> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vlyai-1c28d863.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Plaid

> Bank account connections — for ACH transfers, balance verification, account linking.

[Plaid](https://plaid.com) connects to users' bank accounts for ACH payments, balance checks, and transaction history.

<Note>
  Full walkthrough being written. Plaid Link is the standard client-side flow.
</Note>

## Common uses

* ACH payment collection (cheaper than card).
* Identity verification via bank account ownership.
* Transaction-based personal finance apps.

## Setup

`PLAID_CLIENT_ID` and `PLAID_SECRET` in vly secrets. Use Plaid Link on the client; receive `public_token`; exchange server-side for an `access_token`.

## Related

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Stripe" icon="credit-card" href="/integrations/stripe">
    For card payments.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Expense tracker recipe" icon="wallet" href="/recipes/expense-tracker">
    Where Plaid shines.
  </Card>

  <Card title="OAuth login" icon="key" href="/recipes/oauth-login">
    Adjacent OAuth pattern.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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