When you connect an account, Kudos uses Plaid to securely read your credit card data, like your transactions and balances. That's what powers your rewards tracking, benefits, and card recommendations.
Connecting an account does not set up payments. Kudos isn't linking a bank account to pay your credit cards, and it can't move money.
What connecting your cards does
Once your cards are connected, Kudos can:
Show your rewards and spending in one place
Track which card credits and benefits you've used in the Benefits Tracker
Track your progress toward welcome bonuses (Kudos Premium)
Recommend the best card to use when you shop
Without a connection, Kudos can still recommend cards from your wallet, but it can't see what you've actually spent or earned.
Connect your card issuer, not the bank you pay from
To connect a credit card, search for the company that issued the card, like Chase, American Express, Capital One, Citi, or Barclays. Then log in with the same username and password you use for that card's website or app.
Example: If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve and pay the bill from a credit union checking account, connect Chase. If you only connect the credit union, Kudos will see your checking and savings accounts, but your Chase card will still show as not connected.
Tip: One login usually brings in every card you have with that issuer. If you have two Capital One cards, one Capital One login should cover both.
Some issuers use a different name for their card login. For example, co-branded airline cards like Delta SkyMiles are issued by American Express, so you'd connect American Express. Not sure who issues your card? Check the back of the card or your statement.
Will Kudos pay my cards or move money?
No. Your connection is read-only. Kudos cannot:
Make payments on your behalf
Move money between your accounts
See your full card number or your login credentials
Connecting to Kudos doesn't change how you pay your cards. Keep paying them the way you do today, including any autopay you've set up with your bank or card issuer.
Do I need to connect my checking account?
It's optional. You only need to connect a checking account if you want Kudos to:
Find bills and subscriptions you pay straight from checking (see What is Kudos subscription management?)
Track a debit card (see Can I connect my debit card accounts?)
Connecting a checking account won't connect your credit cards. You'll still need to connect each card issuer separately.
Ready to connect?
Head to your Account Connections page and connect one card issuer at a time. For step-by-step instructions on mobile and web, see How do I link/connect my accounts inside Kudos?
Have any other questions? Reach out to us anytime at support@joinkudos.com.