Security and Privacy
Your security and privacy are our top priorities. Learn how Balance keeps your financial data safe.
How Balance Protects Your Data
Bank-Level Encryption
- 256-bit encryption - Same standard as banks
- TLS/SSL - Encrypted data transmission
- Encrypted storage - Data encrypted at rest
- Secure servers - Bank-grade infrastructure
Plaid Security
Balance uses Plaid for bank connections:
- Read-only access - Can’t move money
- No password storage - Used once, not saved
- Tokenized access - Secure tokens, not credentials
- Trusted by 11,000+ apps
Authentication
- Secure login - Password requirements enforced
- Session management - Auto-logout on inactivity
- Biometric options - Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint
- Device recognition
What Balance Can Access
✅ Transaction descriptions - To categorize spending
✅ Transaction amounts - For budget tracking
✅ Account balances - Current available funds
✅ Account names - For organization
What Balance Cannot Do
❌ Move money - Read-only access
❌ Make purchases - No transaction initiation
❌ Change settings - Can’t modify bank account
❌ See full account numbers - Masked for security
❌ Access your password - Never stored
Your Privacy Rights
Data Collection
We collect only what’s necessary:
- Account information (for syncing)
- Transaction data (for budgeting)
- Usage data (for app improvement)
Data Usage
We do use your data to:
- ✅ Provide budgeting services
- ✅ Improve app functionality
- ✅ Provide customer support
We never:
- ❌ Sell your data
- ❌ Share with advertisers
- ❌ Use for marketing to others
Your Controls
You can:
- View all connected accounts
- Disconnect accounts anytime
- Delete your account
- Export your data (request from support)
- Control transaction visibility
Compliance and Standards
Certifications
- SOC 2 compliant - Security standards
- PCI DSS - Payment card industry standards
- GDPR ready - Privacy regulations
- Regular audits - Third-party security reviews
Plaid Certifications
- ISO 27001 certified
- SOC 2 Type II compliant
- Regular penetration testing
- 24/7 security monitoring
Best Practices for Security
Protect Your Account
Do:
- ✅ Use strong, unique password
- ✅ Enable biometric login
- ✅ Log out on shared devices
- ✅ Keep app updated
- ✅ Use secure internet connections
Don’t:
- ❌ Share your password
- ❌ Use public Wi-Fi for banking
- ❌ Save password in browsers
- ❌ Leave devices unlocked
Password Security
Create a strong password:
- 12+ characters
- Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
- Not used on other sites
- Not based on personal info
- Use a password manager
Device Security
- Keep OS updated
- Use device lock screen
- Enable Find My Device
- Don’t jailbreak/root
- Install apps from official stores only
If You Suspect a Security Issue
Immediate Actions
- Change your Balance password
- Change banking passwords
- Check accounts for unauthorized activity
- Contact your bank
- Contact Balance support
Contact Us
Email support@balancebudget.app immediately if:
- Suspicious activity detected
- Unauthorized access suspected
- Device lost or stolen
- Security concern or question
Data Breach Policy
Our Commitment
If a breach occurs:
- Immediate notification - We’ll contact you
- Transparency - Full disclosure of what happened
- Remediation - Steps to protect you
- Support - Help securing your accounts
Your Responsibility
If your device is compromised:
- Change passwords immediately
- Disconnect accounts
- Notify us
- Contact your bank
Account Deletion
What Happens
When you delete your account:
- All data is removed from active systems
- Bank connections are terminated
- Profile is deactivated
- Backups are purged per retention policy
How to Delete
- Contact support@balancebudget.app
- Request account deletion
- Confirm your identity
- We’ll process within 7 days
Note: This action is permanent and cannot be undone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Balance employees see my transactions?
A: Only authorized support staff, only when helping with specific issues, and only with your permission.
Q: Is my data encrypted?
A: Yes, using 256-bit encryption in transit and at rest.
Q: What if Plaid is hacked?
A: Plaid has never been breached. They employ bank-level security and monitoring.
Q: Can I use Balance on public Wi-Fi?
A: While technically secure, we recommend using VPN or cellular data for sensitive activities.
Q: How long is data retained?
A: Active accounts: indefinitely. Deleted accounts: purged per retention policy (typically 30-90 days).
Security Resources
Need security assistance? Contact support immediately!