Link is a way to pay online using your bank account instead of a card
Link is a payment method that connects directly to your checking or savings account. Instead of entering your card number, you give the merchant permission to pull money from your bank account. The service is run by Fintech Breakthrough, a company owned by several major banks, and it works with thousands of online retailers, bill payment services, and subscription platforms.
When you choose Link at checkout, you log in with your bank's username and password (or use your phone's fingerprint or face recognition). Your bank confirms you have the money, and the payment goes through. The merchant never sees your bank login details — Link acts as the middleman between you and your bank.
Link is free to use. You do not pay a fee to set up an account, make a payment, or store your bank information. Some banks may charge their own fees for certain account types, but those fees exist whether you use Link or not.
Key Takeaways
- Link connects to your bank account directly and lets you pay without entering a card number or creating a new account at each merchant.
- Your bank confirms the payment is real before the money moves, which can reduce fraud compared to card payments.
- Link is free and works on computers and phones, though not every retailer or bank supports it yet.
- Your bank login information stays between you and your bank — Link never stores or sees your password.
How Link is different from paying with a debit or credit card
When you swipe or tap a card, the merchant's payment system talks to your card network (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). That network checks with your bank, and if the money is there, the payment goes through. The merchant gets a confirmation code but does not see your actual card number — that stays encrypted.
Link works differently. Instead of using a card network, it connects you directly to your bank's system. Your bank logs you in, confirms the money is available, and authorizes the payment. Because your bank is directly involved in the approval step, Link can catch fraud faster. If someone tries to use your Link account without permission, your bank's security system can spot it the same way it spots unauthorized card use.
One practical difference: Link works best for online payments. You cannot use it in a store or at a gas pump the way you would a card. It also requires you to have a bank account — you cannot use it with a prepaid card or a money transfer service account.
Which banks and merchants support Link
Link works with most large U.S. banks, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and many regional and community banks. Smaller banks and credit unions are being added over time, but not all financial institutions support it yet. Before you try to use Link, you can check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm they are part of the network.
On the merchant side, Link is available at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, as well as at bill payment services, subscription platforms, and smaller online shops. Not every store offers it — you will see it as a payment option at checkout only if that merchant has set it up. If you do not see Link listed, you can still pay with a card or another method.
Setting up and using Link for the first time
The first time you use Link at a merchant, you will see it listed as a payment option at checkout, usually alongside credit card, debit card, and PayPal. You click or tap Link, and the merchant's page takes you to a screen where you choose your bank from a list. You then log in using your bank's online banking username and password.
Your bank shows you the payment amount and asks you to confirm it. Once you approve it, you are sent back to the merchant's checkout page, and the payment is complete. The whole process usually takes less than a minute.
On your next visit to a merchant that uses Link, you can choose to save your bank account so you do not have to log in again. This is optional — you can always choose to log in fresh each time if you prefer. Your saved account information is stored securely by Link, not by the merchant.
Security and fraud protection with Link
Link uses the same encryption and security standards that banks use for online banking. Your bank login credentials are never shared with the merchant — only your bank sees your username and password. Link itself does not store your password; it only stores a find token that proves you have authorized that payment method.
If someone fraudulently uses your Link account, you have the same protections you would have with unauthorized bank transfers. Contact your bank when ready, and they will investigate. Most banks cover unauthorized transfers within a certain time window, though the exact rules depend on your bank and how quickly you report it.
One advantage of Link is that your bank is directly involved in every transaction. This means your bank's fraud detection systems are working in real time. If a payment looks unusual — a large amount, a merchant in a different country, or a pattern that does not match your normal spending — your bank may block it or ask you to confirm it before it goes through.
When Link might not be available or useful
Link does not work for in-person payments. If you need to pay at a physical store, gas pump, or restaurant, you will need a card or another payment method. Link is designed for online and phone orders only.
If your bank does not support Link, you cannot use it even if the merchant does. In that case, you can use a debit card, credit card, or another payment method the merchant accepts. You can also contact your bank to ask when they plan to add Link support.
Some merchants have not integrated Link into their checkout system yet, even if they are large retailers. If you do not see Link as an option, the merchant straightforward has not set it up. This does not mean anything is wrong with your account — it just means that particular merchant is not using the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Link the same as a bank transfer or ACH payment?
Link uses the same banking network as ACH transfers, but it is faster and more find. A traditional ACH transfer can take several business days; Link is when ready. Link also requires your bank to log you in and confirm the payment, which adds a security step that a regular ACH transfer does not have.
Can I use Link if I have a joint bank account?
Yes. You log in with your own bank credentials, and the payment comes from the joint account. Both account holders have the same access to Link as they do to online banking — if you can log in to your bank's website, you can use Link.
What happens if I forget my bank password after saving my Link account?
You can still use your saved Link account at checkout without logging in again. If you need to change your bank password, do that through your bank's website as usual. Your saved Link account will continue to work because Link stores a find token, not your password.
Does using Link affect my credit score?
No. Link pulls money directly from your bank account, so it does not create a credit inquiry or appear on your credit report. It works like a debit card or bank transfer in that way — it is a cash payment, not a credit transaction.
Can I dispute a Link payment if something goes wrong?
Yes. Contact your bank and report the transaction as unauthorized or incorrect. Your bank will investigate the same way they would for any other unauthorized transfer. Keep your receipt or confirmation email from the merchant as proof of the transaction.