Automatic Bank Sync with SimpleFIN
Connect your bank accounts once, and your transactions sync automatically. No more manual entry or file downloads.
What is SimpleFIN?
SimpleFIN is an affordable bank account aggregation service — a privacy-focused alternative to services like Plaid. It connects to thousands of banks and credit unions across the US and Canada through a simple, secure protocol.
Unlike traditional aggregators that charge apps hundreds or thousands of dollars per month (costs passed on to you), SimpleFIN charges a flat $1.50/month paid directly by you. This keeps costs transparent and EnvelopeBudget affordable.
How It Works
Create a SimpleFIN Account
Sign up at simplefin.org and connect your bank. You'll get a setup token.
Paste the Token
In EnvelopeBudget, go to your account settings and paste the SimpleFIN setup token. That's it for setup.
Transactions Sync Automatically
Your transactions start flowing in. EnvelopeBudget syncs daily and detects duplicates so nothing gets counted twice.
Real-Time Sync Status Window
Most budgeting apps treat bank sync as a black box — you never know if it's working, stuck, or broken. EnvelopeBudget is different.
Our sync status window gives you full visibility into what's happening with your bank connections:
- See each account's last sync time — know exactly when transactions were last pulled
- Watch syncs happen in real time — see transactions come in as they're fetched
- Get clear error messages — if a bank connection has an issue, you'll know exactly what went wrong
- Trigger manual syncs — don't want to wait? Pull transactions on demand
Supported Banks
SimpleFIN connects to thousands of financial institutions across the US and Canada, including:
Check the SimpleFIN website for the full list of supported institutions.
Pricing
EnvelopeBudget
$4/month
or $40/year · 34-day free trial
SimpleFIN
$1.50/month
Paid directly to SimpleFIN · Separate subscription
Total with bank sync: $5.50/month — still less than half the price of YNAB ($14.99/month).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't bank sync included in the EnvelopeBudget price?
Bank aggregation services like Plaid charge apps per-user fees that drive up subscription costs for everyone — even users who don't want bank sync. By using SimpleFIN separately, only users who want bank sync pay for it, keeping EnvelopeBudget affordable for everyone.
Is SimpleFIN secure?
Yes. SimpleFIN uses read-only access to your accounts — it can only view transactions, never move money. Your bank credentials are stored by SimpleFIN, not by EnvelopeBudget.
Do I need SimpleFIN to use EnvelopeBudget?
No. SimpleFIN is completely optional. You can use manual entry, OFX file imports, or the API instead. Many users prefer manual entry for greater spending awareness.
How often do transactions sync?
EnvelopeBudget syncs with SimpleFIN automatically each day. You can also trigger a manual sync any time from the sync status window.
Ready to automate your transactions?
Start your 34-day free trial of EnvelopeBudget, then connect SimpleFIN when you're ready. No credit card required.
Start Your Free Trial