Create an automatic recurring payment (check) to a vendor

Need to pay a vendor on a regular basis? You can save time by setting up an automatic recurring payment (check) in QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 1: Find an existing check, or create a new one

If you have an existing check

If you have already created a check for the vendor with the amount you want to pay, find the check from ANY of the following:

From the Register:

1. Select Banking at the top, then choose Use Register (or press Ctrl+R).
2. If you have multiple accounts, choose the appropriate bank account.
3. Find and double-click the check you want to memorize.

From the Check Detail report:

1. Select Reports at the top, choose Banking, then Check Detail.
2. (Optional) Filter the Transaction Type to Check and the Name to All vendors.
3. Find and double-click the check you want to memorize.

From the Vendor Center:

1. Select Vendors at the top,  then Vendor Center.
2. Go to the "Transactions" tab, then choose Checks.
3. Find and double-click the check you want to memorize.

If you have not created a check yet

1. Select Banking at the top, then Write Check (or press Ctrl+W).
2. Fill out the check as you want it to appear each time.
3. Select Save & Close.

Step 2: Memorize the check

1. On the check window, select Memorize (or press Ctrl+M).
2. Choose the reminder option.
3. In the "How Often" field, choose the frequency (monthly, weekly, daily, etc).
4. In the "Next Date" field, choose the date of the next payment.
5. In the "Number Remaining" field, enter the number of payments you wish the program to enter.
6. In the "Days In Advance To Enter" field, enter how many days in advance you want the program to record the transaction or remind you to enter. Choose 0 if you want it to post on the day of choice.
7. To memorize the transaction, select OK. This should bring you back to the "Write Checks" window.
8. If the check is auto-pay, uncheck Print Later.
   Note: If the check is marked as to be printed later, it will appear in the Print Check queue on the day it is recorded.
9. (Optional) For auto-pay, change the check number to Autopayment or Epay.
10. Select Save & Close.

Based on the reminder option you selected, you will either receive a reminder to create the check or to print it when the next occurrence is due.