Setting up a sub-account for your QuickBooks bank account(s)

 

If you plan to use a frequent mix of both paper and eChecks, it will be helpful to segregate these payments so that they seem to be paid from different bank accounts (even though they will actually be issued from the same bank account). The QuickBooks function that support this is creating sub-accounts.  A best practice for using sub-accounts is to use the primary bank account for your paper check transactions and set up a sub-account (using the same banking information) from which you can issue eChecks. 

Tip: When setting up the sub-account, we recommend you name it something like eChecks for '[bank account name]'  

There are three steps you need to take to enact this strategy – some take place in the eChecks QuickBooks Add-on app and the other is handled in QuickBooks Online.  Once you've set up a sub-account, see our Best Practice: Using a sub-account association to send eChecks article to walk you through the steps of how to use it.

Step 1:  Disconnect current mapping within the eChecks QuickBooks Online Add-on

• First, go to qbo.echecks.com and log in using your eChecks log in credentials. 
• Next, click on disconnect under "Associated Companies".
  • NOTE: This will disconnect the integration of your main account. 

• When your main account is disconnected, log into your QuickBooks Online.

Step 2:  Create a sub-account in QuickBooks Online

• First, on the Dashboard in QuickBooks Online, click on “Accounting” on the left-hand side menu.
• Then, select “New” on the top right

That will bring up the “Account Screen”:

• In the account screen, under “Description”, add a descriptive name. For example, “eChecks Account”.
• Now select the box for “Is sub-account” and choose your main checking account in the drop-down menu.
• Make sure that “Bank” is selected under Account Type, and “Checking” is selected under Detail Type.
• Click Save and Close.

• In the Chart of Accounts screen, you will now see the sub-account listed under the main account. This will verify that the sub-account is set up correctly and is under the correct account.

After creating the Sub-Account, go back to qbo.echecks.com to connect your new QuickBooks sub-account/bank account to eChecks using the eChecks QuickBooks Online Add-on app.

Step 3:  Link the new bank sub-account to your eChecks checking account via the eChecks QuickBooks Online Add-on

• Go to https://qbo.echecks.com/deluxe/login                              
• Enter your eChecks email and password here.

Click on the Connect to QuickBooks button. Once you’re connected, you will be prompted to enter in
your QuickBooks Online User ID and Password.

• NOTE: If you are already logged into QuickBooks in a different tab, you will skip this step and go directly to the screen where you enter your confirmation code.

• Enter your QuickBooks Online User ID and Password.

• Under Associated Companies, you should see your current account as well as your sub-account.
• Your sub account will be labeled “(Your Main Account Name) : (Your Sub Account Name)” as below (Checking: eChecks Account)

• Select the “edit” icon (Pencil) under the Actions header.
• Select the associated eChecks account
• Select the eChecks creator.

• Click the “Save” (Disk) icon under the Actions Header
  • NOTE: Under "Status", it should say "Active"

See also

Best Practice: Using a sub-account association to send eChecks

Sending a single paper check using the Print Later function