Claude gets direct access to bank accounts

AI assistants are increasingly connecting to personal financial data.

Anthropic announced a new Personal Finance tool for its Claude chatbot on Wednesday.

The feature allows users to link their bank and credit card accounts directly to the AI assistant.

The connection uses Plaid, a platform that bridges banking institutions with third-party applications.

Users can ask natural language questions about their money. They can ask where their spending went in a specific month. The system generates a detailed overview of costs. It breaks down expenses into categories like rent, utilities, shopping, and food.

The tool can also calculate remaining bills before the next payday. It estimates if a user can afford large purchases, such as holiday trips. It also projects potential monthly savings.

Anthropic emphasizes that the access is strictly read-only. Claude can view data but cannot alter it. The AI does not need to see banking passwords because of the Plaid connection. This setup prevents banks from managing unvetted AI bots directly on their systems.

The company stated that Claude cannot move, manage, or invest user money. The feature is not designed to provide investment advice. However, the AI gains visibility into specific account details. This includes bank names, account types, the last four digits of account numbers, and current balances. It also sees credit limits and up to two years of transaction history.

With this data, Claude can explain complex financial terms. It provides clear answers regarding balances and specific transactions. The goal is to make personal finance management more accessible for average consumers.

The Personal Finance feature is rolling out in beta this week. It is available to subscribers on the Claude Pro, Max, and Ultra plans in the United States. This launch follows a similar move by OpenAI. That company introduced a comparable feature for ChatGPT in May. That tool also utilizes Plaid to connect with user bank accounts.

Anthropic views this release as an initial phase in a larger strategy. The company suggests users should work alongside licensed professionals for significant financial decisions. Anthropic is exploring how to facilitate this collaboration within the platform. It has invited input from banks, wealth managers, and other financial services companies to help shape future developments.

The beta rollout allows the company to gather feedback and refine the experience. This development positions Claude as a more comprehensive assistant for daily life. It extends the utility of the chatbot beyond conversation and productivity into personal economics.