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“Invalid Credentials” Error When Linking a Bank via Plaid

Tips to link your account when you've confirmed your login credentials are correct

Sari Rybar avatar
Written by Sari Rybar
Updated over a week ago

We understand how frustrating it can be to see an "invalid credentials" error when trying to connect your bank account. You're not alone—and the good news is that most users resolve this quickly with a few simple steps.

Rock Paper Coin uses Plaid, a secure third-party service, to connect your bank account. This error is typically triggered by a mismatch between your bank’s login settings and what Plaid is expecting.

Let’s walk through how to fix it.

Quick Fix Checklist

Try these steps first—most issues are resolved by step 2 or 3:

  1. Double-check your bank login credentials: Try logging into your bank's website or app directly using the same username and password.

  2. Disable VPN or private browsing: Plaid may block logins from anonymous or masked browsing tools.

  3. Try a different browser or device: Switching from Safari to Chrome (or vice versa) often resolves the issue.

  4. Confirm that online banking is enabled: If you just opened your account, online access might not be active yet. Contact your bank to confirm.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Clear your cache and cookies

Browser memory can sometimes interfere with the Plaid login window.

  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies

  • Restart your browser and try again

Update your browser

Plaid works best on modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. If you're using an outdated browser, update it or try another one.

Try a different network

Some corporate or public networks block third-party tools like Plaid. Switching to a different Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot may help.

If Your Credentials Are Definitely Correct

If you’re confident your login is correct, but still can’t connect:

  • Your bank may have extra security settings (like two-factor authentication or CAPTCHA) that Plaid can’t work around

  • Some banks temporarily block third-party login attempts, especially after password changes or security alerts

In these cases, wait a few hours or contact your bank’s support to make sure everything is working on their end.

Need Help?

If you’ve tried all of the above and still can’t connect your bank:

Contact our Member Success Team at [email protected]. Please include:

  • The name of your bank

  • The device and browser you're using

  • A brief description of the issue

We’re happy to walk you through it or offer an alternate solution.

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