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CJG1964
Level 1

Expenses vs. Bills

In the QBO explanation re: difference between Bill and Expense, it states:  Using Check or Expense may cause the bill to still show unpaid on your reports.  This is exactly what is happening in our QBO.  We enter purchases made with CC as Expenses since we've paid for them immediately, they match a downloaded transaction, but still then on the Vendor account leaves what looks like a balance due.  What is the correct way to clear that balance due as no money is due.  Thank You

1 Comment 1
Giovann_G
Moderator

Expenses vs. Bills

I'll help you fix it, CJG1964.

 

I'll share the differences between bills, checks, and expenses in QuickBooks Online.

 

If you want to keep track of what you owe or pay it later, you can enter or create bills. If payment is made simultaneously or on the spot, use Check or Expenses.

 

You're correct in entering credit card purchases as Expenses since they're paid immediately. This should leave no balance on your vendor account unless you've already created a bill prior to recording the credit card purchases. May I know if there's a bill created for that specific vendor?

 

If yes, you can delete the Bill or Expenses transaction to clear the balance due for your vendor. If you remove the Expenses transaction, you can use the Pay Bills to pay a bill with a credit card. I'll show you how.

 

  1. Select + New.
  2. Under Vendors click Pay Bills.
  3. In Payment account, select your credit card account.
  4. Enter the Payment date.
  5. Choose the bill you want to pay.
  6. Once done, hit SaveSave and print, or Save and close.

 

For further information on managing your vendors' transactions, please see the articles listed below:

 

 

Do you require assistance in recording payments on your credit card? If so, this resource provides a comprehensive guide: Record your payments to credit cards.

 

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. I wish you the best.

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