How we verify applications — including exactly how we use Plaid.
We check identity, income and account stability the way a financial institution would. Here is every step, what data we see, what we never see, and how long we keep it.
What Plaid is, and why we use it.
Plaid Inc. is a financial data network used by thousands of apps to securely connect bank accounts. When you choose “Connect my bank,” Plaid opens a secure window where you sign in to your bank. Plaid then shares the specific information you approve with us.
- Your bank username and password go to your bank through Plaid — eBurst Payments never sees or stores them.
- Access is read-only. We cannot move money through the Plaid connection.
- You choose which account(s) to share in the Plaid window.
- You can disconnect anytime through Plaid Portal (my.plaid.com) or by contacting us.
Plaid’s handling of your data is described in the Plaid End User Privacy Policy.
What we receive from Plaid
| Data | Why we use it |
|---|---|
| Account balances | Confirm the account is active and funded |
| Last 90 days of transactions | Estimate income, average balance and overdraft activity |
| Account owner name | Confirm the account belongs to the applicant |
| Bank name & last 4 of account | Identify the account on your file |
What we never receive
- Your online banking password or security answers
- The ability to move money or make payments from the connection
- Accounts you don’t select
The factors in every decision.
Decisions are made by a written set of underwriting rules our team maintains, and by trained staff when an application needs a closer look.
Income & affordability
Verified income and how the new payment compares to it. We won’t approve a payment we don’t believe fits your budget.
Account stability
Average and lowest balances, days below zero, and insufficient-funds or overdraft fees over 90 days.
Identity & eligibility
That the bank account is yours, you’re at least 18, you live where we lend, and any history with eBurst Payments.
Approved
You meet every requirement. You’ll see your offer right away.
Manual review
Some requirements are met and some need a closer look. A team member reviews it, usually the same business day.
Not approved
You’ll receive a written notice with the main reasons and your rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
Do we check your credit?
Our standard review uses verified bank data, not a credit report. If a program ever includes a credit check, we will tell you before you apply, ask for your authorization, name the provider, and give you the notices required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act if information in a report affects our decision.
How we protect and keep it.
- Bank connection tokens are encrypted at rest
- Staff access is limited by role and logged
- We don’t sell your personal information
- Records are retained as required by law, then securely deleted