What is Plink? Is Plink legit or a scam? Here is my Plink review - last updated, Sep. 2012
Date founded: January 2012
Who can join? Anyone with a Facebook account and a debit or credit card
How does Plink work? Plink is a free rewards program that allows you to earn points redeemable for gift cards when you use a registered debit or credit card to make purchases at participating restaurants, movie theaters, and gas stations. They are also piloting Target stores. You can only register one card, so choose the one you use most often. Plink rewards are in addition to any other rewards your debit or credit card may offer you.
Participating merchants include Taco Bell, Burger King, Quiznos, Arby’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Red Robin, Outback Steakhouse, 7-Eleven, and the Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters (Regal Cinemas, Edwards Theatres, and United Artist Theatres).
Available rewards start at the $5 level and include gift cards to Walmart, Kohl’s, Barnes and Noble, Regal Cinemas, Macy’s, Overstock, Zappos, and American Eagle.
Company background: Plink was co-founded by two of the executives behind Memolink, one of the first online rewards program. Plink is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Restaurant Association. The company received $3 million in funding in July 2012 from an investment firm that also helped to fund LivingSocial, Advertising.com (later sold to AOL), and many other tech firms. This follows an April 2012 angel investment round netting the company over half a million dollars. Obviously some people with deep wallets feel this company has serious potential.
My take: Although initially hesitant to give out my bank login and password in order to register my credit card, I was reassured by the fact that the founders are well-known veterans of online rewards programs. Since signing up in January (it’s September 2012 as I write this), I’ve had no problems with account security or unauthorized use of my registered card. My experience with Plink has been completely positive and I’ve been paid by them multiple times.
I highly recommend Plink – it offers a simple way to earn free gift cards for dining out and going to the movies — something you’d do anyway — and these rewards are on top of any other debit or credit card rewards that come directly from your card issuer.
Related Articles: Now Earn Free Gift Cards at Plink and 4Loot as Facebook Credits are Phased Out
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
if i change banks within the next month can i change/register that card or will i not be able to?
The problem with it is no matter “how secure” they say the are, all they need is one successful hacking to expose all of those bank accounts with logins and passwords and then it’s a simple matter for the thieves to transfer out all of your money.
I’ve seen other programs that link to debit cards and they didn’t ask for my login credentials.
I’m not going to trust this no matter what they say …
Simply put, this is a Titanic scenario, “Just because they say it’s unsinkable doesn’t mean it won’t get sunk!”.
Alan : I soooo totally agree with you , I would never give that full info , When I’m asked for my SSN, I only give the last 4 , if they can’t deal with it, I don’t do business with them, or If I need to give it , like at dmv, I never say it I write it, and ask for the paper back..Paranoid much, lol Yes , I am
I agree. No one should need your personal bank information. information! There are other ways the can link the card. I always say if it’s too good to be true, Then it is probably BS.
Just ask any of your banks or credit card companies if they agree it is safe to give out your login and password….AND THEY WILL SCREAM NO WAY!!
This system may be legit…but sure smells a lot like the Nigerian Scams for phishing you!!
Ooops , those were meant to be period….lol so sorry
Lisa,
That makes 2 of us that aren’t buying passage on the Titanic.
Cheers,
Alan
I signed up last night and got a credit card fraud alert today for an attempted charge out-of-state today! Coincidence???
I changed my bank password right after i signed up.
How can you trust a site that asks such personal information? You always read that NO ONE should request ss numbers or bank info! I was recently a victim of identity fraud and i am so skeptical. I wont even put my real name on my email accounts. Sad but true. If it sounds too good to be true, it is .
@Texasgurrl: Identity Fraud is surely on the rise, especially with smartphones. Hmm… Sounds interesting given the fact that I’m a Plink customer now. I signed up a little while ago and I’m looking forward to no issues occurring. However I also use LifeLock. It’s an ID Protection company that promises $1 miillion in coverage if they fail to protect your Identity. My blog is posted at the website link on ID Theft.
I am so glad I came here to search reviews-I am so weary of signing up for a webiste and on the 2nd step it assk for all of your banking info…I don’t think so! That spells trouble! This webiste was listed by an online “coupon/freebies” page as good companies to join for freebies but I think I’ll pass.
