Disconnect Plaid in three steps through your bank's settings
To remove Plaid from your bank account, log into your bank's website or app, find the connected apps or third-party access section (usually under Settings or Security), locate Plaid in the list of connected services, and select Disconnect or Revoke Access. The exact location and wording differ by bank — some call it "Connected Services," others "Authorized Apps" or "Third-Party Access" — but the principle is the same across all major banks.
Plaid acts as a bridge between your bank and other financial apps. When you disconnect it, you're telling your bank to stop letting Plaid see your account information and stop letting apps that use Plaid access your data. This happens immediately; apps that relied on Plaid to read your account will stop working right away.
If you can't find the setting in your bank's app, call your bank's customer service line. They can walk you through the exact steps for your specific bank and confirm the disconnection went through.
Key Takeaways
- Disconnecting Plaid through your bank's settings stops all apps using Plaid from accessing your account information.
- The setting location varies by bank but is usually labeled Connected Services, Authorized Apps, or Third-Party Access under Security or Settings.
- Disconnection takes effect immediately, and any app that relied on Plaid to link to your bank will stop working.
- If you disconnect Plaid but still want to use an app that requires it, you'll need to reconnect Plaid and re-authorize the app.
Where to find the disconnect option at major banks
Chase: Log into Chase.com or the mobile app, go to Settings, then Security, then Connected Apps. Find Plaid and select Remove.
Bank of America: Open the mobile app or BofA.com, tap Settings, then Security, then Connected Apps & Websites. Locate Plaid and tap Disconnect.
Wells Fargo: Go to wellsfargo.com or the app, select Settings, then Security, then Third-Party Access. Find Plaid and select Revoke.
Citibank: Log into Citibank.com, go to Settings, then Security, then Connected Apps. Select Plaid and choose Remove Access.
Smaller banks and credit unions: The setting exists but may be harder to find. Check under Settings > Security or Settings > Privacy first. If you don't see it, call the bank directly — they can disconnect Plaid on your behalf.
What happens to your apps when you disconnect Plaid
Any app that uses Plaid to read your bank account — such as budgeting apps, investment platforms, or loan services — will lose access to your account data. The app will usually show an error message saying the connection is broken, and you won't be able to see your bank balance or transaction history through that app anymore.
If you want to keep using the app, you have two options: reconnect Plaid through your bank and re-authorize the app, or check whether the app offers a direct connection method that doesn't use Plaid. Some apps let you link your bank account directly without a third party, though this is less common.
Why you might want to disconnect Plaid
You may disconnect Plaid if you no longer use the apps that require it, if you're concerned about data sharing, or if you've switched to a different method for linking your accounts. Disconnecting removes Plaid's ongoing access to your account, meaning it can no longer see new transactions or balances.
Disconnecting Plaid does not delete your account with the app itself — it only cuts off that app's ability to see your bank data. If you later want to use the app again, you can reconnect Plaid and re-authorize it.
If you can't find the disconnect option
Not all banks display the third-party access setting in the same place, and some smaller institutions may not label it clearly. If you've looked in Settings and Security and still don't see it, try searching your bank's help center for "connected apps," "third-party access," or "Plaid."
If the search doesn't help, contact your bank's customer service by phone or through the app's messaging feature. Give them the name "Plaid" and ask them to disconnect it from your account. They can do this on their end and will confirm once it's complete.
Reconnecting Plaid if you change your mind
If you disconnect Plaid and later want to use an app that requires it, you'll need to go through the connection process again. Open the app, select "Link Bank Account" or "Connect to Your Bank," choose your bank, and log in with your bank credentials. Plaid will ask for permission to access your account, and you'll authorize it through your bank's security screen.
The reconnection process is the same as the original connection — it typically takes a few minutes, and your app will regain access to your account data once it's complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disconnecting Plaid affect my bank account itself?
No. Disconnecting Plaid only stops third-party apps from seeing your account. Your bank account, balance, and transactions remain unchanged. Your bank login and password are not affected.
Will disconnecting Plaid delete my data from the apps I was using?
No. The app will still have any data it collected before you disconnected — such as transaction history it already downloaded — but it won't be able to pull new information from your bank going forward.
Can I disconnect Plaid from the app instead of through my bank?
Some apps have a disconnect option in their settings, but this only removes the app's access, not Plaid's. To fully disconnect Plaid, you must go through your bank's settings. Doing both ensures a complete break.
What if my bank doesn't show Plaid in the connected apps list?
Plaid may not have been fully connected, or your bank may not display it in that section. Call your bank and ask them to check for Plaid connections on your account and remove any they find.