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Troubleshooting Brokerage Connection

Having trouble connecting your brokerage? Here’s how to diagnose and fix common connection issues.

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Common Connection Problems

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”Connection Failed”

Possible causes:
  • Incorrect login credentials
  • Two-factor authentication blocking the connection
  • Brokerage is experiencing downtime
  • Your brokerage isn’t supported
Solutions:
  1. Verify your credentials - Log into your brokerage directly to confirm
  2. Check 2FA - Some brokerages require you to approve the connection in their app
  3. Try again later - The brokerage may have temporary issues
  4. Check supported brokerages - View the list →

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Connection Keeps Disconnecting

Why it happens:
  • Password changed at brokerage
  • Session expired
  • Brokerage security policy
  • Required re-authentication
Solutions:
  1. Go to Portfolio → Connected Accounts
  2. Click “Reconnect” or “Refresh”
  3. Re-enter your credentials
  4. Complete any 2FA prompts

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Data Not Updating

If your connection shows “Connected” but data is stale:
  1. Check last sync time - View in Portfolio settings
  2. Force a sync - Click “Sync Now” if available
  3. Reconnect - Disconnect and reconnect the account
  4. Wait - Some brokerages sync less frequently

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Brokerage-Specific Issues

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Fidelity

  • Requires Fidelity-specific login (not NetBenefits)
  • May require approving the connection in their app

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Charles Schwab

  • Use your Schwab login, not TD Ameritrade (if applicable)
  • 2FA approval often required

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Robinhood

  • Must use email/password, not biometric login
  • May need to approve in Robinhood app

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Vanguard

  • Use your personal account login
  • Workplace accounts may have restrictions

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E*TRADE

  • Standard login credentials work
  • Check for security alerts in E*TRADE account

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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Many brokerages use 2FA that can complicate connections:

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During Initial Connection

  1. Enter your brokerage credentials in Rallies
  2. Check your phone/email for a 2FA code
  3. Enter the code when prompted
  4. Approve any push notifications from your brokerage

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For Reconnection

  • Same process as initial connection
  • Some brokerages require 2FA every time

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Security Questions

If your brokerage uses security questions:
  1. You may be prompted to answer during connection
  2. Enter answers exactly as you set them up
  3. Some connections remember answers, others ask each time

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What We Can and Can’t Access

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We CAN See:

  • Account holdings (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds)
  • Current values
  • Cost basis (if provided by brokerage)
  • Recent transactions

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We CANNOT:

  • Make trades on your behalf
  • Transfer money
  • Change your brokerage settings
  • Access other financial accounts you don’t connect

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Connection Security

Your brokerage credentials are:
  • Never stored by Rallies
  • Encrypted during transmission
  • Handled by Plaid - Industry-standard secure aggregator
  • Read-only access - We can only view, not trade
Learn more about security →

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If Nothing Works

If you’ve tried everything:
  1. Confirm your brokerage is supported - See list
  2. Try connecting from desktop - Mobile connections can be problematic
  3. Clear cache and try again - Fresh session may help
  4. Contact support with:
    • Your brokerage name
    • Error message (screenshot if possible)
    • Steps you’ve tried