How to Add a Bank Account in Quickbooks Online

illions of businesses rely on Quickbooks Online's affordable software to manage their day-to-day accounting. However, optimizing the benefits you receive from Quickbooks Online requires proper setup, including connecting your bank account. Once you integrate this account with QuickBooks Online, you'll no longer need to record bank transactions manually. Read on to learn how to add a bank account to QuickBooks.

‍

The benefits of connecting a bank account to QuickBooks Online

Linking your bank account with QuickBooks Online offers the following benefits:

Automatic transaction download

When you connect your bank account to QuickBooks Online, you can say goodbye to manually entering transactions. All your account activity will appear directly in QuickBooks without you needing to lift a finger.

Simplified bookkeeping and reconciliation process

Since your bank transactions appear automatically in QuickBooks, categorizing them will be much easier. You can set up rules so that QuickBooks will handle the account tagging for you, saving you additional time.

Real-time overview of business finances

Automatic transaction processing means you'll always have up-to-date information on your company's finances whenever you log into QuickBooks. You can make informed decisions quickly based on reliable data. [Connecting Your Bank Accounts to QuickBooks | QuickBooks Australia (intuit.com) this link covers all three benefits]

‍

Before you start: things to consider

While you may want to connect your bank account with QuickBooks immediately, there are a few things to keep in mind.

QuickBooks Online can connect with most banks, but some aren't supported. If you can't find your bank's name in the connection list, check the spelling. Sometimes banks use alternative legal names that may differ from what appears on the front of your debit or credit card. [Find your bank or credit card account when you connect to online banking (intuit.com)]

You'll want to ensure that you have all the details you need to connect your bank account, including your routing and bank account numbers. You'll also need the login and password to view your accounts on your bank's website. [Find your bank or credit card account when you connect to online banking (intuit.com)]

Some people may be a little concerned about the security of connecting QuickBooks Online with their banking information. QuickBooks uses advanced encryption features to keep your banking transactions safe, and no one at QuickBooks can access your data. [How secure is online banking through QuickBooks? (intuit.com)]

‍

Step-by-step guide: how to add a bank account in QuickBooks Online

Follow these steps to add your bank account to QuickBooks.

1. Log into QuickBooks Online

Your first step is to log into your QuickBooks account. Simply navigate to the QuickBooks Online website and enter your login details, including your username and password. [Intuit Accounts - Sign In]

2. Select the bookkeeping menu

The Bookkeeping menu is where all the magic happens. Select "Bookkeeping" and scroll to "Transactions." Next, click the Bank Transactions tab and choose "Connect Account."

3. Select your banking institution

A list of banks will appear when you select "Connect Account." You can type in the first few letters of your bank's name to find it quickly. Once it's found, select your bank and wait for the next screen.

4. Log into your bank through QuickBooks Online

A login screen will appear for your bank through the QuickBooks Online interface. You'll need to enter the username and password associated with the bank account to authorize the login. Depending on the security settings you have with your bank, it may request additional information before you can proceed with the connection.

5. Select the account you want to connect with QuickBooks Online

Once you're logged in, a list of your bank accounts, such as business banking, savings, or credit lines, will appear. Select all the accounts you wish to integrate with QuickBooks Online. If you don't want to connect all accounts, that's OK — select the ones related to your business.

6. Classify each type of account

QuickBooks Online allows you to categorize your accounts by type. To do so, select the "Account Type" dropdown, then "Bank" or "Credit Card," depending on the accounts you connected. Then, you can choose among checking, savings, and credit card.

7. Map your bank account

The final step is account mapping. Select "Existing Accounts" and choose the most relevant tab that applies. Afterward, click "Next" and then "Connect." You're done! [Connect bank and credit card accounts to QuickBooks Online (intuit.com) covers all steps]

8. Sync transactions

Once you connect QuickBooks Online to your bank account, it can automatically match transactions based on prior information stored in your ledger. If QuickBooks can't find a matching transaction, it will notify you. You'll retain the authority to approve matched transactions before storing them in your ledger. [Add and match Bank Feed transactions in QuickBooks Desktop (intuit.com)]

‍

Troubleshooting common issues while adding a bank account in QuickBooks Online

Occasionally, people run into problems connecting their bank accounts with QuickBooks Online. One of the most common issues is problems locating their bank in the QuickBooks Online list.

If you can't find your bank on the QuickBooks Online list, it may be under a different name. Sometimes, banks have multiple names in QuickBooks, particularly if they have branches in other regions, states, or countries. Make sure you select the bank name that applies to you.

If you're confident your bank's name isn't on the QuickBooks Online list of supported financial institutions, you can request support directly through QuickBooks. Simply click "Request" during the account-adding process and provide your bank's web address. QuickBooks will take it from there and let you know when it has a resolution. [Find your bank or credit card account when you connect to online banking (intuit.com), covers entire section]

‍

Managing your connected bank account in QuickBooks Online

Once your bank account is fully connected to QuickBooks, it automatically pulls new financial transactions into your accounting books. You'll no longer need to enter them manually. QuickBooks can also categorize most transactions for you, including income and expenses.

To categorize your transactions, navigate to "Bookkeeping" and then "Transactions." Next, select "Bank transactions." Your recent transactions for the period will appear, along with a suggested category. You can change the category or assign a new one after reviewing the list. [Categorize online bank transactions in QuickBooks Online (intuit.com)]

‍

Adding your bank account to QuickBooks Online saves time

While adding your bank account to QuickBooks Online may sound a little complicated, it takes just a few minutes. Once connected, QuickBooks can handle a lot of the manual bookkeeping for you, including categorizing expenses and income. Regularly update your transactions in QuickBooks so your books stay up to date. That way, you'll have real-time financial data you can use to make informed decisions for your company.

Novo offers seamless QuickBooks integration that saves time and speeds up the account reconciliation process. Sign up for an account with Novo.

‍

FAQs

How do I add another bank account to QuickBooks Online?

If you have more than one bank account to add to QuickBooks Online, simply follow the same steps you used to add the first account. QuickBooks can support multiple checking, savings, and credit card accounts. [Connect bank and credit card accounts to QuickBooks Online (intuit.com)]

Should I link my bank account to QuickBooks Online?

Connecting your bank account to QuickBooks Online can save you time and improve the accuracy of your financials. If you want to eliminate tedious, routine tasks, it's a good idea to link your bank account with QuickBooks Online. [Connecting Your Bank Accounts to QuickBooks | QuickBooks Australia (intuit.com)]

Novo Platform Inc. strives to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee that this content is correct, complete, or up-to-date. This page is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice nor an endorsement of any third-party products or services. All products and services are presented without warranty. Novo Platform Inc. does not provide any financial or legal advice, and you should consult your own financial, legal, or tax advisors.

Novo is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.: Member FDIC.

‍