Questions about Banyan

A private family tree, built together. Here is how it works, what it costs, and what your family controls.

What is Banyan?

Banyan is a private, collaborative family tree app. Relatives build one shared tree, add photos and notes, explore their connections, and keep birthdays and family gatherings together. It is available on the web for families anywhere.

Is my Banyan family tree private?

Yes. Only members of your tree can see that tree's profiles and photos. Relatives join through an invitation and sign in. Your family tree is not a public directory or a searchable genealogy database.

How do I build a family tree with relatives?

Start a tree, add the relatives you know, and connect them as parents, children, spouses or other relationships. Share the invite link or QR code so your family can join and contribute with their existing permissions. Check for an existing profile before adding the same person again.

How do I join my family's tree?

Open the invite link a relative shares with you and sign in. You can claim an existing profile that represents you or add yourself. If the invitation has expired or been revoked, ask a tree elder for a current link.

Is Banyan free, and what do paid plans cost?

Banyan Starter is free for one tree with up to 12 relatives and 50 photos. Banyan Family covers up to 250 relatives and 1,000 photos for US$10 per month or US$79 per year. Banyan Legacy offers unlimited relatives and photos for US$20 per month or US$149 per year. Local prices, taxes and the final amount are shown at checkout.

Does every relative need a subscription?

No. One person sponsors a paid tree, and invited relatives can join and contribute without a separate subscription. The plan belongs to that tree. Separate trees have their own plans.

Can we keep family photos and memories in Banyan?

Yes. Add photos and notes to relatives' profiles so names, faces and remembered details stay connected. Ask permission before sharing someone else's photo or personal information. Family gatherings and birthdays can also be viewed in the calendar.

Does Banyan search historical records or test DNA?

No. Banyan organizes the relatives, relationships, photos and notes your family supplies. It does not provide DNA testing, historical-record searches or automatically verified ancestry. Add uncertain details only after checking them with your relatives.

Can I use Banyan on my phone?

Yes. The web app works in a phone or desktop browser. The iPhone and Android apps are coming soon; public App Store and Google Play downloads are not available yet.

Can an AI assistant help with my Banyan tree?

Yes, optionally. Banyan supports MCP-compatible agents, and its ChatGPT integration is in early access through developer mode rather than the public directory. ChatGPT access is limited to confirmed adult relatives aged 18 or older, photos need separate permission, and existing family permissions apply. Review proposed ChatGPT changes before saving.