you find the section, you'll see a list of apps and services that have permission to access your account. Find Plaid or the name of the app you used to connect (for example, "Plaid — Mint" or "Plaid — Credit Karma"). Click or tap the option to remove, disconnect, or revoke access. Your bank will ask you to confirm. After you confirm, Plaid can no longer see your account information.

This step stops the data sharing at the bank's end. However, the third-party app may still show Plaid as connected in its own settings until you also disconnect there.

Disconnect Plaid in the app that uses it

Open the app or website that you originally connected through Plaid — this might be a budgeting app, investment app, or credit monitoring service. Go to the app's settings, usually found in a menu or under your account profile. Look for a section called "Connected Accounts," "Bank Connections," "Linked Banks," or "Account Settings."

Find the entry for your bank or for Plaid itself. Select the option to disconnect, remove, or unlink. The app will confirm the disconnection. After this step, the app will no longer be able to access your bank data, even if it tries.

Some apps keep a record of historical data they collected before you disconnected — disconnecting Plaid stops future access but doesn't erase what they already stored. If you want to know what data remains, check the app's privacy settings or contact their support.

What happens after you disconnect

Once both disconnections are complete, the app will stop refreshing your account balance and transaction history. If the app relied on real-time bank data to work, it will stop functioning — for example, a budgeting app won't show new transactions, and a bill-pay service won't be able to verify your account.

The app itself may stay on your phone or computer. Deleting the app is optional and separate from disconnecting Plaid. If you want to remove it entirely, you can uninstall it the way you would any other app.

Your bank will also stop sending Plaid any new information about your account. If you later decide to reconnect the same app, you'll need to go through the linking process again from the beginning.

If you can't find the disconnect option

Some banks hide the third-party access section deeper in their settings, or use terminology you might not expect. Try searching the bank's help center for "Plaid," "third-party," "connected apps," or "app permissions." Most banks have a support article explaining where to find this.

If you still can't locate it, contact your bank's customer service by phone or through their website. Tell them you want to revoke access for Plaid or for a specific app. They can walk you through the exact steps for your bank and may be able to disconnect it for you directly.

On the app side, if the disconnect option isn't obvious, check the app's help section or contact their support team. They can tell you where the setting is or disconnect you on their end.

Reconnecting later if you change your mind

If you disconnect and later want to use the app again, you'll need to reconnect Plaid. The process is the same as the original connection: open the app, select the option to link your bank, and follow Plaid's authentication steps. Your bank will ask you to authorize the connection again.

Disconnecting doesn't permanently block the app from your bank — it just stops the current connection. You have full control over whether to reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disconnecting Plaid affect my credit score?

No. Plaid only reads your account information; it doesn't report to credit bureaus or affect your credit in any way. Disconnecting it has no impact on your credit score or credit history.

Do I have to disconnect from both places, or just one?

For complete disconnection, do both. Disconnecting only from your bank stops data sharing but may leave the app thinking it's still connected. Disconnecting only from the app doesn't stop your bank from sharing data with Plaid. Both steps may support a full disconnect.

What happens to my data after I disconnect?

The app stops receiving new data when ready. Historical data the app already collected usually stays in the app unless you delete it manually or delete the app itself. Check the app's privacy policy to understand what data it keeps and how long.

Can I disconnect Plaid without deleting the app?

Yes. Disconnecting Plaid and deleting the app are separate actions. You can disconnect Plaid and keep the app on your device — it just won't be able to access your bank account anymore. You can delete the app later if you want.

If I disconnect, will the app stop working completely?

It depends on the app. Apps that rely entirely on real-time bank data will stop working. Apps that have other features may still work for those features. For example, a budgeting app might let you manually enter transactions but won't auto-import them anymore.