Set up or edit bank accounts for Bank Feeds in QuickBooks Desktop

Bank Feeds in QuickBooks Desktop connect your bank and credit card accounts to online banking. Downloading your bank transactions removes the need to record them manually.

You can connect up to 40 accounts. If you need to connect more, separate the accounts between two or more company files.

Connection methods

There are two ways to connect your account: Direct Connect or Web Connect. The availability of these methods depends on your specific bank.

• Direct Connect: QuickBooks connects directly to the bank server. You may need a PIN or password from your bank.
• Web Connect: You download a file (.QBO) from your bank and import it into QuickBooks.

Prerequisites for setup

Before setting up Bank Feeds, verify if your bank charges a fee or offers the service for free.

Bank-provided credentials

Your bank provides specific credentials for online banking setup. Ensure you have the following details:

• Customer ID and Password (or PIN).
• Account Number: The number assigned by your Financial Institution (FI) to your account. If you cannot find this on your banking statements, contact your FI.
• Routing Number: A 9-digit number assigned to your FI. This is usually found on a check, or you can contact your FI to obtain it.

Account type mapping

You must know how your financial institution classifies your account. Use the following table to match your bank's account type to the correct QuickBooks account type.

Connect with Direct Connect

When you download transactions for the first time, QuickBooks automatically sets up an account for Bank Feeds.

1. From the Banking menu, go to Bank Feeds.
2. Select Set up Bank Feeds for an account.
3. Enter and select your bank in the Enter your Bank's name field.
4. If enrolling for the first time, select the Enrollment Site link to apply for Direct Connect.
   Contact your bank if they need to approve your application or if you require special sign-in credentials.
5. Once enrolled, select Continue.
6. Enter your Online Banking user ID and Password.
7. Select Connect to link QuickBooks to your bank's server.
8. Select the bank account you want to connect to your QuickBooks account.
9. Select Finish.

Connect with Web Connect (.QBO) files

If your bank does not offer Direct Connect, you can use Web Connect to import transactions.

1. Download a Web Connect (.QBO) file with your company's transactions from your bank or credit card website.
2. In QuickBooks, go to Banking, select Bank Feeds, and then select Import Web Connect Files.
3. Select the .QBO file you saved and select Open.
4. When prompted to select your bank account:
   
   • Use an existing account: Choose this if the account is already set up in QuickBooks.
   • Create a new QuickBooks account: Choose this if the account is not yet in QuickBooks.
     
5. Select Continue.
6. Select OK when the dialog box confirms the data has been read into QuickBooks.
7. Go to the Bank Feeds Center to review your transactions.

Manage Bank Feed settings

Switch connection methods

To change from Web Connect to Direct Connect (or vice versa), you must disconnect your Bank Feeds first. Once disconnected, you can set up the bank feeds again using the new method.

Edit login or account info

To change your login or other information for a connected bank account:

1. Disconnect Bank Feeds for the specific account.
2. Make the necessary changes.
3. Set up bank feeds for your account again.