How to Import Bank Transactions into QuickBooks Desktop?

For a QuickBooks user, it is important to learn how to import bank transactions into QuickBooks Desktop via two methods. The first method is by setting up a direct connection or bank feed between QuickBooks Desktop and your particular bank account. The second method is via WebConnect (.QBO Files) which does not need QuickBooks to use your online bank account.

You can import bank transactions through the Bank feed feature in QuickBooks. You should go for importing transactions because it will let you process bank and credit card transactions efficiently in a seamless manner and will let you focus on other business-related needs.

Let us begin by understanding why it is important to import your bank transactions to QuickBooks Desktop.

Why do You need to Import Bank Transactions to QuickBooks Desktop?

Importing bank transactions is considered one of the key features of accounting software. Several banks have online bank features that make it convenient to enable QuickBooks to use your account or export certain transactions which can be imported into your QuickBooks account.

Shifting your bank transactions to QuickBooks assists you in performing a few things such as time-saving, adhering to unwanted expenses, and making your life simple.

In simple terms, importing bank transactions to QuickBooks helps to:

• Update books frequently
• Save time with the help of the QuickBooks platform
• Transform the reconciliation process to make it easy

How You Can Set up the Bank Feeds Account?

To set up the bank feeds account you are required to perform some steps. These steps help you to do the process correctly and conveniently. Here are the steps that you have to follow to do the setup:

• Open the QuickBooks Desktop by running it as Administrator
• Then click on the Banking menu option
• Further, select the option Bank Feeds
• Then you have to hit on the option Set up Bank Feeds for an Account
• After that, mention the Bank name properly
• Click on the Link your Accounts option and it takes you to another screen
• Here, select the bank account for which you are doing the setup
• Now, do follow the instructed steps shown on your screen one-by-one
• When completed you are done setting up the Bank feeds account.

How to Import Bank Transactions to QuickBooks Desktop via Bank Feeds?

Here are the steps to import bank transactions to QuickBooks Desktop through bank feeds:

Step 1: In QuickBooks Set the Bank Feed Mode

Before you begin, make sure that the bank feed mode is fixed to either Express or Advanced mode. Express or Advanced mode are similar, however, Advanced mode provides more options to classify your transactions make sure that you do not choose Register or Classic mode by mistake, since it will not allow you to import your particular transaction to QuickBooks.

In order to set your bank feed preferences:

• Press on the Banking menu.
• Now choose Bank Feeds.
• Now press on the option, Change Bank Feeds Mode
• Now, you will be able to witness a pop-up screen. Here it is possible to set your bank feed preferences.
• In the Checking menu, ensure that it is either in Express or Advanced mode. As a default setting, QuickBooks Desktop puts it in advanced mode.
• Press the blue button for OK to continue.

Step 2: Sign in to Your Bank Account via QuickBooks Desktop

• On your QuickBooks Desktop homepage, press on the tab for the Banking menu that is present at the top of the window.
• Choose Bank Feeds.
• Now press on the tab for Set Up Bank Feed for an Account
• A pop-up window will appear prompting you to shut down all the QuickBooks Windows that are open will come up temporarily.
• Press Yes to continue.

Step 3: Connect QuickBooks to Your Bank Account

• Once you are done with clicking Yes, the bank feed setup window will come up.
• From there, you will be required to enter the name of your bank. Linking your bank account to QuickBooks depends from bank to bank, hence it is not possible to include comprehensive guidelines for your bank. You need to abide by the on-screen notifications.
• Now a log-in window will appear, asking you to add the bank account log-in credentials you utilize to use your bank account details on the website of your bank.

In case you have not signed up with your bank for online access, it must be done prior to continuing. Now, do as per the prompts while connecting with your bank.

Step 4: Check the Checking Account Register

Prior to importing your transactions, you need to check what is in the checking account register. It will assist you in reviewing if the new transactions are recorded in the register successfully. In order to do it, press on the tab for Use Register that is available in the Banking menu.

Step 5: Import Bank Transaction to QuickBooks

When the bank feed is established, the particular bank transactions will be sent to QuickBooks daily on an automatic basis. One of the key advantages of importing transactions via bank feeds is that importing your files of bank transactions into QuickBooks manually is not needed. As a result, it cuts down efficiency and precision.

Step 6: Check and Handle Transactions in the Banking center

After importing transactions is complete, you will be diverted to the Bank Feeds Center. Here the new transactions will appear in the tab for Transactions Pending for Review. You will witness four categories, namely:

• Unrecognized
• Recognized,
• Adder
• Partial

How to Handle Recognized Transactions?

When a bank transaction is the same as the one that is automatically recorded in QuickBooks, it will directly go to the Recognized tab. Hence, it is suggested to always check the details prior to pressing the Confirm button. The Confirm button is present under the Recognized tab, seen on the left side of the window with three drop-downs:

• Not a Match: Choose it in case the transaction from your particular bank is not the same as the one with which it has been matched in your QuickBooks. The particular transactions will navigate to the unrecognized tab.
• View Details: When you press the button, it will direct you to the actual check. Press Confirm in case it matches with the bank transaction.
• Ignore: Press this, in case you do not want to do anything concerning the transaction.

When a recognized transaction is confirmed, it will be added to the account register. Your objective should be to include the three transactions in the particular register.

How to Handle Unrecognized Transactions?

There are some cases where QuickBooks fails to match with a bank transaction that is in your book. In such a scenario, you need to manually check and include it in the account register.
But, before we move further, we need to include extra details with the help of the steps given below:

• Press on the option for Add More Details drop-down. It is under the Add button that is seen on the left side of the window.
• Once you have clicked on the tab, Add More Details, a screen will come up, asking you to include certain details, such as:
  • Memo: Specify extra information like the purpose of the particular transaction.
  • Payee: Type the name of the vendor.
  • Customer/Job (optional): Allocate to a job or a customer.
  • Amount: Authenticate that the transaction amount is right.
  • Date: Type the date when the transaction occurred.
  • Number (optional): Allocate a special number to your particular transaction.
  • Account: Allocate the transaction to the right expense account.
  • Billable: Checkmark the box if you wish to bill a particular transaction to a specific customer.
• Now press the blue button for Save and Add to Register. Now it is complete.

How to Import Bank Transactions to QuickBooks Desktop via WebConnect (.QBO File)?

Here are the steps to import Bank Transactions to QuickBooks Desktop via WebConnect (.qbo File):

Step 1: First, Download the WebConnect File from Your Particular Bank

• You need to sign in to the website of the bank and then download the QuickBooks Online file. Make sure the downloaded file is for the period for which you are importing into QuickBooks. Make sure the file has a .qbo extension.

Step 2: Import the WebConnect File into QuickBooks

• In order to import your WebConnect into your QuickBooks.
• Press on the Banking menu.
• Choose bank Feeds and then select Import Web Connect file.
• Choose the .QBO file that has been downloaded from your bank.
• Now press Open.

Step 3: Check and Handle Your Transactions in the Banking Center

Your WebConnect file is not shifted to QuickBooks Desktop. You can check and handle your transactions in the banking center exactly like what was done before after transactions are imported via bank feeds.

How Frequent Transactions Should be Imported to QuickBooks Desktop?

The best approach is to import the particular transactions to QuickBooks Desktop at least once every month. However, it is suggested to do it frequently in case you use QuickBooks actively to track your expenses along with bank account balances. Not to mention, you must import your credit card and bank transactions whenever you get a statement but before reconciling the account.

We hope that after reading this article, you will get a comprehensive idea of how to successfully import bank transactions into QuickBooks Desktop. Follow the process and then do it conveniently. Still have any glitches then connect with the Dancing Numbers team. The team members are here to help you 24/7 hours with the best assistance.

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