OpenAI has started testing a new personal finance tool within ChatGPT that can provide more personalized money advice by connecting directly to users’ financial accounts. The early preview is rolling out today to ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the U.S.
OpenAI says more than 200 million people already rely on ChatGPT each month for financial help. With the addition of account-linking tools, the company hopes the chatbot can shift from offering broad advice to giving guidance that is more useful for users’ real financial situations.
The feature is powered through a partnership with Plaid, a financial data network that connects to more than 12,000 institutions, including major banks such as Citi and Chase, along with platforms like Affirm and Robinhood.
Users can access the feature by opening the “Finances” section in ChatGPT’s sidebar or by entering a prompt such as “@Finances, connect my accounts.” Users are then guided through the account-linking process via Plaid. After the accounts are connected, the chatbot creates a dashboard with the user’s financial information, which may take a few minutes to appear. Users can either select from suggested prompts or ask their own questions.
OpenAI acknowledges that some users may be hesitant to share sensitive financial information. To address those concerns, the company says ChatGPT’s access through Plaid is restricted to balances, transaction history, investments, and liabilities. The system cannot access full account numbers or make changes to users’ accounts.
Users can disconnect their financial accounts from ChatGPT whenever they choose. Any financial memories stored by the chatbot can also be reviewed or deleted through the app’s Finances section. OpenAI says those memories are inaccessible when temporary chats are enabled, and existing privacy settings still apply, meaning users who opt out will not have their data used to train future AI models.
An OpenAI spokesperson said development of the feature began before the company acquired Hiro, a startup focused on AI-driven financial planning tools for consumers. OpenAI also said it plans to expand access beyond Pro users in the future, including to ChatGPT Plus subscribers. “We’re starting with a preview to a smaller group so we can learn from real-world use, improve the experience, and expand thoughtfully,” the company said.
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