Problem Overview
This error occurs when QuickBooks cannot authenticate with your bank using the provided login credentials. The bank has rejected the username, password, or security information you entered.
Common Symptoms
- Bank feed connection failures
- "Invalid credentials" messages
- Online banking setup errors
- Authentication rejected by bank
- Password reset required
Credential Issues
- Incorrect username or user ID
- Wrong password
- Expired credentials
- Security question failures
- Multi-factor authentication issues
Quick Resolution
- Verify username and password
- Reset bank password
- Test login on bank website
- Check for special characters
- Update stored credentials
Step-by-Step Solution
Verify your credentials work directly on your bank's website before troubleshooting QuickBooks.
- Open your web browser and go to your bank's official website
- Attempt to log in using the same credentials you use in QuickBooks
- If login fails, use the "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" feature
- Follow your bank's password recovery process
- Successfully log into your online banking account
- Note any special requirements (case sensitivity, special characters)
Note: Always test credentials on your bank's website first. If they don't work there, they won't work in QuickBooks. This helps determine if the issue is with your credentials or the QuickBooks connection.
If you cannot log into your bank's website, reset your password following their specific procedures.
- Click "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" on your bank's login page
- Follow the password reset instructions carefully
- Check your email or phone for verification codes
- Create a new strong password following bank requirements
- Successfully log into online banking with the new password
- Note any special character or length requirements
// Common bank password requirements:
- 8-16 characters minimum
- Upper and lowercase letters
- Numbers and special characters
- No spaces or specific special characters
- Cannot be same as previous passwords
- May expire every 30-90 days
Enter your corrected banking credentials in QuickBooks bank feed settings.
- In QuickBooks, go to Banking > Bank Feeds > Bank Feeds Center
- Select your bank from the list
- Click Edit Bank Info or Update Credentials
- Enter your corrected username and password
- Pay attention to case sensitivity and special characters
- Click Connect or Save to test the connection
Success Tip: When entering credentials in QuickBooks, type them carefully rather than copying and pasting. Some banks have security measures that block pasted passwords.
Some banks have unique login requirements that need special handling in QuickBooks.
- Check if your bank uses a User ID instead of username
- Some banks require a Customer ID or Access ID
- Verify if your username is case-sensitive
- Check for special character requirements or restrictions
- Some business accounts use different login formats
- Contact your bank for specific login requirements if unsure
Important: Some banks have different credential requirements for third-party applications like QuickBooks versus their regular online banking. Contact your bank to confirm the correct credentials for accounting software connections.
Clear any stored or cached banking credentials in QuickBooks and start fresh.
- In QuickBooks, go to Banking > Bank Feeds > Bank Feeds Center
- Select your bank and choose Disconnect or Remove
- Close and restart QuickBooks
- Go back to Bank Feeds Center and click Add Account
- Find your bank and set up the connection as new
- Enter your verified credentials carefully
Note: Sometimes QuickBooks caches old credentials even after you've updated them. Completely removing and re-adding the bank connection ensures you're starting with a clean slate.
Bank Credential Management Guide
Credential Verification
Bank website testing, password reset procedures, username format verification, and credential validation.
Password Management
Password requirements, reset procedures, special character handling, and security compliance.
Technical Considerations
Case sensitivity, cached credentials, special character encoding, and connection reset procedures.
Security Protocols
Multi-factor authentication, security questions, temporary passwords, and bank security requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my bank credentials work on the website but not in QuickBooks?
Several factors can cause this: 1) Some banks use different credential requirements for third-party applications, 2) QuickBooks may have cached old credentials, 3) Special characters may be encoded differently, 4) Some banks have separate "API credentials" for software connections, 5) Multi-factor authentication may need different handling, 6) The bank may be blocking connections from unfamiliar IP addresses. Contact your bank to confirm they support QuickBooks connections and ask about any special credential requirements.
What should I do if my bank requires special characters in passwords?
When dealing with special characters: 1) Type them carefully rather than copying and pasting, 2) Ensure you're using the correct keyboard layout, 3) Some special characters may need to be escaped or encoded differently, 4) Avoid using characters that might conflict with system commands (@, #, $, etc.), 5) Test the password on your bank's website first, 6) If certain characters consistently cause issues, consider using a different special character that meets bank requirements but is more compatible.
How often do I need to update my bank credentials in QuickBooks?
Update frequency depends on: 1) Your bank's password expiration policy (typically 30-90 days), 2) Whether you change your online banking password, 3) Security events like suspected breaches, 4) Bank system upgrades requiring credential updates, 5) Multi-factor authentication changes. Most users need to update credentials every 1-3 months. QuickBooks will typically show Error 103 when credentials need updating. It's good practice to update whenever you change your online banking password.
Can I save my bank credentials in QuickBooks securely?
Yes, QuickBooks uses enterprise-grade security to store banking credentials: 1) Credentials are encrypted using bank-level security protocols, 2) QuickBooks cannot see or access your actual passwords, 3) Connections are read-only (QuickBooks cannot move money), 4) Data is transmitted over secure SSL connections, 5) Your computer's security also protects stored credentials. However, always ensure you're using official QuickBooks software and maintain good security practices on your computer.