How to split bank feed transactions by class, without defining the category?

Hello, Danny. 

I'd like to elaborate the details about the categories in the Online Banking feature. 

QuickBooks Online Banking feature requires you to select a category to categorize your transactions. We're unable to leave the category as blank when categorizing an expense or creating a rule. Though, you can still assign a class to each of your splits. 

Since the category is a requirement, you'll want to create an account where you would track all of your purchases or expenses. Here's how: 

1. Go to your Chart of Accounts.
2. Click the + New button.
3. Enter the category name, then set it as an Expense (you can consult an accountant if you need help selecting the type of expense). 
4. Click Save. 

Next, use the expense account as you define your bank rules or categorize and split your expenses. 

Also, you can only assign a single location or a set of tags in a single bank feed entry. Though, you can create separate rules for different locations or tags. 

I'll add these articles in case you need more help categorizing your transactions or setting up your bank rules: 

• Categorize and match online bank transactions in QuickBooks Online
• Set up bank rules to categorize online banking transactions in QuickBooks Online

Ready to reconcile your bank accounts after creating rules or categorizing your expenses? We have an article to help you with the process: Reconcile an account in QuickBooks Online.

I've got you covered again if you have other questions about the Online Banking feature, rules and other functions in QuickBooks. Feel free to visit here again and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. 

James - Thanks for the explanation, but it doesn't quite lave me with a solution moving forward.

I have no issue with assigning a category, I just need the split to be automatic and then go back in and select the category when the transaction is still in review.  Otherwise, to split every expense I would need to 1) set up a rule that splits all bank activity and send it to the 'expense' account as you described and then 2) would need to then reclass every one of those entries to the proper category (auto/payroll/misc).  That process would be tedious and sort of defeats the purpose of having a rule.

Is there not a way to set up a rule that says something like "if category is selected as 'auto' then split 50% to admin and 50% to program'? 

Hello again, Danny. 

I appreciate your prompt reply. I'll elaborate more details on creating your bank rules. 

In addition to what I've mentioned, we're unable to automate the splits while leaving the category as blank (or automatic) for future categorization. QuickBooks will still ask for a category for each of the splits when creating a rule. 

The rules work by using the bank details (Amount, Bank text or Description) to automatically categorize or split the transactions to specific accounts (not the other way around). 

The steps you mentioned in your reply can work as a solution. Though, you also have the option to skip bank rules entirely and just manually categorize and split your bank transactions under the For review tab. 

That said, I'd encourage you to send feedback to our developers. That way, they might add more options for the bank rules feature and improve it in the future.

You can send it by going to the Gear icon, then selecting Feedback. 

After categorizing your transactions, do you need help checking your expenses (or expenditures) and other transactions? There are a variety of reports you can use in QuickBooks. Feel free to read this article for more details: Run reports in QuickBooks Online.

I'm willing to help you some more with the Online Banking feature. If you also have any other questions about QuickBooks Online, please let me know by leaving a reply below.