When automatic linking fails, you can enter your bank details manually
Plaid normally connects to your bank by asking for your online banking username and password, then reading your account information directly from your bank's system. Sometimes that automatic path breaks—your bank's website changed, Plaid's connection to that bank is temporarily down, or your bank uses an older system Plaid can't read. When that happens, most banks let you enter your account and routing numbers by hand instead, and Plaid will verify the connection using two small test deposits.
The manual linking process takes longer than automatic linking—usually three to five business days instead of minutes—because your bank has to send and receive those test deposits. But it works on nearly every U.S. bank account, and you don't need to share your password with Plaid.
Key Takeaways
- Manual linking requires your account number and routing number, which you can find on a check, your bank's website, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
- Plaid will deposit two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your account within one to two business days, then ask you to confirm those amounts to prove you own the account.
- The entire manual verification process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish.
- If test deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank to confirm the account number and routing number are correct.
- Some banks require you to set up a separate online banking profile or enable third-party access before manual linking will work.
Find your account number and routing number
Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific checking or savings account. Your routing number identifies which bank branch holds that account. You need both to link manually.
The easiest place to find both is on a check from your account—the routing number appears on the left side of the bottom line, and your account number appears in the middle. If you don't have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or account summary. Most banks display both numbers there. If you can't find them online, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website) and ask for your routing number and account number.
Write down both numbers exactly as they appear. A single digit wrong will cause the test deposits to fail.
Start the manual linking process in Plaid
Open the app or website where you're trying to link your bank account—this might be a budgeting app, investment platform, or loan service that uses Plaid to connect to your bank. Look for a button or link that says "Connect your bank," "Link account," or "Add bank account."
Search for your bank by name. When your bank appears in the list, select it. Plaid will usually show you two options: "Log in with your online banking credentials" (the automatic method) or "Enter account details manually" (the manual method). Click the manual option.
Enter your account number and routing number in the fields Plaid provides. Double-check both numbers before you submit—errors here mean the test deposits go to the wrong place and the process fails.
Wait for and confirm the test deposits
After you submit your account details, Plaid sends a request to your bank to deposit two small amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. Your bank processes these deposits like any other transfer, which normally takes one to two business days. You'll see them appear in your account as small credits.
Once the deposits show up in your account, Plaid will ask you to enter the two amounts. Log back into the app or website where you started the linking process and look for a prompt asking you to confirm the deposit amounts. Enter the exact amounts (for example, $0.27 and $0.43) and submit.
Plaid verifies those amounts match what it sent, confirms you have access to the account, and completes the link. The test deposits are then reversed—your bank removes them—so you don't keep the small amounts.
What to do if test deposits don't arrive
If five business days pass and you haven't seen the two small deposits in your account, the most common cause is an error in the account number or routing number. Log into your bank's website or app and verify both numbers again. Call your bank's customer service if you're unsure.
Some banks require you to enable third-party access or create a separate online banking profile before they'll accept transfers from Plaid. Check your bank's website for settings related to "third-party transfers," "external transfers," or "bill pay." If your bank has a security setting that blocks transfers from unknown sources, you may need to adjust it temporarily.
Once you've confirmed the numbers are correct and checked your bank's settings, you can try the manual linking process again. Use the same account number and routing number, and wait for the new test deposits to arrive.
Why manual linking takes longer than automatic linking
Automatic linking reads your account information directly from your bank's website in real time—that's why it's when ready. Manual linking relies on your bank's standard deposit system, which processes transfers on a schedule, usually overnight or the next business day. The test deposits have to travel through that system, arrive in your account, and then you have to notice them and report back the amounts. That chain of steps naturally takes several days.
Some banks are faster than others. Large national banks often process test deposits within one business day. Smaller regional banks or credit unions may take two to three days. If your bank is particularly slow or if a weekend falls in the middle of the process, it can stretch to five business days.
When to contact your bank instead of Plaid
If test deposits don't arrive after five business days, contact your bank first, not Plaid. Your bank can confirm whether the transfer request reached them, whether the account number was correct, and whether any security settings blocked the deposits. They can also tell you how long their standard processing time is and whether anything unusual happened with your account.
If your bank confirms the deposits should have arrived but didn't, or if they confirm the account number and routing number are correct but Plaid says they're invalid, then contact Plaid's support through the app or website. Plaid can see on their end whether the transfer request was sent to your bank and what response they received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use manual linking with any U.S. bank?
Nearly all U.S. banks support manual linking through Plaid, including national banks, regional banks, and most credit unions. If your bank doesn't appear in Plaid's search results at all, that bank may not work with Plaid through any method. Check the app or website you're using to see if they list alternative ways to connect your account.
Do I have to share my password with Plaid if I use manual linking?
No. Manual linking uses only your account number and routing number, both of which are safe to share. You never enter your online banking password. This is one advantage of manual linking over automatic linking.
What happens to the test deposits after I confirm them?
Plaid reverses the test deposits—your bank removes them from your account—once you've confirmed the amounts. You don't keep the money. The deposits exist only to prove you own the account.
Can I use manual linking if I've already tried automatic linking and it failed?
Yes. If automatic linking didn't work, you can go back and select the manual linking option instead. You don't need to wait or do anything special—just choose the manual method the next time you try to link.
What if I enter the wrong account number by mistake?
The test deposits will go to the wrong account, and you won't see them in your account. After five business days with no deposits, you can try again with the correct account number. The deposits sent to the wrong account will eventually be reversed by Plaid or your bank.