ChatGPT Bank Access: Financial AI or Privacy Risk?

OpenAI has introduced a new feature allowing ChatGPT to connect directly to bank accounts, investment portfolios, and credit card statements. This capability is currently in preview for ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States. It uses Plaid to access data from over 12,000 financial institutions, including major banks. The company presents this as a financial companion that can analyze spending, flag subscriptions, and offer personalized advice. ChatGPT builds a "financial memory" to learn user goals. While the access is read-only, it can view balances, transaction histories, and investment holdings. OpenAI states users have control over their data, but financial conversations in chat logs may persist even after accounts are disconnected. The company has not fully disclosed how financial data will be handled beyond optional AI model training. OpenAI's privacy policy also allows data sharing with authorities if legally required. This development could significantly change how personal financial data is managed and used.