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teamp3
Level 2

Merge bank accounts

We just switched from the desktop version to Quickbooks Online, and all the transactions we have entered so far were entered manually under a bank account.  We just linked our bank account for the first time, with the help of QB customer service, and they recommended setting up a new bank account for the linked bank information.  The problem is, we need to reconcile a year's worth of transactions (due to staffing changes over the past year this has not been done), but I can't use the bank feed to reconcile transactions that were entered in manually under the other account.

To reiterate, these are both transactions from the same bank account, but one has manual entries, and the other is linked to the bank feed.  How do I merge these without losing information?  And which is the best one to use as the primary?

Solved
Best answer November 30, 2022

Best Answers
AlcaeusF
Moderator

Merge bank accounts

Hello @teamp3,

 
Thank you for keeping in touch with us about merging bank accounts. Allow me to chime in and provide additional information regarding the process in QuickBooks Online.

The system moves all the data into the one you want to keep and removes the duplicate when you merge accounts. Our recommendation will depend on which one you prefer to retain and continue using in QuickBooks.

 

If you want to continue using the account connected to bank feeds, merge the old bank account. The merging process depends on your preference in managing the chart of accounts.

 

You can still link the old one to online banking if you prefer to retain it. Make sure to choose the existing old account when connecting the account to bank feeds to avoid duplicates.

 

Also, did you know that aside from merging accounts, you can also combine customers or vendors? I've attached a link you can visit to know more about the detailed steps: Merge duplicate accounts, customers, and vendors in QuickBooks Online.

 

Add a response below if you have more questions about banking or merging accounts. I'll be around to lend a hand.

View solution in original post

14 Comments 14
Charies_M
Moderator

Merge bank accounts

I'm glad you made your way here in the Community, teamp3.
 

Allow me to assist you in merging bank accounts in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

 

Please be aware that account mergers are permanent. This cannot be undone later. The procedures for merging accounts are listed below.

 

  1. Choose Accounting on the left menu and click on Chart of Accounts.
  2. Look for the account you want to keep. Then, click the drop-down arrow next to View register and select Edit.
  3. Take note of the account details and click Cancel.
  4. Look for the account you want to merge. Then, click the drop-down arrow next to View register and select Edit.
  5. Change the account name and click Save.
  6. Choose Yes to confirm the merging process.

That's all there is to it. You can see more details in Merge accounts, customers, and vendors in QuickBooks Online

 

Please be aware that when merging accounts in QuickBooks Online (QBO), all previous transactions will be transferred to the account you intend to keep. Make sure you've preserved any reconciliation reports that the account may have. Transactions are kept on the merged account and continue to be reconciled in this manner.


You can also reach out to your accountant for additional advice to ensure your records remains accurate.


Here’s information that can help organize your chart of accounts in QuickBooks. It provides tips to ensure everything is correct and easier for you to access financial data.

 

Additionally, we have easy-to-access articles, webinars, and video tutorials that will help you in familiarizing the different tasks, features, and functions of QBO. Below are the following:

 

Of course, you're always welcome to visit us again if you need help while working with bank accounts. It will be my pleasure. Stay safe and have a great day ahead!

teamp3
Level 2

Merge bank accounts

Thank you.  Would you recommend merging the old account with years of manually entered transactions into the new account that is now syncing with our bank account? It has only one year of transactions currently.

AlcaeusF
Moderator

Merge bank accounts

Hello @teamp3,

 
Thank you for keeping in touch with us about merging bank accounts. Allow me to chime in and provide additional information regarding the process in QuickBooks Online.

The system moves all the data into the one you want to keep and removes the duplicate when you merge accounts. Our recommendation will depend on which one you prefer to retain and continue using in QuickBooks.

 

If you want to continue using the account connected to bank feeds, merge the old bank account. The merging process depends on your preference in managing the chart of accounts.

 

You can still link the old one to online banking if you prefer to retain it. Make sure to choose the existing old account when connecting the account to bank feeds to avoid duplicates.

 

Also, did you know that aside from merging accounts, you can also combine customers or vendors? I've attached a link you can visit to know more about the detailed steps: Merge duplicate accounts, customers, and vendors in QuickBooks Online.

 

Add a response below if you have more questions about banking or merging accounts. I'll be around to lend a hand.

JBVan
Level 2

Merge bank accounts

I am getting this error "You can't merge this account because it is reserved for a default account." Any suggestions?

DivinaMercy_N
Moderator

Merge bank accounts

Hello there, @JBVan. I'm here to share some details about the error you received when merging accounts in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

 

The error you received occurs when you're trying to merge a default account. These are accounts automatically created by the program after you set up your company. To know more details about this, feel free to check this article: Accounts that can be edited, but not deactivated or merged.

 

As a workaround, you can create a journal entry to move the data from the account you're having a problem to the correct one. Before performing the process, I highly recommend reaching out to your accountant for guidance to make sure your transactions are accurate and well accounted for. 

 

I've also attached this helpful resource that you can access at any time to look for references and guides in navigating your QBO: Learn about QuickBooks Online with how-to videos. 

