> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://tendrill.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Linking via Plaid

> How Tendrill securely connects to your brokerage accounts

## Bank-level security for your connections

Tendrill uses Plaid to connect to your brokerage accounts. Plaid is the industry standard for secure financial connections, trusted by over 8,000 companies including Venmo, Coinbase, and major banks.

<Info>
  **You're in good company.** Plaid connects over 100 million accounts across 12,000 financial institutions. When you link through Plaid, you're using the same secure infrastructure that powers the most trusted financial apps.
</Info>

## How Plaid keeps you safe

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Credentials never touch Tendrill" icon="key">
    You log in directly with your brokerage through Plaid's secure interface. Your username and password are never shared with or stored by Tendrill.
  </Card>

  <Card title="End-to-end encryption" icon="lock">
    All data is encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2+ and at rest using AES-256 encryption - the same standards used by banks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Read-only access" icon="eye">
    Tendrill can only view your holdings and positions. We cannot move money, execute trades, or modify your account in any way.
  </Card>

  <Card title="You're always in control" icon="toggle-on">
    You can disconnect your accounts at any time, instantly revoking Tendrill's access to your data.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Step-by-step connection guide

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click 'Connect Account' in your dashboard">
    From your Tendrill dashboard or during onboarding, click the button to add a new brokerage connection.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search for your brokerage">
    Plaid's interface will appear. Search for your brokerage by name or browse popular institutions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your brokerage credentials">
    Log in with your brokerage username and password. This information goes directly to your brokerage through Plaid - Tendrill never sees it.

    <Warning>
      **Security tip:** Only enter your credentials when you see Plaid's verified interface. Look for the Plaid branding and secure connection indicator.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete two-factor authentication (if required)">
    If your brokerage uses 2FA, you'll be prompted to complete that step. This might include:

    * Entering a code sent to your phone
    * Approving a push notification
    * Using an authenticator app
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select accounts to connect">
    Choose which accounts you want to link with Tendrill. You can select individual accounts or connect all of them.

    <Tip>
      Connect all investment accounts for the most complete portfolio view. Tendrill works best when it can see your entire picture.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review permissions and confirm">
    Review what data Tendrill will access, then confirm the connection.

    **Data Tendrill receives:**

    * Account balances and holdings
    * Stock symbols and quantities
    * Cost basis (when available)
    * Transaction history (for performance tracking)

    **Data Tendrill does NOT receive:**

    * Your login credentials
    * Account numbers
    * Ability to make trades or transfers
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What happens after connecting

Once your connection is established:

1. **Initial sync begins** - Tendrill pulls your current holdings and positions
2. **Portfolio model created** - We analyze your allocation, sector exposure, and key events
3. **Monitoring starts** - You'll begin receiving proactive alerts for your holdings
4. **Confirmation text sent** - You'll get a message confirming your account is connected

> **Tendrill** - Today 3:22 PM
>
> Great news! Your Fidelity account is now connected.
>
> I found 12 holdings worth \$127,450:
>
> * AAPL (26.8%)
> * NVDA (22.1%)
> * MSFT (15.5%)
> * 9 more positions
>
> I'll keep you posted on earnings, news, and price movements for these stocks. Text me anytime with questions!

## Understanding permissions

When you connect via Plaid, you grant specific permissions:

| Permission       | What It Means                  | Why Tendrill Needs It                   |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------- |
| **Account info** | Basic account details          | To identify and organize your accounts  |
| **Balances**     | Current account values         | To calculate portfolio performance      |
| **Holdings**     | Stock positions and quantities | To monitor and analyze your investments |
| **Transactions** | Buy/sell history               | To track cost basis and returns         |

<Note>
  **Read-only means read-only.** Plaid's connection type for Tendrill is strictly read-only. There is no technical capability for Tendrill to execute trades, move money, or modify your account.
</Note>

## Data privacy with Plaid

Plaid takes data privacy seriously:

* **SOC 2 Type II certified** - Regular third-party security audits
* **GDPR and CCPA compliant** - Strong privacy protections
* **Data minimization** - Only collects what's necessary
* **Consumer rights** - You can request data deletion at any time

<Card title="Plaid's Consumer Portal" icon="external-link" href="https://my.plaid.com">
  Visit Plaid's portal to view and manage all your connected financial apps.
</Card>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is it safe to enter my brokerage password?">
    Yes. You enter your credentials directly into Plaid's secure interface, not Tendrill. Plaid uses the same security infrastructure as major banks and has connected over 100 million accounts safely.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can Tendrill see my account numbers or Social Security Number?">
    No. Tendrill only receives holdings, balances, and transaction data. We do not have access to account numbers, routing numbers, or personal identification information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my brokerage credentials change?">
    If you update your password at your brokerage, you may need to reconnect. You'll receive a notification if your connection needs to be refreshed. See [Managing Connected Accounts](/connecting-accounts/managing-accounts).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I revoke access?">
    Absolutely. You can disconnect any account at any time from your Tendrill dashboard. You can also revoke access through [Plaid's consumer portal](https://my.plaid.com).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/connecting-accounts/troubleshooting">
    Having connection issues? Find solutions here.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Managing Accounts" icon="sliders" href="/connecting-accounts/managing-accounts">
    Add, refresh, or remove connected accounts.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>