The only way I would do this is with a debit card or pre-paid credit card account with a maximum $50 in the account that did not link in any way to any other account. This way, the worst case scenario would be I lose the $50 I have in this account. This does sound like a cool service, but there is no way in hell I would give them my log in info for any of my normal credit cards. I may just open a pre-paid credit card account with $50 at a different bank than I normally deal with and give it a try.
Plink is legit folks. I have been using it and it works.
I don’t agree that you have to log into your bank account in order to connect it. I will NOT joining this, so matter how safe they say it is!
LOL its so easy to still identity is funny. Its the companies and personnel you trust the most that get you. i.e. IRS hmmmm LOL if someone wants your info trust me they will get it. SS had a breach of trust about 2yrs ago, Medicaid 1yr ago Bank of America, Wachovia, Regions you name it so just because you “write it down and get the paper back” or only give the “last four” means nothing. Do as you wish though better safe than sorry
It is absolutely ridiculous that they say they “NEED” your bank login information. I use shopkick… Another rewards program, and all they needed was my credit card number, no address, security code, no password, or bank info. They can see what I spend where to reward me with just that info. Consodering you have to have full name, address, security code, and all that to buy online, even with a hack, no one could successfully use my info, and even if they could, you have debt protection with cards… Not with direct bank transactions (I have been a victim of identity theft). Furthermore the shopkick program I use gives me points just for walking into a store, and looking through ads, they do no require that you register a card. While they don’t have a super fast reward program, I would rather use it, and know I am safe. If plink is smart, they will take a note from these other rewards programs.
Also, the other thing I don’t like about this review, is that whoever wrote it didn’t supply even their name as the author. You expect me to believe that you gave a random company your bank login… But you can’t even annotate how you are on public review of said company. Give me a break!
Hi, Morgan! I wrote the review, and am the sole author of all content on this website. It’s easy to find more info about me — just click the About tab on the top of the page.
I researched the company before posting my review. I checked into the background of the company’s founders. I’ve been using it since I first heard of it in January 2012. I’ve received several Amazon GCs from it, for doing absolutely nothing except linking my debit card to their site — that’s how they track your purchases. It’s like, “set it and forget it” — I get a reward for driving through Burger King or Taco Bell just as I would have anyway.
I read today that Plink is prepping their own Shopkick-type app to go live in the next couple of weeks: http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/193002/the-value-in-post-couponing.html?edition=56391#axzz2KbjNZSmJ
The advantage to it is the ability to push promotions to members while they’re on the go. Right now, there’s no connectivity to your cellphone, and “set it and forget it” isn’t really incentivizing shoppers to do anything different than the ordinary. This way members and retailers will both see added value to their services.
In a year of using Plink I’ve had ZERO occurrences of unauthorized charges, my credit report shows no out of the ordinary activity, and my only experience with Plink has been positive.
I understand the concern of those who feel skittish about providing their bank account information and SSN. I asked Plink’s Bob Longmire about these requirements in a live chat with Plink and other rewards program reps last October. My summary of that chat can be read here: http://comparerewards.com/archives/2935
One last personal anecdote regarding identity theft / credit card fraud: five years ago, I used my debit card to pay for lunch at a local Indian restaurant. I had never eaten there, or at any Indian restaurant, before. A week later, someone used my debit card number to charge airfare from some city in India to some other country. Coincidence? I think not. My point is that any time you hand your credit or debit card to a waiter or salesperson and it leaves your eyesight for even a moment, you run the risk of someone copying it and using it or selling it to others. If you ever pay by credit or debit card online, you run a risk. Cards offer us protection from unauthorized charges. In my case of Indian fraud years ago, my bank called me immediately to ask if the charge was legit — before I even saw the charge. They reversed it and issued me a new card. I wasn’t held financially responsible.
If sharing the info required for a Plink account makes you queasy, don’t do it. However, having done the research on the company’s founders, having chatted with their staff, and having used the program myself for over a year now, I highly recommend Plink and look forward to the new app coming out soon.
Signing my name,
Becky Ford
CompareRewards.com blogger since 2001
Rewards program user since 1997
Use your head-There will be fraud!
