QuickBooks Not Syncing With American Express?

Most often, users might face the QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing issue when the bank is under maintenance or while entering the incorrect login details. In other instances, this issue may arise if you unacknowledge security alerts sent by the Amex website or due to the storage of unnecessary browsing history. As a result, when this error appears, it stops you from downloading the latest bank transactions, hampering the ongoing task. This error appears with the alert message stating: “Sorry, we’ve run into a problem. QuickBooks is having trouble connecting to the American Express Card – QBDT.“

Considering this, we have come up with this blog that covers all the causes that trigger the American Express Not Syncing with QuickBooks issue and solutions to fix it.

Table of Contents

Reasons Why QuickBooks Not Syncing With American Express

Herein, we have provided you with all the possible root causes that may trigger the QuickBooks Not Syncing with American Express issue.

QuickBooks Desktop

An unstable internet connection may restrict users from updating the bank feed manually.
You are attempting to link the QuickBooks Desktop to the wrong financial institution.
Sometimes, the automatic bank feed updates might disrupt the connection between QuickBooks and American Express.
Accessing the older version of the financial institution directory.

QuickBooks Online

The presence of excessive storage of browsing history, cookies, and cache files.
You are working on an incompatible QuickBooks version.
Interference of third-party security application.
At times, the issues caused by missed notifications, alert messages, or security updates from the bank website might create trouble downloading transactions.

Here’s How to Address the American Express Not Syncing With QuickBooks Issue

If you are struggling with the American Express Not Syncing With QuickBooks issue, then perform the solutions illustrated below to rectify the problem.

Case 1: Rectify QuickBooks American Express Sync Issues in QBO

Herein, we have described all the troubleshooting methods to fix QuickBooks American Express Sync issues in QuickBooks Online.

Method 1: Disconnect & Then Re-Connect American Business Account With QBO

You can resolve the issue by disconnecting and then re-establishing the connection with the American Business account.

a. Disconnect the business account

Use this link to complete the steps in the product.
Now, access your QuickBooks American Express account and pick any one of the files.
Choose the Edit icon and click the Edit Account Details option.
Thereon, tick-mark the checkbox of Disconnect this account on save.
When all the changes are done, hit the Save tab.

b. Re-connect the business account

Use this link to complete the steps in the product.
After this, use the URL or name to find your bank or pick from the given options.
Next, mention the banking User ID or password to log in and then hit the Continue tab.
Tap on the Enter account type drop-down arrow to pick the bank account you want to connect with. Then, pick the dates to receive the transactions by clicking the drop-down menu list.
Thereon, pick your QuickBooks account.
- If you are connecting for the first time.
- Choose “Add new below the Enter account drop-down menu list.
- When you are in the Account Type drop-down menu list, opt for either cash and cash equivalents or a Credit card. If you have picked only the cash and cash equivalents account, hit the Savings or Bank from the Detail Type.
- Give a name to the account and then hit the Save and Close tab.

To connect with a different bank, pick the account from the available list of accounts.

Choose the Connect option and hit the Done tab.
Thereon, return to the Bank Transactions page and tap on the Update tab. As a result, it will automatically download your bank transactions.

Method 2: Check For Any Messages or notifications on the Bank’s Website

Whenever the bank is going under maintenance or any new updates are released, the bank will send an alert message regarding the same to your email ID. So, it’s crucial to keep a check on the messages, alerts, or any recent updates on the bank website and ensure there are no display issues.

Furthermore, if you have updated any bank details, like account number, username, or password, make sure to update them in QuickBooks also. This is so because failing to do so will cause connection errors. Moreover, it’s also necessary to update QuickBooks to the latest version.

The following are the step-by-step instructions to update your bank details in QuickBooks:

Initially, from the left menu, opt for the Banking option.
After this, hit the Edit menu from the top of your bank account and click the Edit Sign-In Info tab.
Thereon, update your changes and then save them.

Once you check all the updates, alerts, or notifications, verify that you connect American Express to QuickBooks Desktop. If you still receive the error, then try using the next solution.

Method 3: Connect Your AMEX Account to QBO in Private Window

Most often, users fail to log in to their AMEX account due to the excessive storage of cache files. So, signing in to the AMEX account via an incognito window may help you address the issue. For that, you must carry on with the stepwise instructions outlined below.

1. Google Chrome

Windows: Ctrl + Shift + N
Mac: Command + Shift + N

2. Mozilla Firefox

Windows: Ctrl + Shift + P
Mac: Command + Shift + P

3. Microsoft Edge

Windows: Ctrl + Shift + P
Mac: Command + Shift + P

4. Safari

Mac: Command + Shift + N

Method 4: Delete the Browser’s Cache & Cookies

By following the steps given below, you can delete the browsing history, cache files, and cookies. As a result, it will improve your browser’s performance and let you resolve the American Express Not Syncing with QuickBooks issue.

To begin with, launch your Google Chrome web browser on your device and click on the three vertically represented dots.
After that, choose the History option and again hit the History tab.
Now, mark the relevant checkboxes that you want to delete.
Finally, select the Delete option to successfully remove the data that you don’t require.

