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Fix Web Connect import errors

by Intuit Updated 5 months ago

Learn how to fix web connect import issues in QuickBooks Desktop.

If you see one of these messages when you download transactions from your bank, there may be an issue with Web Connect:

  • “QuickBooks found an error. We can’t read the file [Your financial institution] sent.”
  • "An error occurred while processing your online banking data."
  • "Your data was not imported into QuickBooks."
  • "QuickBooks is unable to verify the Financial Institution information for this download."
  • QuickBooks seems stuck and asks you to select a new or existing account when you try to download.
  • "To download and import transactions, sign in with your Intuit account"

Web Connect issues can happen for several reasons, like incomplete bank files or incompatible formats. Changes from your bank can also create issues.

In this article, you'll learn how to:

Before you start

  1. Create a backup of your company file.
  2. Make sure you're using a supported version of QuickBooks Desktop.
  3. If you use Advanced Mode in bank feeds, you may need to sign in to your Intuit Account or switch modes. Import of web connect files (.qbo) requires you to sign in to your Intuit Account within QuickBooks Desktop.


Step 1: Download the Web Connect file

Download your Web Connect file directly from your bank, not from inside QuickBooks. Make sure the file you download from your bank is a .qbo file, the only type Web Connect can read.

  1. Sign in to your bank's website
  2. Find and download the Web Connect file.
  3. Open QuickBooks and your company file, then import the .qbo file.

If you import and see your transactions in QuickBooks, you’ll need to disconnect your account then set it up again.

If you see an error when you download the file, there may be an issue with your bank. Reach out to your bank for help.

If you still get the error when you import the file, move to Step 2.



Step 2: Review notifications from your bank

Your bank may notify you of changes or the need to confirm your identity. Sign in to your bank's website, check your messages, and follow any instructions.

If your bank no longer uses Web Connect, follow the steps to disconnect your account.

If you don't see a message, move to Step 3.



Step 3: Switch Bank Feeds modes

  1. From Banking, hover over Bank Feeds and select Change Bank Feeds Mode.
  2. Select Classic mode (Register mode).
  3. Then import the .qbo file.

If you still see an error, move to Step 4.



Step 4: Create a test file

Check to see if the issue is with your company file. Import your transactions into a new company file.

  1. Select File, then New Company.
  2. Select Express Start and fill out the required fields. Add the word "Test" to the company name so it’s easy to recognize.
  3. Select Start Working.
  4. In the test company, import the .qbo file. Download the transactions into the same bank account you're having issues with in your main company file.

If you were able to import the file and you see your transactions

There may be a settings issue. Go back to your original company file and reset them.

  1. Open your original company file.
  2. Disconnect the account you're having problems with.
  3. Then reconnect the account.
  4. Once you reconnect, import the .qbo file again.

When you can import your transactions in your original company file, everything is fixed.

Still see an error? Reach out to our team so we can help.

If you couldn't import the file or don't see your transactions

The issue is likely with the .qbo file from your bank.

Reach out to your bank for help. Financial institutions that use Web Connect know how to handle these types of issues.

  • Before you contact your bank, get your Bank Log files. These will help them find the issue or error.
  • Speak to a bank representative familiar with QuickBooks Bank Feeds and account activation.
    • Ask them to make sure your QuickBooks account(s) are set up for Web Connect.
  • If you need to, ask the representative to file a case via the Open Financial Exchange. Take note of your case number.

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