plaid error when entering account number - possible fix

[nolibsdesign]

I was having a glitch when entering my account number into the Plaid box in the Payments Settings section. Everyone kept telling me to choose the options of Manual or Instant in the box, after entering my account number. I never saw any of those prompts or any other links, choices etc. Just one thing, a message saying that Plaid doesn't recognize my account number.

After talking to Etsy and browsing the forums all day, I caught this one poster saying take the zero out that is in front of your bank account number. I have USAA and indeed had a zero as the first number. As soon as removed that zero and re-entered the number in the plaid box, it recognized my account, and I then saw the "Instant" and "Manual" options. It was then very easy to get the Plaid verification finished. 

So thank you random poster, It was really really irritating because I just couldnt understand why everyone was getting this second screen option and not me. Now whether you choose instant or manual, and give Plaid access is another whole sheetstorm. But I hope this helps someone, if you were stuck with this particular error.

[NanaLetha]

I also have USAA but no leading zero in my account number.

[nolibsdesign]

some people have 1 or more zeros in front of your account number. Interesting that we both have USAA and you dont and I do. Do you have a similar error problem?

[NanaLetha]

@nolibsdesign  No problem because I used instant instead of manual. The entire process took less than 10 minutes to complete.

[CoastalGlamour]

I use Truist and it has 4 zeroes.  I too am unable to get beyond the "does not recognize your account" pg.  Should I remove the zeroes, keep the zeroes, add a fifth zero as I have seen in another post?  Could someone who got into their Truist Account advise.

[nolibsdesign]

The way I saw it in the original post was that if you have multiple zeros in front. remove one and try it, then remove two, then three etc.

Just be warned you only get a couple tries, I think three in row before it locks you out from trying again.

This happened to me when i first tried. I came back a couple hours later, refreshed the browser, and was able to enter account numbers again.

[BirdsongEmporium]

Ugh @CoastalGlamour we also have a number of zeros at the start of our bank account. We have not received the request to update yet, but it seems likely we too could have a problem if zeros at the start aren't being recognized. I cannot fathom why it would be set up that way. We have had bank accounts both personal and business be checked and verified by different entities and the zeros at the start have always been recognized and accepted as part of the account number. Why on earth would Plaid do it differently than everyone else?

[GieseDeseiGns]

I checked with my CU and they said no zeros as they were just place holders, although they showed. Worked with out them.

[NanaLetha]

@CoastalGlamour  You might try starting your own thread and put Truist in the title. Can’t help because I never heard of it.

[BirdsongEmporium]

Truist is the new name for what used to be Suntrust bank @NanaLetha.

[BagmakerSupply]

@NanaLetha  and anyone else who did Instant :  Just curious, are you going to change your bank login / password with your bank now that Plaid has access to your account?

[nolibsdesign]

I did

[ZehOriginalArt]

@BagmakerSupply  @nolibsdesign 

Perhaps you have already seen this, but I'd just like to add it here for anyone who has not.

Not only should you change your bank password, but go into your bank settings and check to see if Plaid is a connected app. If so, disconnect it. I have come to believe that once they get into your bank account with username/password they don't need the password any longer - they are in and connected - unless you deactivate them.

I have not seen anyone state that they are a connected app if the manual method is used.

[BagmakerSupply]

@ZehOriginalArt  :  You are absolutely right about the security issue by providing your login details to Plaid. We spoke with an internet security officer at our bank (which does connect with Plaid) who we know personally and she basically said we'd be morons to provide Plaid with that information. Her suggestion was to check with your bank to see if you can set up a new user for your account, use that user to validate, and then delete that user.

[KarlasCrafts]

I have tried it with the zeros and without the zeros. I have had my credit union helping me. It still doesn't recognize my account. I am totally frustrated.

[Cathyscomfortcorner]

Are you looking at your actual checks to put in the account number. Try that. Maybe it will work. I’ve heard so many people having problems so I gave that a shot and had no problems at all. 

[AshleyPahl]

@KarlasCrafts Did you find any resolution to the issue? I am having the exact same problem. Tried adding and removing zeros, eventually got blocked from trying again. 

[SugarTaffySoap]

There's other threads in the forums about how many zeros to add.

Here is an Etsy Plaid guide to read:

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015775908-How-to-Update-and-Verify-Your-Bank-Account-for-...

Also "The name on your bank account must match the name or business entity you have entered on your Legal and Tax Information page."

[SugarTaffySoap]

I initially had a "does not match" error but it eventually went through. I used the Manual option to proceed because I didn't see my banking institution in Plaid's list of banks. When finalized with Plaid, be prepared for your Etsy funds to be withheld for up to "5 business days". This may just be for the Manual option and it may be sooner but that's the info I received. 

[MaintStreetVintage]

where is the manual option ?

[BirdsongEmporium]

@MaintStreetVintage it is a bit confusing because you have to begin the process and enter your bank account number and along the way you will have a choice between the automatic or manual options.

[RainbowBeadsShop]

I still have an error with an incorrect account number. I can't confirm the account via Plaid, Etsy tech support via email is silent...I'm in a panic

[ZehOriginalArt]

@RainbowBeadsShop  Ask for a callback.

https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?segment=selling#issue_sell_manage_listings-callback

[CoquetteBath]

@ZehOriginalArt 

Thank you for that link.

I've been having anxiety over this issue and just got a phone call and got the issue handled in minutes. Like I thought, there were leading zeros before my account number when I did it 13 years ago! My bank doesn't use them now/never did/whatever the reason for them....

but those zeros messed up the plaid...if you hadn't written this I would have had a lot more anxiety over this issue.

so never know who you help and thank you.

[ZehOriginalArt]

@CoquetteBath 

You are very welcome and I appreciate you letting me know. I was helped by others too and am happy when I can pass that on.