1. Information we collect
We collect the following categories of information to provide and improve Hope:
Importantly, we never receive or store your bank login credentials. Those are handled directly by Plaid through a secure connection.
2. How we use your information
We use the information we collect solely to provide and improve Hope's features for you. Specifically, we use it to: aggregate your accounts into a single view; calculate your net worth; power budgeting and spending insights; detect recurring bills; track investment performance; and support savings and debt-payoff goals. We also use limited technical data to operate, secure, troubleshoot, and improve the service. We do not use your financial data for advertising, and we do not use it to make automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects about you.
3. How we share information
We do not sell your personal or financial information, and we do not share it with third parties for their own advertising. We share information only in these limited circumstances:
4. Connecting accounts through Plaid
Hope uses Plaid Inc. (“Plaid”) to securely connect to your financial institutions. When you link an account, you enter your credentials directly with Plaid — not with Hope — and Plaid provides us with the financial data described above so we can deliver the app's features.
Your use of Plaid is governed by Plaid's own End User Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review it at plaid.com/legal. You can manage or revoke the connections you've made through Plaid at any time, including via Plaid's portal at my.plaid.com.
5. How we protect your information
We use industry-standard safeguards to protect your information, including encryption in transit and at rest, access controls, and continuous monitoring. Connections to your financial institutions are read-only, and we never receive or store your bank login credentials. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work continuously to protect your data and promptly address any vulnerabilities we identify.
6. Data retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide Hope to you. When you disconnect an account, delete your account, or request deletion, we delete or de-identify your associated personal and financial data within a reasonable period, except where we are required to retain it to comply with legal, accounting, or security obligations.
7. Your rights & choices
You are in control of your data. At any time, you can:
Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under laws such as the GDPR or CCPA/CPRA, including the right to opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information — which Hope does not do. To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below.
8. Children's privacy
Hope is not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date above and, where appropriate, notify you in the app. Your continued use of Hope after an update means you accept the revised policy.
10. Contact us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, or to exercise any of your rights, reach out any time:
The Hope Project · Privacy support@thehopeproject.app