When automatic linking fails, you can enter your bank details manually
If Plaid cannot connect to your bank through its standard login process, most banks let you provide your account information directly instead. This manual method bypasses the automatic connection and gives Plaid the routing number, account number, and account type it needs to verify ownership and pull transaction history. The process takes about five minutes and works for nearly every U.S. bank, though a few regional institutions may not support it.
Manual linking is not slower or less secure than automatic linking—it simply skips the step where you log into your bank's website. Plaid still verifies that the account belongs to you, usually by depositing two small test amounts into the account and asking you to confirm the exact dollar figures.
Key Takeaways
- Manual linking requires your routing number, account number, and account type, all of which appear on a check or in your online banking portal.
- Plaid will deposit two small test amounts (usually under one dollar each) and ask you to report the exact totals to confirm you own the account.
- The verification process typically takes one to three business days, though some banks complete it within hours.
- If manual linking is not available for your bank, you can contact your bank's customer service to ask whether they support Plaid connections at all.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The routing number is the first nine digits, the account number follows it, and the check number comes last. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or account settings—most banks display both numbers there.
Some banks hide the routing number in a separate section labeled "bank information" or "wire transfer details." If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line (the number is usually on the back of your debit card) and ask for the routing number for your specific branch. Have your account number ready when you call.
Write down both numbers before you start the linking process. You will need them exactly as they appear—do not add spaces or dashes unless your bank's website shows them that way.
The manual linking steps in Plaid
Open the app or website where you are trying to connect your bank—this might be a budgeting app, a tax software, a loan platform, or any other service that uses Plaid. Look for a button or link that says "connect your bank," "link account," or "add bank account." Plaid will open and ask you to search for your bank by name.
Type your bank's name and select it from the list. Plaid will then show you a login screen. Look for a link or button that says "can't connect," "having trouble," "manual entry," or "enter account details." The exact wording varies by bank, but it is always near the login box. Click it, and Plaid will switch to a form asking for your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings).
Enter each piece of information carefully. Plaid will not accept a routing number with spaces or dashes unless your bank's official documentation shows them. Once you submit, Plaid will confirm that the account exists and move to the verification step.
How Plaid verifies you own the account
After you enter your account details, Plaid deposits two small amounts—usually between 1 and 99 cents each—into your account. These deposits appear in your online banking portal or mobile app within one to three business days, though some banks process them the same day. The deposits come from a company called "Plaid" or "Plaid Verification," so they are easy to spot.
Once you see the deposits, return to Plaid and enter the exact dollar amounts. Plaid will confirm the amounts match and complete the link. At that point, your bank account is connected and the app or service can begin pulling your transaction history.
If you do not see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. If they were wrong, Plaid will not have found your account and no deposits will arrive. Contact the app or service you are trying to connect and ask them to restart the manual linking process so you can re-enter the information.
What to do if manual linking is not available for your bank
A small number of banks do not support manual linking through Plaid. If you reach the login screen and there is no "can't connect" or "manual entry" option, your bank may not offer this method. In that case, you have two options: contact your bank to ask whether they support Plaid connections at all, or try the automatic login method again with a different password attempt (sometimes a temporary password or a special app-only password works when your regular password does not).
If your bank does not support Plaid, ask the app or service you are trying to connect whether they have another way to link your account—some services offer CSV file uploads, direct bank connections outside of Plaid, or manual transaction entry as alternatives.
Troubleshooting common manual linking problems
If Plaid rejects your routing number or account number, double-check both against your check or your bank's website. Routing numbers are always nine digits; if yours is shorter or longer, you may have copied it wrong. Account numbers vary in length by bank, but they should match exactly what your bank shows.
If the verification deposits do not arrive after three business days, check your account's transaction history carefully—they may appear under a different name or in a section you do not usually look at. If they truly are not there, the routing or account number was incorrect. Ask the service to let you restart the process and re-enter the information.
If Plaid shows an error message saying the account does not exist, the routing number, account number, or account type (checking versus savings) is wrong. Verify all three against your official bank documents before trying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is manual linking less secure than automatic linking?
No. Both methods use the same verification process—Plaid deposits test amounts and confirms you own the account. Manual linking simply skips the step where you enter your password on your bank's website. Your bank information is encrypted either way.
How long does manual verification take?
The test deposits usually arrive within one to three business days. Some banks process them the same day. Once you confirm the amounts, the link is complete immediately. The entire process from start to finish typically takes three to five business days.
Can I use manual linking if I do not have checks?
Yes. Log into your bank's online portal or mobile app and find your account details or account information section. Your routing number and account number will be there. If you cannot find them, call your bank's customer service line.
What if I enter the wrong amount when confirming the test deposits?
Plaid will reject the entry and ask you to try again. You can look up the exact amounts in your bank account and re-enter them. If you enter the wrong amount three times, you may need to restart the linking process.
Do the test deposits stay in my account?
No. After you confirm the amounts, Plaid withdraws both deposits. They are removed within a few business days, so you will not see them in your final balance.