Method 5: Run the Other Compatible Web Browser

At times, users may confront this issue due to issues with their web browser. So, to address the issue, you can access the supported web browsers to sync QuickBooks and American Express transactions. Go through the following instructions to access another compatible web browser on your system.

Google Chrome: Run version 78 or the latest one.
Microsoft Edge: 79 version or newer
Opera: version 68 or newer
Safari: 12 version or newer (Mac only)
Mozilla Firefox: version 76 or newer
Samsung: version 10 or the latest one

Workaround: Upload of the Transactions By Downloading the CSV Files

Struggling while trying to resolve the QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing issue, try to enter the bank transactions by adding the CSV file.

A. Pick a Start Date

To start the process, check that you verify the date of the existing transactions in the account. As a result, it will help prevent the issue of entering duplicate data.

Use this link to complete the steps in the product.
Look for the account in which you wish to upload the transactions and click the Account History tab.
Afterwards, look for the oldest transaction and then note down the date.

B. Obtain the Transactions From Your Bank

Initially, you must log in to your bank or credit card’s website.
After this, go through the instructions given on the screen to download CSV files of your transactions from your bank on the PC. Herein, the steps may vary according to your financial institution.
Also, verify that the date range of the transactions you are downloading starts just one day before the oldest transaction.
Later on, download your transactions.
Once you are all set, save the file anywhere you can easily find it, like on your computer’s desktop.

C. Check the File Size & Format

Look for the file that you are downloading and verify that it is in the right format before uploading it to QBO.

Note: QuickBooks has a file size limit of around 350 KB. If you see that the size is too large, try to reduce the file size to download the transaction in smaller batches.

From your company file, delete any zeros (0) and leave those fields blank.
If you see any transactions that reflect numbers in the Description column, then fix them.
Move to the Credit or Debit column header and then delete the word “amount” as it must only reflect “Credit” and “Debit”.
Make sure that all the dates are mentioned in the same format. Intuit suggests inserting the date in the dd/mm/yy format.
If you are a Mac user, then save the file in the form of a Windows CSV file.
There are a few financial institutions that can add the day of the week to the Date column. Herein, delete the day of the week by splitting the date and the day of the week into two different columns.

CSV File Formats

For uploading the CSV file to QuickBooks, you must keep it in a 3-column or 4-column format.

CSV Format	Description
3-column format	Includes Date, Description, and Amount column.
4-column format	Includes date, Description, Credit, and Debit column.

D. Upload the Transactions Manually

Use this link to complete the steps in the product.
Pick the blue tile for the account that you are uploading the transactions into.
After that, hit the Upload from below the Link Account drop-down menu.
Tap on the Select account drop-down menu and pick the account in which you wish to upload the transactions.
Thereon, upload the account statement file from your computer. Later on, perform the steps given on the screen to tally the columns in the file with the appropriate fields in QuickBooks. Then, hit the Continue tab.
You must opt for the transactions you are importing and then hit the Continue tab.
Furthermore, tap on Yes to confirm and then click the Done option.

E. Categorize & Then Reconcile The Transactions

Once you have added all the transactions in QuickBooks, you must match and then categorize them. You can add the transactions within your accounts after checking them.

The QBO application also adds a few pieces of information on its own if you set up banking rules or if you recognize a transaction description. However, you must also reconcile the transactions that you upload to verify that all the transactions are added appropriately.

Case 2: Address the American Express Syncing Issues in QuickBooks

Perform the step-by-step instructions outlined below to troubleshoot the QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing issue and then get your transactions automatically on your program.

Method 1: Refresh Your Connection For Express Web Connect Online Banking

By refreshing the connection of the AMEX bank with QuickBooks, you can address the connectivity issues and the ” Maximum connection retries exceeded problem.

A. Get Ready to Switch to Express Web Connect

Before starting the process, be sure that you are running the up-to-date QuickBooks Desktop version. Also, ensure that you have created the backup company file.

Initially, move to the File menu and then click the Switch to Single-User Mode.
After this, head to the Company option and hit the My Company tab.
Now, sign in to your Intuit account if you haven’t done it.
Next, you need to delete all your remaining online payments or checks.
Finally, add or remove the transactions you have done previously.

B. Disable the bank Feeds For Your Account

Before you update the bank feed connection, and turn off all the related accounts to prevent any further discrepancies. Once you are all sorted, set the bank feeds in your account by performing the steps below.

C. Set up an Account for the Bank Feeds

For setting up an account for the bank feeds, here’s what to do.

To begin with, browse to the Banking menu and click the Bank Feeds tab.
After that, hit the Set Up Bank Feed for an Account option.
Assign a new name to your bank and click the Next tab.
As a result, the My Company Sign-in page appears on your screen.
Now, you must log in to your Intuit Account User ID and add the account details for online banking. Later on, tap on the Connect option, and QuickBooks will link it with your bank’s server.
Herein, pick the account to which you wish to connect with QuickBooks and pick the Connect option.
End the process by hitting the Close tab.

