OpenAI launches personalised financial advice via ChatGPT and Plaid integration
The new feature, powered by Plaid, accesses over 12,000 institutions including Citi and Chase, while maintaining strict data privacy controls that exclude full account numbers and model training usage.
OpenAI has introduced a preview of a personal finance feature within ChatGPT, enabling US-based subscribers of the Pro tier to connect their financial accounts for tailored advice. The integration, facilitated through Plaid, grants access to data from more than 12,000 financial institutions. This includes major banking entities such as Citi and Chase, alongside services like Affirm and Robinhood. The move aims to transition the platform from providing generic financial guidance to delivering actionable insights based on individual user goals and lifestyle.
Users can initiate the connection through the "Finances" section in the ChatGPT sidebar or by using the specific prompt "@Finances, connect my accounts." The system then guides users through linking their accounts, after which it generates a visual dashboard displaying balances, transactions, investments, and liabilities. OpenAI notes that this process of compiling and visualising the financial data may take several minutes to complete.
Data privacy remains a central component of the rollout. OpenAI has confirmed that the chatbot is restricted to reading balances, transactions, investments, and liabilities; it cannot view full account numbers or modify accounts. Users retain full control to disconnect their financial accounts at any time and can view or delete stored financial memories directly from the app. Furthermore, these memories are excluded from temporary chat sessions.
Consistent with existing OpenAI data controls, user prompts and information from this feature are not used to train future models. This policy aligns with the company’s broader data protection framework, addressing potential concerns regarding the sensitivity of sharing personal financial data with an artificial intelligence system. The company emphasised that the preview allows them to learn from real-world use before expanding the experience.
Work on this feature commenced prior to OpenAI’s recent acquisition of fintech startup Hiro, which offered an AI-powered financial planning tool. OpenAI reports that more than 200 million users currently utilise ChatGPT monthly for general money management guidance. While the service is currently limited to the $200-per-month Pro tier, the company plans to expand access to Plus subscribers in the future, though no specific timeline has been provided.