I think the review & comments are missing the bigger picture. I’m no very worried about fraud or ID theft – my bank CC web login account doesn’t have my SS#, age, or even my full CC account #. But think about it: how could a company make any money just giving you rewards when you use your CC at participating merchants? Yeah, the merchants probably give them most if not all the cost of the rewards, but that just saves them expense, that doesn’t generate any revenue for them. They’re a data mining outfit. From you CC bank login they download a permanent record of everything you purchase on that CC & sell that data to the highest bidder. Hmmm, this guy buys a lot of gas and always from Shell – hey BP, wouldn’t you like to buy his info? Or hmmm. this lady buys a lot of groceries, she must have a big family, and she always buys from Safeway – he BP, wouldn’t you like her info? And Toys R Us, her’s a good prospect. Your bank used to sell that info. The new Consumer Protection Bureau & law made it illegal for banks to sell your personal info, including purchasing habits. This is simply a way around that. No thanks. And their list of participating merchants is small & lousy – I don’t do fast food or steaks.
I actually think asking for a bank account login rather than an actual credit card number reduces the risk of fraud. Giving a credit card number means someone can just turn around and type that into any website to buy merchandise. I don’t know how every different online banking system works, but mine doesn’t even list my whole account number or much of my personal information (besides email and phone #). It just shows the basics with my recent transactions. If someone was trying to steal my identity or money by logging into my online bank account, they wouldn’t have much luck. I just signed up for this program, so I have no opinion on it yet but I felt safer giving my login information than a credit card number. Side note: Technology is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it does get annoying the lengths we have to go to to protect ourselves because of the astounding amount of low life’s out there who need to steal from others who actually work hard to EARN a living.
It looks great on paper, and if they just wanted my debt card # I may have given it a shot. My bank sends me an alert every time I get a charge. But giving them this info gives them everything, balances, spending habits, Christ they see how much you get paid if they want. Maybe if they see all these complaints they may change it.
Should you join Plink.com?
In my humble opinion I would say no. While most of Plink.com’s features are good, I am still a bit worried about them getting information about my credit or debit card. It’s just about financial privacy. I wouldn’t risk it. And I read on Plink.com that they use a third party financial organization to store bank information. That’s a big no no for me.
I already use services like Mint and PageOnce that require similar info. Have had zero issues.
If you are still concerned obtain a decent cashback or rewards credit card and use that instead.
Double dip on points and still protect your account and more personal info.
Do not trust anyone that asks for your bank account and password.
You are asking for trouble!
Its a matter of time, and all your money will be gone!!!!
I agree. If they want to reward us for going to certain shop, all they’ll need is to issue a rewards card that you can show at the merchant instead of getting all your private info.
I checked, their back-end security is powered by Yodlee. Yodlee powers most online banking behind the scenes so you probably already have given them your password…
http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/16/pf/online_banking_yodlee/index.htm
On another note with the double point weekend, I just made some 33% of my meal price back. Buying gift cards to extend it is also quite wonderful.
If you are someone who is truly concerned with identity and theft protection, you need to do a little more research before you decide who you do business with. I am a web developer, I have written many only payment processing solutions as well as worked with many financial institutions. The safest form of payment in this day and age is online credit payments. The only thing that makes them unsafe is a company that is not very well known and not PCI compliant. Those companies may not encrypt or obviscate your data leading to potential leaks. Something thats even safer than that however, would be providing someone your bank username and password because of their own safety nets. Someone can’t buy something at Amazon.com with your bank username and password. If your bank doesn’t require two step validation for transfers outside your own accounts, then you need a new bank.
It always surprises me that most people who are scared to join services like this will hand their debit and credit cards to a waitress, or use it at a kiosk that also runs on software that could read and store your information. Some people still write checks or give bank account number and routing numbers over the phone!!!!! Are you kidding me? I would much rather have my information reside on secure server, in a secure data center, under a sha256 encryption from a company that is PCI compliant than ay for sushi at the local shushiden.
Feel free to be scared… but, do a little more research before you start making claims about security
Great post!!
You nailed it! It amazes me as well.
