OpenAI integrates Plaid to give ChatGPT direct access to user bank accounts

openai introduced a new feature allowing chatgpt to securely read financial data from 12,000 institutions via plaid, targeting 200 million monthly users already asking finance questions. the tool creates a spending dashboard and offers reasoning-based advice on budgeting and major life decisions, marking openai's expansion into sensitive verticals following its health records launch in january. while openai guarantees that the ai cannot move funds or view full account numbers, users must opt-in to data training and face a 30-day lag for data deletion upon request. critics worry about the security implications of openai holding comprehensive financial history given the company's shift toward profitability and the lack of detail on protection against system hacks.