Brale supports two paths for creating an external off-chain bank address, each unlocking different transfer types.
When you create an external bank address, the path you choose determines which transfer_types are available for that address. Choose the right path based on the transfer rails you need.
Comparison
| Capability | Plaid-linked bank account | Direct bank entry |
|---|
ach_debit | Supported | Not supported |
ach_credit | Supported | Supported |
rtp | Supported | Supported |
wire | Not supported | Supported |
ACH debit is only available through the Plaid-linked bank account
flow. You cannot enable ach_debit via Direct bank entry.
Wire is only available through the Direct bank entry flow. You cannot
enable wire via the Plaid-linked bank account flow.
Which path should you use?
- Plaid-linked bank account — Use this when you need
ach_debit or want to provide a Plaid bank-linking experience for your users. This flow uses Plaid Link to securely connect a bank account and supports ach_debit, ach_credit, and rtp.
- Direct bank entry — Use this when you already have bank account details (account number, routing number) or need
wire transfers. This flow supports wire, ach_credit, and rtp.
Plaid-linked bank account flow
This flow uses the Plaid Link SDK to securely connect a bank account in two steps:
- Create a Plaid link token — Generate a
link_token to launch Plaid Link in your front-end.
- Register the account via Plaid — Exchange the
public_token from Plaid to create an address_id.
For a full walkthrough, see Key Concepts → Addresses → Create addresses through Plaid.
Direct bank entry flow
Submit bank account details directly using the Addresses API:
- Create a new external address — Provide account number, routing number, and bank details to create an
address_id supporting wire, ach_credit, and rtp.
For examples, see Key Concepts → Addresses → Create via Direct bank entry. 