My goodness! @Plazma explained this correctly. After reading all the reviews people still don’t understand that there is more risk in giving credit and debit card info than using a PCI Compliant company. Firstly let me explain that once you enter your bank info to link your account to Plink they DO NOT store your banking info. It is erased the very moment their read only technology is connected to your account. Therefore even if you gave Plink your banking info you can simply change your bank password and it would not make a difference because they do not store this info. Once they get connected that’s all they need. This is so they can confirm your purchases to reward you your points. This read only technology is THE EXACT SAME TECHNOLOGY YOUR VERY OWN BANKS ARE USING. In fact when you study Plink deeper they had to get the ok from your banks to make this all happen. Do you think these restaurants and banks could allow this without Plink passing the highest form of encryption level there is. You should be more concerned about making a purchase online and using your credit card with your full name and address because this info is more vital than anything else nowadays. Out of the 300,000 plus Americans who use Plink there has not been one complaint about anything concerning Plink.
Here’s the real deal folks. All they need is the credit card # and online password that accesses it. They don’t need your bank account number. Just register a card you use for restaurant purchases. I contacted my credit card account and was told that I am fully protected against fraud. Sounds like zero risk to me. I signed up a week ago and I already earned a $10 gift card. They have a an A- rating at BBB. The only reason for the minus is due to the time that they have been a member of the BBB. Info pasted below.
(BBB Accreditation. A BBB Accredited Business since 10/15/2012. BBB has determined that Plink LLC meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
I am very cautious and I have done the research myself. Accept it or not. I like the service Plink offers. Take care out there.
Mike
Thanks, signing up now
I’ve had so many problems with them! Do NOT do it!
And P.S. the BBB has been under scrutiny in the past for being paid to change ratings.
I do something similar with Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Dining, and I give them my credit cards front facing numbers (no exp date, 3 digit security #) but they never asked me to log into my actual bank or credit card accounts and they’ve known each time I used my card at one of their locations (they’re doing basically the same thing as Plink except for flight points), I have a filling Plink uses all the purchases (not just qualifying) info for databases or sells that data for marketing. Southwest proves you can do exactly what Plink does without needing log in info to peoples accounts…they’re doing something fishy.
Obviously Plink is tracking your spending habits and selling your data. They should be paying you a lot more than a $5 gift card relative to all of the money they make off you. You are a fool to sign up for this scam!
They asked for too much personal information for me to be comfortable with. There is no amount of rewards that would make me feel comfortable enough to hand out such private and personal information.
I can’t see any reason to give them (or anyone) access to your bank account!
Why can’t they track your shopping with the credit card you give them?
Accessing my bank allows payment of any bill and transfer of funds.
I don’t care how trustworthy anyone says they are, that just isn’t going to be available to them from me.
Go PLINK somebody else.
Any level of uncomfortable should indeed be heeded. I just offered my opinion a few posts above, based on my experience. Fortunately for me, I have a credit card from a bank that I have no other banking accounts with. It also is a reward card, so now I get their rewards and Plink points. That being said, this program isn’t for everyone. I am always careful as well. the card I use also has a zero liability guaranty for any unauthorized charges. That also provides me with a level of comfort. The Visa card I use is called – Everyday Rewards, if anyone wants more info, just Google it. 2% back on restaurants and groceries, and 4% back on pay at the pump gas purchases. Take care out there everyone.
I love Plink. Occasionally they’re a little slow to credit my account and once I had to contact customer service to get credit but overall a great program. I’ve made over $40 in Walmart gift cards do far. Emailed to me right away and easily spent on Walmart.com.
Someone mentioned that they belong to lifelock. I also belong and I believe in the fine print that if you give out the info the million dollar guantee is null and void. You are GIVING up your right to protection when you give your information. There are other ways to give these benefits without the personal info, there are plenty of companies that do already.
I just registered with my Discover Card. There is no social security information there and if there are any unauthorized charges, I am not liable for any of them. I check my credit card on that card regularly so I will know at the very most within a week of anything going on.
Just an update. I’ve now gotten 5 – $10 Walmart gift cards through Plink. They are always timely crediting my account, and if I do need customer service they’re always quick to respond. This is a great program!
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her
ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to
tell someone!
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