# Bank account connection FAQ

As part of our routine credit review process, Stripe periodically reviews the financial health of businesses on our platform. Some businesses may receive a request to share business liquidity information by linking a bank account or providing bank statements. Non-US merchants will be asked to provide bank statements only, as financial connection is unavailable outside the US. This article answers frequently asked questions about this process.
## Why is Stripe asking me to link my bank account?
Stripe conducts routine credit reviews to assess the financial health of businesses on our platform. As part of this review, we may request that you share business liquidity information by linking your bank account.
Linking your bank account helps us verify that your account can handle potential disputes and refund requests. It also allows us to potentially reduce the frequency of future credit reviews and provide you with improved service. Learn more about our credit account review process.
## Is linking my bank account required? What happens if I don't?
Linking your bank account isn't required. Choosing not to share your bank account information won't impact your payment capabilities. You may also opt to share the last 3 months of bank statements instead. If you still don't feel comfortable sharing bank statement information, this task is optional and will automatically resolve with no action after the date specified in the communication you received.
That said, providing this information helps us better understand your business and may reduce the likelihood of future credit reviews or requests for additional documentation.
## I'm not comfortable linking my bank account — are there alternatives?
Yes. If you prefer not to link your bank account directly, you can provide your last 3 months of bank statements instead. Unlike linking your bank account, providing bank statements doesn't give Stripe a continuous view of your financial health, so you may be asked to share business liquidity information again in the future.
You can do this from the Dashboard by following the link in the email you received or by visiting the [Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com/login) directly. When you begin the process, you'll be presented with the option to either link your bank account or provide bank statements.
## My bank account is already connected for payouts. Why am I being asked to link again?
When you first set up your Stripe account, you connected your bank account to receive payouts. Linking your bank account is a separate process. It involves securely sharing details and activity relating to your bank account with Stripe, including your current account balance, historical balances, and transaction history. This information is used to assess your business's financial health as part of the credit review. Linking doesn't give Stripe the ability to move or withdraw funds — it is a read-only connection.
Learn more about the difference between connecting and linking in our [linked accounts FAQ](https://docs.stripe.com/get-started/account/linked-external-accounts).
## What does Stripe access, and how is my data protected?
When you link your bank account, Stripe may access account details such as account type, current balance, and historical balances, as well as transaction information including each transaction's amount, date, and description.
All data obtained from your linked financial accounts is handled in accordance with the [Stripe Services Agreement](https://stripe.com/en-ca/legal/ssa) and [Privacy Policy](https://stripe.com/en-ca/privacy). Stripe can only obtain financial account information as authorized by you. Stripe doesn't sell your data to unaffiliated third parties.
Manage linked external accounts settings in the Dashboard. For full details on data management, visit our [linked external accounts documentation](https://docs.stripe.com/get-started/account/linked-external-accounts#data-management).
## What should I do if I'm having trouble linking my bank account?
If you're experiencing issues when trying to link your bank account, it may be because Stripe hasn't integrated with your financial institution, or because your financial institution doesn't support data sharing. If you're unable to link your bank account, you can provide the last 3 months of bank statements instead.
## When should I complete this?
The communication you received includes a specific date by which the task should be completed. If you don't take action by that date, the task will automatically close with no impact to your account or payment capabilities.
We recommend completing the process at your earliest convenience, as providing the information promptly allows us to complete the review faster and may reduce the need for future outreach.
## What documents do I need to provide and in what format?
If you choose to link your bank account, no documents are required. You'll be guided through a secure process to log into your bank and authorize Stripe to access your account information through Stripe Financial Connections. The process takes just a few minutes.
If you choose to provide bank statements instead, provide statements for the last 3 months for the bank account(s) you use for business operations. Statements should clearly show your account holder's name, account number, balances, and transactions. You can provide your statements directly through the form in the Dashboard.
## How does this apply to nonprofits, places of worship, or government entities?
This task is optional — choosing not to share won't affect your payment capabilities, and it will automatically close after the date specified in the communication you received. If your organization has specific concerns or restrictions around sharing financial information, contact [Stripe Support](https://support.stripe.com/contact/login) to discuss alternative arrangements.