Disconnect your bank account in Plaid's settings, then check the apps you linked it to
To remove your bank account from Plaid, log into your Plaid account, find the connected institution in your settings, and select the option to disconnect or unlink it. The exact steps depend on whether you're using Plaid through an app (like a budgeting tool or loan service) or directly through Plaid's own dashboard. After you disconnect, Plaid stops pulling new data from that account — but you should also check each app you connected it to and remove the link there separately, because some apps keep their own access even after you disconnect from Plaid's side.
This two-step process matters because Plaid is a middleman between your bank and the apps you use. Removing the connection on one side does not automatically remove it on the other. The safest approach is to disconnect from both Plaid and each individual app to ensure no service can access your account information going forward.
Key Takeaways
- Disconnecting from Plaid's dashboard removes Plaid's access to your account, but apps you linked it to may retain their own connection and need separate removal.
- Most apps let you unlink your bank account in their own settings under "Connected Accounts," "Linked Banks," or "Financial Institutions."
- After you disconnect, Plaid stops syncing new transactions, but historical data the app already downloaded usually stays in that app.
- If you can't find the disconnect option in an app, contact that app's support — the button location varies widely between services.
Disconnect through Plaid's own dashboard
If you have a Plaid account and log in directly at plaid.com, go to your account settings or profile section. Look for a tab or menu labeled "Connected Accounts," "Linked Institutions," or "Financial Connections." Find the bank account you want to remove and select the option to disconnect, unlink, or remove — the exact wording changes between Plaid's different interfaces.
Once you click disconnect, Plaid immediately stops pulling new data from that account. However, this action only removes Plaid's access — it does not automatically remove the connection from the individual apps you used Plaid to link to. You will need to go into each app separately and remove the bank account there as well.
Remove the bank account from each app you linked it to
The app you used to connect your bank (whether it's a budgeting app, loan service, investment platform, or payroll tool) has its own settings for managing linked accounts. Log into that app and look for a settings menu, usually labeled "Settings," "Account," "Preferences," or "Profile." Then find the section for connected financial accounts — common names include "Linked Banks," "Connected Accounts," "Financial Institutions," "Banking," or "Payment Methods."
Select the bank account you want to remove and look for a button or link that says "Disconnect," "Unlink," "Remove," or "Delete." Click it, and the app will stop syncing data from that account. You may see a confirmation message asking whether you want to proceed — confirm the removal. Repeat this process for every app you connected that bank account to.
Different apps place this option in different locations. If you cannot find it after checking the main settings area, try searching the app's help center or support documentation for "unlink bank" or "remove connected account." Many apps also have a support chat or email option if the setting remains unclear.
What happens to your data after you disconnect
When you remove a bank account from Plaid or an app, Plaid stops pulling new transactions and account information going forward. However, any data the app already downloaded and stored — past transactions, account balances, spending history — usually remains in that app unless you separately delete it. Removing the connection does not erase the historical record.
If you want to delete the historical data as well, check the app's settings for a "Delete Account Data," "Clear History," or "Remove All Data" option. Some apps offer this choice when you disconnect; others require a separate step. If you cannot find it, contact the app's support team and ask whether they can delete the stored data from your account.
Revoke Plaid's access through your bank's settings
Some banks and credit unions let you manage third-party access directly from your own banking portal. Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for settings related to "Connected Apps," "Third-Party Access," "Authorized Applications," or "Security." If your bank lists Plaid or the apps you connected through Plaid, you can revoke access from that side as well.
This step is optional — disconnecting through Plaid or the app itself is usually sufficient — but it adds an extra layer of control. If you revoke access at the bank level, Plaid and the apps lose the ability to pull data even if they still have a connection recorded on their end. Not all banks offer this feature, so you may not see this option depending on your institution.
Troubleshooting if the disconnect button is missing or broken
If you cannot find the option to disconnect in Plaid or an app, try logging out and logging back in, or clearing your browser's cache and cookies before trying again. Sometimes the interface does not load fully on the first attempt. If you are using a mobile app, try accessing the settings through the web version instead, or vice versa — the option may be available in one but not the other.
If the disconnect button exists but does not work when you click it, take a screenshot of the error message (if one appears) and contact the app's support team. Provide them with the name of the bank account, the date you tried to disconnect, and any error details. Support can usually disconnect the account manually on their end if the automated process is stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to disconnect from Plaid and the app separately?
Yes. Disconnecting from Plaid stops Plaid from pulling data, but the app you linked it to may keep its own connection active. You should remove the account from both places to fully cut off access. Check each app's settings for a "Linked Banks" or "Connected Accounts" section and remove it there as well.
Will my bank account information be deleted after I disconnect?
Plaid will stop syncing new data, but historical transactions and account details the app already downloaded usually stay in that app. If you want the stored data deleted, look for a "Delete Account Data" or "Clear History" option in the app's settings, or contact the app's support team to request deletion.
Can I reconnect the same bank account later if I change my mind?
Yes. You can reconnect the same bank account to Plaid or any app at any time by going through the linking process again. You will need to re-enter your bank login credentials or use your bank's authentication method, just as you did the first time.
What if my bank is not showing up in Plaid after I disconnect and try to reconnect?
Most banks reconnect immediately, but occasionally Plaid's connection to a bank is temporarily unavailable. Wait a few hours and try again. If the bank still does not appear, contact Plaid support or the app's support team — they can check whether Plaid has a known issue with that institution or whether your account has a technical problem preventing reconnection.
Does disconnecting from Plaid affect my actual bank account or credit score?
No. Disconnecting Plaid is a purely digital action that removes read-only access to your account information. It does not change your bank account, close any accounts, affect your credit score, or impact any automatic payments or transfers you have set up with your bank.