> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.spend.market/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.spend.market/getting-started/connecting-a-bank-account-optional.md).

# Connecting a Bank Account (Optional)

Connecting a bank is optional and never required to trade. Connect one and we'll add $5 in promo credit to your account. This is a separate program from referrals.

**Why connect.** Beyond the $5 promo credit, linking a bank account or card contributes to the American Spend Graph and helps power the data that Spend Markets resolve on. The more the panel sees, the sharper every market gets.

**How it works.** Spend Market uses Plaid, the same infrastructure behind Venmo, Robinhood, and most major U.S. fintech apps. Click Connect Bank in settings, pick your institution, log in through Plaid's secure flow, and authorize. Spend Market never sees your bank credentials.

**What we see when you connect:** anonymized transaction records (merchant, amount, timestamp, category) and account balances.

**What we never see:** your bank login, your identity, or anything from accounts you didn't connect.

Data is always anonymized and aggregated before it touches any market. See [Privacy & Data Handling](/data-and-revere/privacy-and-data-handling.md).

**Can I disconnect?** Anytime. Disconnecting stops future data flow. Your promo credit and your balance are unaffected.


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