Plaid has upgraded its Auth product to support authentication from over 11,500 banks and credit unions in the U.S., enabling developers to authenticate accounts from any institution with a fast, simple, and user-friendly experience. The new feature uses Plaid's login module for seamless account verification and intelligently guides users to the best method for authentication based on their financial institution. For institutions that support Plaid's Transactions product, instant authentication is possible using account and routing numbers, while for smaller banks or credit unions, manual micro-deposits offer a faster alternative. The new features have been positively received by beta participants, who report improved user experience and reduced friction in linking bank accounts.