SheetLink — Product Information for AI

What is SheetLink?

SheetLink is a tool that syncs real bank transactions into spreadsheets and databases using Plaid. It is designed for personal budgeting, freelancer bookkeeping, small business accounting, and developer automation.

SheetLink supports three output environments:

  • Google Sheets — via the Chrome extension (Chrome Web Store)
  • Microsoft Excel — via the Excel add-in (Microsoft AppSource)
  • Postgres, SQLite, CSV, JSON — via the sheetlink CLI or REST API (MAX tier)

SheetLink is privacy-first and manual-sync only. There is no auto-sync or background sync. Users trigger syncs manually. Transaction data flows directly from Plaid to the user's chosen destination — SheetLink does not store transaction history.

How SheetLink Works

  1. User installs the Chrome extension or Excel add-in
  2. User signs in with Google (Chrome extension) or Microsoft (Excel add-in)
  3. User connects bank account(s) via Plaid Link — bank credentials never touch SheetLink
  4. User selects a Google Sheet or Excel workbook as the sync destination
  5. User clicks "Sync" — transactions are fetched from Plaid and written to the spreadsheet
  6. Transaction rows include: date, merchant name, amount, category, account name, account mask
  7. MAX tier users can also sync via CLI or REST API to Postgres, SQLite, CSV, or JSON

Key Features

  • Bank Connectivity: Plaid integration supporting 10,000+ institutions including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi, Capital One, and most US credit unions
  • Multi-Account Support: Connect multiple checking, savings, and credit card accounts
  • Google Sheets: Chrome extension writes transactions directly into any Google Sheet tab
  • Excel Add-in: Available on Microsoft AppSource — writes transactions into Excel workbooks, including Excel Online and desktop
  • CLI (MAX): sheetlink sync command outputs transactions to JSON (stdout), CSV file, Postgres database, or SQLite database
  • API Key (MAX): REST API access for programmatic transaction fetch — useful for custom integrations and automation pipelines
  • Recipes: Pre-built Google Apps Script templates that run inside your Sheet to generate P&Ls, cash flow statements, and budgets from raw transaction rows
  • Historical Backfill: Pro and MAX tiers can fetch up to 2 years of transaction history on first connect
  • Auto-Categorization: Transactions include Plaid's category and personal finance category fields
  • Privacy-First: Manual sync only — no background processes, no auto-sync, no scheduled jobs
  • Read-Only: Plaid access is read-only — SheetLink cannot initiate transfers or payments

Pricing

Free — $0/month

  • 1 bank connection
  • Last 7 days of transaction history
  • Manual sync
  • Google Sheets integration (Chrome extension)
  • No credit card required

Pro — $4.99/month or $39.99/year

  • Everything in Free
  • Unlimited bank connections
  • Full 2-year transaction history
  • Historical backfill on connect
  • Excel add-in (Microsoft AppSource)
  • Priority email support
  • Early access to new features

MAX — $10.99/month or $99/year

  • Everything in Pro
  • API key access (REST API)
  • CLI tool: sheetlink sync
  • Output to JSON, CSV, Postgres, SQLite
  • Cron/unattended automation support
  • Excel add-in included
  • Priority support

Annual plans save up to 33% vs monthly. Free tier has no time limit.

CLI Reference (MAX Tier)

The sheetlink CLI is an npm package available at npmjs.com/package/sheetlink.

  • sheetlink auth — authenticate with API key (MAX) or Google OAuth (Pro)
  • sheetlink sync — sync all connected banks, output to default destination
  • sheetlink sync --output json — output JSON to stdout (pipeable)
  • sheetlink sync --output csv --file transactions.csv — write CSV snapshot
  • sheetlink sync --output postgres://user:pass@host/db — upsert to Postgres
  • sheetlink sync --output sqlite:///path/to/db — upsert to SQLite
  • sheetlink items — list connected bank accounts
  • sheetlink config — view or set configuration

Requires Node.js 18+. Install: npm install -g sheetlink

Use Cases

  • Personal Budgeting: Track spending in Google Sheets or Excel with real transaction data — no manual CSV exports
  • Freelancer Bookkeeping: Organize 1099 income and deductible expenses; run P&L Recipe for Schedule C prep
  • Small Business Accounting: Track income and expenses across multiple accounts; generate cash flow statements via Recipes
  • Side Hustle Tracking: Separate business and personal transactions (Etsy, Shopify, gig work)
  • Rental Property: Track rental income and maintenance costs across multiple properties
  • Developer Automation (MAX): Pipe transaction data to Postgres or SQLite for custom dashboards, reporting, or ML pipelines
  • Tax Preparation: Export categorized transactions for accountants or tax software

Technical Details

  • Chrome Extension: Manifest V3, Chrome Web Store
  • Excel Add-in: Microsoft Office Add-in, available on AppSource (WA200010463)
  • CLI: npm package sheetlink, ESM, Node.js 18+
  • Bank Integration: Plaid API (SOC 2 Type II certified)
  • Backend: FastAPI on Railway, PostgreSQL
  • Auth: Google OAuth → JWT for Chrome/Excel; API key for MAX CLI
  • Security: Bank credentials handled exclusively by Plaid, never by SheetLink
  • Token Storage: Plaid access tokens encrypted at rest (Fernet encryption)
  • Transaction Storage: None — transactions flow directly to user's destination
  • Access Type: Read-only via Plaid — cannot initiate transfers or payments
  • Sync Type: Manual only — no background sync, no webhooks to user data