D. Start downloading transactions with the Express Web Connect

Now that you have configured all the bank settings, you can easily download the bank transactions.

Initially, move to the Banking menu and tap on the Bank Feeds tab.
After this, choose the Bank Feed Center and then pick the account from which you wish to download the transactions.
Thereon, hit the Download Transactions tab and click the Transaction List option to process your transactions.

Method 2: Update Your Financial Directory

Also, you must verify that your Financial Directory carries the accurate financial data. Below, we have described how to update the financial directory both automatically and manually.

Before you begin, consider the following points:

Make sure that you generate a backup QuickBooks company file.
Also, ensure that you update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.
Check that you are using the supported QuickBooks version.

A. Automatic Update

QuickBooks will automatically process the financial directory update for you.

Initially, move to the Banking menu from the top and click the Bank Feeds option.
After that, choose the Bank Feeds Center option.
Thereon, hit the Refresh account (s) or head to the Sync all for this bank by clicking the drop-down menu.

B. Manual Update

For manually updating your bank, verify that you update each file location for each QuickBooks version you use.

Initially, search for the fidir.txt file on your computer.

Product	File Location
Enterprise	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions XXXX\Components\OLB\branding\filist
Pro/Premier	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks XXXX\Components\OLB\branding\filist

After this, you must right-click on the fidir.txt and click on Rename.
Thereon, replace .txt with .old, then click outside of the field to save the name change.
Now, pick the QuickBooks version you use to get the latest file.
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
After downloading it, save the file on your desktop.
Return to your desktop and then right-click on fidir.txt file.
Thereon, hit the Copy option and look for the file folder to open it.
Next, right-click on the same folder and hit the Paste option.
At last, close and then launch the QuickBooks Desktop again.

Method 3: Review Your Financial Institution’s Website

If QuickBooks can’t access your bank server or if the server is down, it shows that your QuickBooks American Express isn’t syncing. Therefore, to prevent the issue, you must verify that the financial institution’s website is accurate by implementing the steps below.

A. Link Your American Express Bank Account

Herein, you must review your bank’s URL to ensure that you’re using the right one and then link your bank account.

Start by reviewing that the American Express URL you entered is right.
Access your QuickBooks application, head to the Bookkeeping > Transactions tab.
Choose the Bank Transactions and then opt for Link Connect to connect with your bank account. Herein, you only need to include the link to your bank account.
Now, proceed to the American Express tab and then copy the URL of your bank website.
At last, start signing in to your account by accessing the same URL.

B. Look For Any Pending Notifications & Security Requirements

Herein, you must browse for the pending notifications, announcements, and security requirements by performing the steps given below.

Visit your banking website and be sure that there are no pending notifications or alert messages.
After this, verify for display issues as QuickBooks might prevent the bank’s website from downloading the transactions.
Thereon, look at your website for any latest announcements related to security requirements. If that’s so, then check these announcements, notifications, or alert messages, and then download the transactions.

C. Refresh the Bank Feeds in QuickBooks

Now, it’s time to refresh your bank feeds in QuickBooks by performing these steps:

Initially, choose the Bookkeeping menu and click the Transactions tab.
After that, hit the Bank Transactions option and pick the Refresh option.
Once you are all done, the American Express account will then successfully sync with the QuickBooks Desktop application.

Conclusion

So, herein, we arrive at the end of this post and hope you find it worth reading. Also, we ensure that you can easily resolve the QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing issue. Thus, it lets you download the latest bank transactions without any further discrepancies. Furthermore, if you still need any help, then have a one-to-one consultation with our BizBooksAdvice professionals for better assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Question 1: How do I reconnect American Express to QuickBooks?

Ans. To reconnect American Express to QuickBooks, perform the steps below.

Firstly, head to the Banking menu> Linked Accounts and then click the American Express tab.
After this, choose the Edit menu and hit the Disconnect tab.
Thereon, try reconnecting with your bank account with the appropriate login details.

Question 2: Why does my American Express keep disconnecting from QuickBooks?

Ans. American Express keeps disconnecting from QuickBooks due to the interruption between QuickBooks Desktop and AMEX. Also, some internet connectivity issues may also generate some problems while manually uploading the bank transactions. Other factors may be choosing the wrong financial institution or the outdated directory.

Question 3: How often does QuickBooks sync American Express transactions?

Ans. QuickBooks syncs the American Express transactions every 24 hours. But you also have the option to refresh the bank feed manually at any time.

Question 4: Why are American Express transactions missing in QuickBooks?

Ans. The American Express transactions are missing in QuickBooks when the date range is limited or the account is disconnected. It may also occur if the transactions are still pending from the end of American Express.

Question 5: Can I manually import American Express transactions into QuickBooks?

Ans. Yes, you have the option to download transactions from American Express in CSV or QBO format and then upload them to QuickBooks.

About The Author

Jonathan Browns

Jonathan Brown is a trained QuickBooks professional with 10 years of experience in the accounting sector. Moreover, he is passionate about helping businesses reduce the stress of managing accounts. Also, he is proficient in assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners to use QuickBooks and enhance their accounting experience.

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