Connect Bank account to existing account in QBO

I'm here to help you fix the error you encounter when connecting your bank account to the existing account in your QuickBooks Online, rachelk44.

When connecting a bank account, the process should link it to an existing account, not create a new one. During the connection process, select the Link account option to associate your bank account with the correct existing  account to avoid duplicates.

However, you can unlink the bank account from the incorrect account and reconnect it to the existing account. Here's how:

1. Go to Transactions, then Bank transactions.
2. Select the tile for the bank account.
3. Select the pencil icon, then select Edit account info.
4. Select the Disconnect this account on save checkbox.
5. Select Save and Close.

Then reconnect your bank to the existing one, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Transactions
2. Select the Link account if you've already created one.
3. In the search field, search for your bank.
4. Select Continue and enter your banking username and password. 
5. Follow the onscreen steps, including any additional security checks your bank might require.
6. Select any accounts you want to connect, like your savings, checking or credit card. Then select the Account type dropdown and choose the matching account type from your chart of accounts.
7. Tap Connect.

Once done, it will automatically download transactions. You can review and categorize them.

I'm always here if you need additional help connecting your bank account. It's my pleasure to help. Have a great day.

This is exactly what we are doing but it's creating new accounts instead of connecting to the originals. 

Is there anything in the audit log that will help figure this out? 

Good evening, @rachelk44. 

Thanks for reaching back out!

Let's try some troubleshooting steps to help resolve this. Using a private browser or incognito window can help eliminate any error or glitches that may be occurring in the system. 

Here's how based on which browser session you're using: 

• Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N 
• Internet Explorer/Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + N 
• Safari: Command + Shift + N

If this works, go back to your regular session and clear your browser's history. If not, I recommend using another supported browser. 

Let us know how this goes for you. I'll be waiting for your response! 

I don't think that is my problem.

I think the problem is that QBO has a phantom bank connection going on in my original bank accounts because I attempted to connect them but was not able to because of a bank permissions issue. So trying to connect them again is causing a glitch. 

When I go to Manage Connection however it says there are no accounts linked. 

And when I did connect the accounts and it created new ones I tried to just merge them but got an error message saying that QBO won't merge two accounts that are already linked to the bank.

So I need to solve the problem of the phantom link and getting it unlinked. 

I don't think that is my problem.

I think the problem is that QBO has a phantom bank connection going on in my original bank accounts because I attempted to connect them but was not able to because of a bank permissions issue. So trying to connect them again is causing a glitch. 

When I go to Manage Connection however it says there are no accounts linked. 

And when I did connect the accounts and it created new ones I tried to just merge them but got an error message saying that QBO won't merge two accounts that are already linked to the bank.

So I need to solve the problem of the phantom link and getting it unlinked. 

Connecting the correct bank account is essential to download accurate financial data, rachelk44. I'm here to ensure you can get past this banking connection issue.

I appreciate you for sharing additional insights about the duplicate accounts with corresponding screenshots and the troubleshooting steps you've performed to resolve the problem.

Having error messages about duplicate accounts when connecting to online banking can be fixed by updating the account's information before disconnecting and merging them.

Since the issue persists after applying these steps, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Support team. They have the tools to check your account securely and address unknown bank connections to QBO.

Here's how to reach out to them:

1. Go to Help.
2. Select the Search tab, then choose Contact Us.
3. Type in your issue or concern in the field.
4. Hit Continue.
5. Click the Chat or Callback option.

To know their support hours, please see this article: QuickBooks Online Support.

To help you review your accounts and ensure they match your bank statements, you can navigate through this article to learn more: Reconcile an account in QBO. 

If you have other questions or concerns about online banking in QBO, please comment below. I'll be sure to get back to you. Have a nice day.