You Got Asked To Connect Your Bank Account — What Does That Mean?

Flinks
Author:
Flinks
Flinks
Expert Contributor at Loans Canada
Caitlin
Reviewed By:
Caitlin
Caitlin Wood, BA
Editor-in-Chief at Loans Canada
Caitlin Wood has more than a decade of experience helping Canadian consumers learn how to take control of their finances. Expertise:
  • Personal finance
  • Consumer borrowing
  • Credit improvement
  • Debt management
📅
Updated On: May 6, 2021
Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 9.99%
Free quote with no impact to your credit

As more and more business happens online, we’re bound to encounter new experiences. Millions of Canadians have been asked to connect their bank account to a financial app or service. And, just like you, they had a few questions about this new experience.

As it turns out, financial data connectivity is the new normal in online loans. Let’s see why.

Why Your Lender Is Asking You To Connect To Your Bank Account

Lenders, and other financial service providers for that matter, have always collected information from their clients — bank statements, proof of employment, etc. That’s how they verify their clients’ identity and assets. For ages, that’s been done in person or by email.

Today, tech-oriented lenders favor secure digital channels and use financial data connectivity.

That’s where companies like Flinks come in. We supply the (digital) pipes that enable you to share financial information to your lender, directly from a connection to your bank account.

What You Get Out Of This

Transferring financial data directly from your bank might not seem like much, but it’s in fact a pretty big deal. And you get to benefit from it too.

The transfer is instantaneous, and as a result your lender is able to:

  • verify your identity and banking information
  • receive your application online and approve it in minutes

Besides enjoying the fast lane treatment, sharing data from your bank comes with another major perk: with the information they get from your bank statements, your lender is able to understand your specific reality — in some cases better than your credit score. Your loan application is stronger, and you can get a service that is adapted to your needs.

In short, financial data connectivity providers like Flinks are a tool your lender uses to understand you better, and serve you faster. It makes the whole process substantially more convenient for you.

How Secure Is The Whole Process

Using a reputable financial data connectivity provider like Flinks is actually how your lender makes sure your information remains safe and secure.

We act as the intermediary between your bank and your lender, so you can share financial information without giving them direct access to your account.

Obviously, keeping your information secure is paramount. This means encrypting your data at all times, maintaining robust security protocols, and conducting regular independent audits to make sure they are effective.

Let’s be real: the team here at Flinks knows full well we wouldn’t exist if consumers didn’t trust us. We respect your privacy and value transparency. Our model is based on your consent and is designed to put you in control, all so you can file your online application with confidence.

* * *

Still unsure how mainstream financial data connectivity has become?

Just this year, Visa and Mastercard have both acquired financial data connectivity providers in the US. We’re the Canadian-owned, independent alternative — and, so far, roughly 1 in 3 Canadians have used Flinks to connect to their bank account in order to share their information. More than 300 financial institutions and other financial businesses are using us everyday, and others are catching up.

Flinks avatar on Loans Canada
Flinks

Flinks is an award-winning company and a leader in financial data connectivity. Their mission is to enable businesses to connect their clients with the financial services they want. Through connecting their client's bank accounts and enriching their data, Flinks empowers companies to offer betters products.

More From This Author

Special Offers

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/P2P-Lending-a-Scam_.png
Is Peer-To-Peer (P2P) Lending A Scam?

By Priyanka Correia, BComm
Updated on April 22, 2026

Considering using a Peer-to-Peer lending platform but concerned it might be a scam? Read to find out if this type of lending is safe.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Personal-loan-vs-line-of-credit.png
Personal Loan Vs. Line of Credit: How Do They Compare?

By Lisa Rennie
Updated on April 21, 2026

Need extra cash but not sure if you shoudl take out a personal loan or line of credit? Read more here about how they compare.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/1500-loan-1.png
How To Get A $1,500 Loan In Canada: A Guide

By Lisa Rennie
Updated on April 20, 2026

Are you in need of a $1,500 loan? Read on to find out everything you need to know to get a $1,500 loan in Canada.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Best-No-Credit-Check-Loans.png
Best No Credit Check Loans 2026

By Lisa Rennie
Updated on April 17, 2026

Not all borrowers want their credit checked. If you'd prefer to not have yours looked at, check out the best no credit check loans in Canada.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/loan-scams.png
Loan Scams In Canada: How To Spot Them, & How To Protect Yourself

By Caitlin Wood, BA
Updated on April 17, 2026

With online lending becoming more popular, loan scams are becoming more common. Learn how to protect yourself from loan scams in Canada.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/700-Loan.png
How To Get A $700 Loan In Canada: A Guide

By Lisa Rennie
Updated on April 15, 2026

Sometimes you just need a few extra bucks to cover an expense. Find out how you can obtain a quick $700 loan with no credit check in Canada.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/How-To-Finance-A-Cell-Phone-1.png
How To Finance A Cell Phone: A Complete Guide

By Lisa Rennie
Updated on April 15, 2026

Cell phones are expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of financing options available to help spread the cost. Read here for more.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Emergency-Rent-Loans.png
Emergency Loan For Rent: A Complete Guide

By Lisa Rennie
Updated on April 14, 2026

Are you struggling to make rent this month? If so, consider an emergency loan for rent to help cover your rent costs.

Recognized As One Of Canada's Top Growing Companies

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers