How to add another checking account in QuickBooks

To add a second checking account to QuickBooks, go to the Settings menu (the gear icon in the top right), select Chart of Accounts, then click New. Choose "Bank Accounts" as the account type, enter your account name and number, and save. If you want QuickBooks to pull transactions automatically from this new account, you'll then connect it through the bank feed feature — but the account itself exists in your chart the moment you save it.

The process takes about two minutes. You don't need to set up the automatic feed right away; you can create the account first and connect the bank feed later, or you can enter transactions manually if you prefer. Many people add the account structure first, then tackle the bank connection separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Create the account in your chart first by going to Settings > Chart of Accounts > New, selecting Bank Accounts, and entering your account details.
  • The account appears in QuickBooks when ready after you save it, whether or not you connect an automatic bank feed.
  • To pull transactions automatically, you'll need to add the bank connection through the bank feed settings after the account is created.
  • You can enter transactions manually into the new account without setting up automatic feeds if that works better for your workflow.

Creating the account in your chart of accounts

Open QuickBooks and click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner. From the dropdown menu, select Chart of Accounts. You'll see a list of all your existing accounts. Click the New button (usually in the top left of the accounts list).

A form will open asking you to choose an account type. Select "Bank Accounts" from the list. Then fill in the account name — something like "Checking Account 2" or the actual name your bank uses — and enter the account number if you want to store it. Click Save. Your new account now appears in your chart and is ready to use.

Connecting automatic bank feeds to the new account

If you want QuickBooks to pull your transactions automatically, you'll set up the bank feed after the account exists. Go back to Settings, then look for the Bank Feeds or Connected Services option (the exact name varies by QuickBooks version). Click Add Account or Connect a Bank.

You'll be asked to enter your bank's name and your online banking login. QuickBooks will connect to your bank, show you a list of accounts it finds, and ask you to match each one to an account in your chart. Select the new checking account you just created, and QuickBooks will begin pulling transactions into it. This usually takes a few minutes to set up, and transactions may take a day or two to start appearing.

Entering transactions manually if you don't use bank feeds

You don't have to connect an automatic feed. If you prefer to enter transactions yourself, or if your bank doesn't work with QuickBooks feeds, you can straightforward record deposits and checks in the new account manually.

To do this, go to the + New button (top left), select Check or Deposit depending on the transaction type, choose your new checking account from the Account dropdown, and fill in the details. The transaction records to your new account when ready. Many small businesses use this method and reconcile the account monthly against their bank statement.

Reconciling your new account each month

Whether you use automatic feeds or manual entry, you should reconcile your new checking account monthly. This means comparing what QuickBooks shows against what your bank statement shows, and marking off transactions that match.

To reconcile, go to Settings > Tools > Reconcile. Select your new checking account from the dropdown, enter the ending balance from your bank statement, and the statement date. QuickBooks will show you a list of transactions; check off each one that appears on your statement. When the difference between your QuickBooks balance and your bank balance reaches zero, click Finish. If there's a difference, QuickBooks will help you find the missing or incorrect transaction.

What to do if your bank doesn't connect automatically

Some banks and credit unions don't work with QuickBooks' automatic feed system. If you try to connect and your bank doesn't appear in the list, you have two options: enter transactions manually (described above), or ask your bank whether they offer a CSV or OFX file read that you can import into QuickBooks.

Many banks let you read a file of your transactions from their website. QuickBooks can import these files — go to Settings > Tools > Import Data and follow the prompts. This is faster than typing each transaction by hand but still requires you to initiate the read each time, rather than QuickBooks pulling it automatically.

Keeping your accounts organized as you add more

If you plan to add more checking accounts in the future, think about how you'll name them now. Use names that tell you what each account is for — "Payroll Checking," "Operating Checking," "Savings" — rather than "Account 1" and "Account 2." This makes it much easier to pick the right account when you're recording a transaction, and it's harder to make mistakes.

You can also organize accounts into groups in your chart. If you have multiple checking accounts, you might create a parent account called "Checking Accounts" and nest the individual accounts under it. This keeps your chart of accounts clean and easier to read when you're looking at reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to connect a bank feed, or can I just use the account manually?

You can use the account entirely manually. Create it in your chart of accounts and enter transactions by hand. Many businesses do this and reconcile monthly against their bank statement. Bank feeds are optional and save time if your bank supports them.

What if I add the account but forget to connect the bank feed?

You can connect it anytime. The account will sit in your chart of accounts doing nothing until you add the bank feed. Go to Settings > Bank Feeds, add your bank connection, and match the account then. No harm in waiting.

Can I rename a checking account after I create it?

Yes. Go to Settings > Chart of Accounts, find the account, click the three dots next to it, and select Edit. Change the name and save. If you've already recorded transactions to it, they stay attached to the account under its new name.

What happens to transactions if I delete a checking account by mistake?

QuickBooks usually won't let you delete an account that has transactions in it. If you try, it will warn you. If you do manage to delete it, the transactions don't disappear — they become orphaned and may cause problems in your reports. If this happens, contact QuickBooks support or restore from a backup.

Can I have the same bank account connected in two different QuickBooks files?

Technically yes, but it creates confusion because transactions will pull into both files and you'll have duplicate records. If you use multiple QuickBooks files, keep each bank account in only one file. Use one file as your main accounting file and link your accounts there.