Setting up ACH payments
When you set up ACH payments, Palmetto uses Plaid to securely connect your bank account. Plaid is a trusted third-party service that verifies your account without sharing your banking credentials with Palmetto.
Depending on your bank, Plaid will use one of four verification methods. The process is mostly the same — the difference is how your account gets confirmed on the back end.
Getting Started
After tapping Add Payment Method from your home screen, you'll see the Plaid bank verification screen.
Tap Add account instantly to begin. You can also choose Manually verify if you prefer to enter your account and routing numbers directly, though this can take up to 7 days.
Plaid will ask for your phone number to speed up future connections. If you'd like to skip this step, tap Continue as guest.
Next, select your bank from the list. Which method you get from here depends on your bank:
1. Instant Authentication
If your bank supports instant authentication, you'll log in directly with your online banking username and password. Plaid uses these credentials only to verify your account. They are never shared with Palmetto.
Select the account you want to use for payments (checking, savings, etc.).
Tap Continue. Plaid will confirm the connection was successful.
You'll be returned to the Palmetto app with your account connected.
2. Bank Login Redirect (OAuth)
Some banks, including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, use OAuth, which redirects you to your bank's own website or app to log in. This means you never enter your banking credentials inside Plaid.
Select your bank from the list.
Tap Continue to log in. You'll be taken to your bank's website or app.
Log in and grant permission to share your account and routing number with Plaid.
Select the account you want to connect, then confirm.
You'll be returned to the Palmetto app and your account will be connected.
3. Instant Match
If your bank isn't in Plaid's instant verification network, Plaid may use instant match, which works like a login-based flow but pulls account details from Plaid's database rather than a live bank connection.
Select your bank from the list.
Enter your bank username and password, then tap Submit.
Select & verify the account you want to use for payments.
Tap Continue. You'll be returned to the Palmetto app with your account connected.
4. Micro-deposit Verification
If your bank can't be verified through any of the methods above, Plaid will verify your account using a $0.01 instant deposit. This is the fallback option and should only take a few minutes.
Select your bank, or tap Connect manually if it's not listed.
Enter your routing number. If it matches multiple banks, select yours from the list.
Enter your account number and confirm it. Then enter your full name as it appears on the account.
Select your account type (checking or savings).
Tap Authorize. Plaid will send a $0.01 deposit to your account with a 3-letter verification code in the transaction description.
Open your bank app or website, find the $0.01 deposit, and look for the 3-letter code after the # symbol in the transaction description.
Enter the code in the Palmetto app and tap Continue. The deposit should arrive within 3 minutes.
Don't see the deposit after a few minutes? Check your pending transactions, also confirm your routing and account numbers were entered correctly.
After connecting your account
Once your bank account is connected, you'll receive a confirmation email from Plaid. This email is sent for your security, if you didn't make this connection, you can click the link in the email to disconnect and secure your account immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to connect my bank through Plaid?
Yes. Plaid uses 256-bit SSL encryption and never stores your banking credentials. Palmetto only receives the account and routing number needed to process your payments.
Which method will I get?
Plaid determines this automatically based on your bank. Most major banks support instant auth or OAuth, which means you'll be connected in under a minute. If your bank isn't supported, Plaid will fall back to instant micro-deposits.
What if I can't find my bank?
Use the search bar on the institution selection screen. If it still doesn't appear, tap Connect manually to enter your routing and account number directly.
Can I remove my bank account from Plaid?
Yes. You can disconnect your bank from Palmetto at any time through your account settings.