Connecting your accounts is a key step in your application, and we’ve made sure the process is simple and completely secure. This allows us to get a clear and accurate view of your financial situation, which helps us make a responsible lending decision and tailor the best possible offer for you.
Below, we've answered all the common questions about how it works.
How to connect a bank or credit card
This is the main step to link your accounts to Updraft.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Start the Process: This step takes place in the Updraft app. You'll be prompted to connect your accounts during your application, or you can start the process at any time from the app's homescreen by tapping the 'Link Accounts' card.
Select Your Bank: You'll see a list of major UK banks and credit card providers. Find and select your provider from the list. If your provider isn't listed, please contact our support team for help.
Securely Authenticate: You will be briefly and securely redirected to your bank's own app or website. Here, you will log in using your normal banking password, Face ID, or fingerprint.
Give Permission: Your bank will ask you to confirm that you want to share your financial data with Updraft. This process is protected by your bank's security.
Step 5: Return to Updraft Once you've given permission, you will be automatically brought back to the Updraft app, and your accounts will be linked.
That's it! The connection is now made.
Is it safe to connect my bank account? How we protect you with Open Banking.
Yes, it is completely safe. The connection is made using Open Banking, a highly secure technology mandated by the UK government and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It's the same system used by all major UK banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Monzo to share data safely.
Most Importantly, You Should Know:
We never see or store your bank login details or password. That information stays securely with your bank.
You are always in control. Your bank handles the authentication, and you must explicitly grant permission.
We are only given temporary, read-only access to your transaction data to assess your loan application.
Why do I need to connect my accounts?
Connecting your accounts allows for a much faster, fairer, and more accurate application process. Instead of asking you to manually upload bank statements and payslips, we can automatically and securely verify your income and spending habits. This helps us to:
Save you time and effort by removing the need for paperwork.
Get a clear picture of your finances to ensure we are lending responsibly.
Personalise your offer based on what you can comfortably afford.
What you'll need to connect your account
To ensure the process is as smooth as possible, please have one of the following ready:
Your mobile banking app installed on your phone.
Your online banking login details (username/customer number and password).
What current accounts and credit cards can I link to Updraft?
We support connections with the vast majority of UK banks, building societies, and credit card providers. You will be able to see a full list of supported providers within the app when you start the connection process.
What to do if your bank connection fails?
Occasionally, a connection can fail. Don't worry if this happens. First, try these simple steps:
Check your internet connection (both Wi-Fi and mobile data).
Wait a few minutes and try the process again. Sometimes the issue is temporary.
Ensure your mobile banking app is up to date.
If you are still having trouble, please contact our support team through the in-app chat, and they will be happy to help you.
I want to connect a different bank account. What do I do?
Whether you've switched banks or just need to add another account, you can easily manage your connections directly within the Updraft app.
How to add a new account:
Go to the 'Profile' section in your app (the icon in the bottom-right corner).
Tap on 'Linked Accounts'.
Select 'Add An Account' and follow the same secure Open Banking process you used when you first signed up.
How to remove an account:
Go to the 'Profile' section in your app.
Tap on 'Linked Accounts' to see a list of your current connections.
Find the account you wish to remove, swipe left on it, and tap the delete option.
If you want to "change" your main account, simply remove the old one using the steps above and then add your new one.
How long does an Open Banking authorisation remain active?
Your Open Banking authorisation lasts for up to 90 days from the date you connect your account. After that, your bank will automatically expire the permission unless you choose to renew it.
For security, we’ll ask you to re-authorise your connection when it’s close to expiring. You can do this quickly in the app by following the same steps you used to connect your account originally.
How can I revoke my consent or remove a linked account?
You’re always in control of your data and can remove a linked account at any time. There are two ways to do this:
In the Updraft app:
Go to Profile then Linked Accounts and select the account you want to remove.
Tap Remove connection to delete the link instantly.
Through your bank:
You can also revoke access at any time directly from your own bank's app or website. The exact menu names or steps may vary slightly depending on your bank, but the general process is:
Log in to your online-banking or mobile-banking app.
Find the list of connected third-party providers (this is often called “Connected Apps” or “Open Banking connections”).
Revoke access for TrueLayer or Updraft.
Once revoked, we’ll no longer receive any new data from that account.