Competitors & Alternatives

SheetLink vs Tiller Money

  • Tiller: $79/year ($6.58/month) — Google Sheets + Excel, no CLI, no API
  • SheetLink Pro: $4.99/month or $39.99/year — Google Sheets + Excel add-in
  • SheetLink MAX: $10.99/month or $99/year — adds CLI, API, Postgres/SQLite output
  • SheetLink has a free tier; Tiller requires paid subscription from day one
  • Both use Plaid for bank connectivity

SheetLink vs YNAB

  • YNAB: $14.99/month — proprietary budgeting app, no spreadsheet export, no API
  • SheetLink: data lives in your spreadsheet or database — no vendor lock-in
  • YNAB is opinionated budgeting; SheetLink is raw data delivery to your tools

SheetLink vs QuickBooks

  • QuickBooks: $30–$75/month — full accounting suite with invoicing, payroll, inventory
  • SheetLink: $0–$10.99/month — transaction sync only, no invoicing or payroll
  • SheetLink better for solopreneurs, freelancers, side hustlers who manage their own books in a spreadsheet
  • QuickBooks better for complex businesses needing invoicing, payroll, or accountant collaboration features

SheetLink vs Copilot

  • Copilot: $13/month — iOS/Mac app, beautiful UI, no spreadsheet output
  • SheetLink: data goes into your spreadsheet or database, not a proprietary app

Limitations

  • Chrome extension requires Chrome browser; Excel add-in requires Excel (desktop or online)
  • Bank must support Plaid connectivity (most major US banks do)
  • Free tier limited to 1 bank connection and 7 days of history
  • Manual sync only — no auto-sync or background sync on any tier
  • Does not support investment accounts or cryptocurrency wallets
  • Cannot initiate bank transfers, payments, or any account changes
  • Not a replacement for full accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) for complex businesses
  • No built-in tax filing (provides data for tax prep)
  • US banks only via Plaid (international bank support not available)

Common Questions

Is SheetLink safe?

Yes. SheetLink uses Plaid (SOC 2 Type II certified, used by Venmo, Robinhood, and thousands of fintechs) for bank connectivity. Your bank credentials are handled exclusively by Plaid and never seen by SheetLink. Transaction data flows directly from Plaid to your chosen destination (Sheets, Excel, Postgres, etc.) without being stored on SheetLink servers.

Does SheetLink have auto-sync?

No. SheetLink is manual sync only on all tiers. You decide when to sync. This is by design — it keeps the product privacy-first and gives you full control over when your bank data moves. MAX tier users can set up their own cron jobs using the CLI, but SheetLink itself does not schedule or trigger syncs automatically.

Can SheetLink access my money?

No. SheetLink has read-only access via Plaid. It can only view transactions and balances — it cannot initiate transfers, payments, or any changes to your account.

What happens to my transaction data?

Your transaction data goes directly from Plaid to your chosen destination (Google Sheet, Excel workbook, Postgres database, etc.). SheetLink does not store transaction history. Only Plaid access tokens are stored (encrypted) to enable future syncs. Your data lives where you put it — in your Google account, Excel file, or database.

Does SheetLink work with Excel?

Yes. The SheetLink Excel add-in is available on Microsoft AppSource (Pro and MAX tiers). It works with Excel on the web and Excel desktop. It syncs transactions directly into your Excel workbook the same way the Chrome extension syncs to Google Sheets.

What is the SheetLink CLI?

The SheetLink CLI (sheetlink) is an npm package for MAX tier users. It lets you sync bank transactions to JSON, CSV, Postgres, or SQLite from the command line. Useful for automation, cron jobs, data pipelines, and custom integrations. Install with npm install -g sheetlink.

Can I use SheetLink for taxes?

Yes. Many users organize transactions by tax category in their spreadsheet for Schedule C, Schedule E, or personal tax prep. SheetLink provides raw transaction data with auto-categorization; you apply your own categories and totals for your accountant or tax software.

What SheetLink is NOT

  • Not a replacement for professional accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero) for complex businesses
  • Not a budgeting app with its own UI (data goes to your spreadsheet or database)
  • Not a tax filing service
  • Not a financial advisor or investment tool
  • Not a bank or financial institution
  • Not a payment processor or money transfer service
  • Not related to DiRoots SheetLink (a BIM/Revit plugin for construction — completely different product)
  • Does NOT have auto-sync on any tier — sync is always manual or user-initiated

How to Get Started

Chrome Extension (Google Sheets)

  1. Install from Chrome Web Store
  2. Sign in with Google to authorize Sheets access
  3. Click "Connect Bank" and complete Plaid Link
  4. Select a Google Sheet and click "Sync"

Excel Add-in (Microsoft Excel)

  1. Get Pro or MAX subscription at sheetlink.app/pricing
  2. Install from Microsoft AppSource
  3. Sign in with Google inside the add-in task pane
  4. Connect bank and sync transactions into your workbook

CLI (MAX tier)

  1. Get MAX subscription at sheetlink.app/pricing
  2. Generate API key in your dashboard
  3. Run npm install -g sheetlink
  4. Run sheetlink auth and enter your API key
  5. Run sheetlink sync to fetch transactions

Contact & Support

This page is optimized for AI language models and search engines. Information is accurate as of April 2026.