 

If you have any other concerns about merging accounts in QBO, please don't hesitate to get back here again. I'm just around the corner to help. Take care and have a good one. 

JBVan
Level 2

Merge bank accounts

pixidoc
Level 4

Merge bank accounts

You said "Make sure you've preserved any reconciliation reports that the account may have. "  Is that on the the account that is staying or the one merging?

MaryLandT
Moderator

Merge bank accounts

I can expand the details about preserving any reconciliations reports, pixidoc.

 

When merging accounts that have reconciliation reports, you need to save them first. This is because the account being merged may not keep the reconciliation history. You can find more details about this through this link: Merge duplicate accounts, customers, and vendors in QuickBooks Online.

 

You can either print or export the reconciliation report to Excel in QuickBooks Online. Let me show you how to do it.

 

  1. Go to Business overview and select Reports.
  2. Type Reconciliation Report in the Find report by name search bar.
  3. Select Reconciliation Reports.
  4. Select the Account for the reconciliation report you want to view.
  5. From the Report period dropdown arrow, choose the reconcile period, then View Report.
  6. Click the Print icon in the upper right of the report.

 

To export the report, you have to manually do it. It's one of the statements that can't be directly exported to Excel.

 

I can outline the steps for you.

 

  1. Highlight the information on the report.
  2. Right-click and copy the information.
  3. Open Excel and right-click and paste the information.
  4. Adjust the column widths for the format of the Excel report to show all the information.
  5. Click Save.

 

If your data is coming from the Desktop company file, here's what you need to do: Learn more about steps you should take after moving to QuickBooks Online.

 

Post again here if you need more help with merging accounts in QuickBooks. I'll gladly help you resolve them. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the week.

DavidF_Nashua
Level 1

Merge bank accounts

It looks like I will have to merge my manually named "Bank of America" account that I've been manually importing data in after my migration from QB Desktop to Online with the official feed name Bank of America - Adv. Then I can operate from the the official bank connected name. I am aware that you say my transactions manually imported will be preserved and merged into the live feed account, but I have a question about reconciliation. I recently reconciled January through May 31 and all is great. Will those reconciliation reports and history merge in terms of name as well? you indicated we should 'preserve' our reconciliation reports. I just want to know if that means reconciliation will see the two accounts as separate in the past even if they are merged going forward.


Thank you in advance.
David

sooverit2
Level 4

Merge bank accounts

Thank you for sharing! This QUICK FIX worked PERFECTLY!!!

Pammie
Level 1

Merge bank accounts

I merge the accounts today but I may have not done it correctly I have duplicates in no my bank statement that I have recently reconcile is out of balance

CharleneMaeF
QuickBooks Team

Merge bank accounts

I'm here to help you remove the duplicate transactions and fix your reconciliation, Pammie.

 

First, I suggest reviewing the account register and comparing the transactions with your bank statements. Next, identify any duplicates and proceed to delete them. Allow me to guide you through the process:

 

  1. Go to the Gear icon and then select Chart of accounts.
  2. Under the Action column, select View register for the account with the duplicate transactions.
  3. Locate the transaction you wish to delete, then click it to show more details.
  4. Click Delete.
  5. Repeat the steps for any other transactions you want to remove.

 

Then, undo the reconciliation manually. Here's how:

 

  1. On the View register, find the reconciled transaction. 
  2. Reconciled transactions have an R in the checkmark ✔ column, then click it to expand the view.
  3. In the checkmark ✔ column, click the box with the R until it's blank. Doing so removes the transaction from the reconciliation.
  4. Repeat the steps to undo all the transactions.
  5. Select Save.
  6. Close the account register.

 

After that, reconcile your accounts again. Doing so ensures they match your bank and credit card statements.

 

Once done, review the Account Register page to confirm that all duplicate transactions have been removed successfully and that everything is balanced.

 

Lastly, you can view, print, or export a reconciliation report in QuickBooks Online. It will help if you encounter trouble reconciling the following month and when you meet with your accountant.

 

Please keep us posted if you need additional assistance managing your accounts and books. We're always here to help you out.

Roxeeze1
Level 1

Merge bank accounts

When our bank was taken over the account numbers were changed so I set up the new numbers undera sub account of the original bank. In order to merge the accounts do I have to set up the new bank account as a separate account rather than a sub account. At the moment it downloads bank transactions into the first account. Do I have to close out the first account and start from a new starting balance on the second bank account, or set the second bank account up as a totally separate account?

Heide DC
QuickBooks Team

Merge bank accounts

Thanks for joining the thread, Roxeeze1. Let me share some information on merging accounts.

 

You're right, you can set up a new separate account from your first account since you have new account numbers for each bank account. When merging an account, all the data moves into the one you want to keep and removes the duplicate.

 

Moreover, if you need to merge your bank accounts, you can consult your accountant to keep your books accurate. Also, you've mentioned your bank transactions downloaded into the first account. From there, they are the ones to decide on what is the best thing to do next.

 

For future reference, here is an article to guide you in reconciling your account: Learn the reconcile workflow in QuickBooks.

 

If you need additional assistance with merging accounts or QuickBooks, please feel free to notify me by adding a comment below. I'm more than happy to help. Keep safe.

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