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How to Fix QuickBooks Banking Error 109

· 6 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Banking Error 109 occurs when your bank requires you to take action in your online banking account, such as accepting updated terms and conditions, resetting your password, or providing additional verification. This error typically happens during the process of downloading or updating bank transactions in QuickBooks Online. Resolving this issue is essential for ensuring a smooth connection between QuickBooks and your bank.

This guide will walk you through the possible causes of Error 109 and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Causes of QuickBooks Banking Error 109​

  1. Bank-Requested Action: Your bank has updated its terms and conditions, and you need to log in to your online banking account to review or accept them.
  2. Password Reset: Your bank requires you to reset your online banking password.
  3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The bank requests additional authentication, such as entering a security code or answering security questions.
  4. Bank Server Downtime: The bank's servers may be temporarily unavailable or under maintenance.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Banking Error 109​

  • QuickBooks displays the error message: “Error 109: Sign in to your bank's website and take action.”
  • Bank transactions fail to download or sync with QuickBooks Online.
  • You are prompted to verify or update bank credentials repeatedly.
  • The bank account is disconnected from QuickBooks.

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Banking Error 109​

Step 1: Log In to Your Online Banking Account​

To resolve Error 109, take the necessary action required by your bank through its online banking portal.

  1. Open Your Bank’s Website:
    • Launch a web browser and go to your bank’s official website.
  2. Log In Using Your Credentials:
    • Enter your username and password for online banking.
  3. Check for Alerts or Notifications:
    • Look for any notifications, such as updated terms and conditions, password reset prompts, or security verification.
  4. Complete Required Actions:
    • Accept terms, reset your password, or complete additional security steps as requested.
  5. Log Out:
    • Once you’ve completed the actions, log out of your bank’s website.

Step 2: Update Bank Credentials in QuickBooks​

After completing the required steps on your bank’s website, update your bank credentials in QuickBooks.

  1. Log In to QuickBooks Online:
    • Open QuickBooks Online and navigate to the Banking menu.
  2. Select the Bank Account:
    • Find the account with the error and click on the Update or Edit option.
  3. Re-enter Login Credentials:
    • Enter your updated username and password for the bank account.
  4. Verify the Connection:
    • Complete any additional security steps, such as entering a security code or answering security questions.
  5. Refresh Transactions:
    • Click Update to refresh the bank connection and download transactions.

Step 3: Verify Bank’s Server Status​

If your bank’s servers are down, QuickBooks may be unable to establish a connection.

  1. Visit Your Bank’s Website:
    • Check if you can log in and access your account without issues.
  2. Look for Maintenance Alerts:
    • Many banks display server maintenance alerts or downtime notifications on their homepage.
  3. Wait for Resolution:
    • If the bank’s servers are unavailable, wait for the issue to be resolved before attempting to update transactions in QuickBooks.

Step 4: Manually Update Bank Transactions​

If Error 109 persists, you can manually update transactions in QuickBooks.

  1. Download Transactions from Your Bank:
    • Log in to your bank’s online portal and download your transactions in a supported format (e.g., .CSV or .QBO).
  2. Import Transactions into QuickBooks:
    • Go to the Banking menu in QuickBooks Online.
    • Select Upload Transactions and follow the prompts to import the downloaded file.
  3. Match Transactions:
    • Review and categorize the imported transactions to ensure they are correctly matched to your records.

Step 5: Disconnect and Reconnect the Bank Account​

Disconnecting and reconnecting the bank account in QuickBooks can resolve persistent issues.

  1. Disconnect the Bank Account:
    • Go to the Banking menu in QuickBooks.
    • Select the bank account with the error and click Edit Account.
    • Uncheck the box for Connect this account to online banking and click Save.
  2. Reconnect the Bank Account:
    • Go to the Banking menu and click Add Account.
    • Search for your bank and follow the prompts to reconnect the account.
  3. Refresh Transactions:
    • Once the account is reconnected, click Update to download new transactions.

Step 6: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies​

Sometimes, browser cache and cookies can interfere with QuickBooks' ability to connect to your bank.

  1. Open Browser Settings:
    • Go to the settings or preferences menu in your web browser.
  2. Clear Cache and Cookies:
    • Select the option to clear browsing data, including cache and cookies.
  3. Restart Your Browser:
    • Close and reopen your browser, then log in to QuickBooks Online.
  4. Retry Bank Connection:
    • Attempt to update bank transactions again.

Step 7: Use an Incognito/Private Browser Window​

Using an incognito or private browsing window can bypass any cache-related issues.

  1. Open an Incognito Window:
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac) in Google Chrome, or select New Private Window in other browsers.
  2. Log In to QuickBooks Online:
    • Enter your credentials and access the Banking menu.
  3. Retry Updating Bank Transactions:
    • Attempt to update your bank transactions to see if the error persists.

Additional Tips​

  • Regularly Update Login Credentials: Keep your bank login credentials updated in both QuickBooks and your online banking account.
  • Monitor Notifications from Your Bank: Check for alerts or prompts on your bank’s website regularly to stay informed about updates.
  • Enable Automatic Updates in QuickBooks: Configure QuickBooks to update transactions automatically to avoid manual interventions.
  • Contact Bank Support: If issues persist, contact your bank’s support team for further assistance.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Banking Error 109 typically requires action on your bank’s website, such as accepting terms or updating your credentials. By following the steps outlined in this guide—logging in to your bank account, updating credentials in QuickBooks, and resolving connection issues—you can quickly fix the error and resume smooth banking operations in QuickBooks Online.

If the issue persists, consider reaching out to QuickBooks Support or your bank’s customer service for additional assistance.