What Plaid is
Plaid is a financial data network that lets apps you trust connect to your bank account in a read-only way. It is the same technology used by Venmo, Coinbase, and most fintech apps you already use.
Why funders use Plaid instead of asking for your password
A direct bank password gives anyone the keys to your account, including the ability to send money. Plaid uses tokenized read-only access. The funder never sees your bank login and cannot move money out.
What the funder actually sees
With Plaid, a funder like Cashera Capital sees deposit history and account balances over a recent window. That data is used to verify earnings and confirm the account is real.
- Recent deposits and their sources
- Account balance and history
- Account and routing numbers (so they can ACH the funds)
How to spot an unsafe alternative
If a provider asks for your online banking password directly, walk away. Modern, legitimate funders use Plaid, MX, or Finicity. Anything else in 2026 is a red flag.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plaid safe?
Yes. Plaid is bank-grade encrypted and used by major financial apps. It does not give the connecting app access to your password or the ability to move money on its own.
Can I disconnect Plaid later?
Yes. Plaid's portal lets you revoke any app's access at any time.
Why does Cashera use Plaid?
It is the safest way to verify earnings quickly. The whole bank-connect step takes under two minutes.
Related reading
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