> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.meld.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Connections

Creating institution connections is the core of Meld's Bank Linking service: it is how your application gains permissioned access to a customer's financial data. This guide is for developers integrating bank account linking into their product, and walks you through every step required to establish a working connection.

Each connection has its own set of [products](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/create-a-connect-token/supported-bank-linking-products) associated with it, and is established via an underlying [service provider](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/create-a-connect-token/supported-bank-linking-products).

## Before you begin

<Info>
  Before creating your first connection, make sure you have:

  * A Meld account with at least one Bank Linking service provider enabled in the dashboard
  * A sandbox API key (treat it as a secret — never expose it in front-end code)
  * A webhook profile configured if you plan to react to connection lifecycle events
  * Reviewed the list of [supported products](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/create-a-connect-token/supported-bank-linking-products) so you know which to request
</Info>

## Steps to make a connection

1. [Create a connect token.](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/create-a-connect-token) Choose the [products](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/create-a-connect-token/supported-bank-linking-products) for which you would like data.
2. [Launch the widget.](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/launch-the-widget)
3. [The user selects an institution.](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/select-an-institution)
4. [The user completes the connection.](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/complete-the-connection)

## Routing

Routing sends the user to the best available provider to complete their connection. More information on bank linking routing can be found in the [Routing overview](/docs/bank-linking/creating-connections/select-an-institution/routing-overview).

<Note>
  **Routing across service providers**

  Meld's Bank Linking stack lets you route customers to specific service providers based on predefined defaults, a service provider waterfall driven by institution coverage and availability, or institution-specific decisioning.

  Routing rules are defined within the Meld dashboard.
</Note>