QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing: Step-by-Step Guide

 Many QuickBooks users rely on their American Express (Amex) credit card to track expenses, pay bills, and manage transactions. But sometimes, issues arise where QuickBooks and American Express are not syncing properly. This can cause missing transactions, duplicate entries, or errors while reconciling accounts. If you are facing this problem, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the step-by-step solutions to get your QuickBooks and Amex connection back on track.

QuickBooks American Express is not syncing


Why QuickBooks American Express Is Not Syncing

Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand the common reasons behind this issue. Knowing the cause will help you troubleshoot effectively.

  • Bank Connection Issues: Temporary server downtime or security checks on American Express’s end.

  • Expired Credentials: Outdated login details or password changes not updated in QuickBooks.

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If Amex asks for security codes, QuickBooks may fail to sync automatically.

  • Browser Cache or App Issues: Corrupt cache files or outdated QuickBooks versions.

  • Third-Party App Integration Errors: If you’re using QuickBooks Online with an external syncing app.

  • American Express Account Restrictions: New card activation, locked account, or pending verification.

Signs of QuickBooks Amex Sync Errors

You might notice the following when QuickBooks fails to sync with your American Express account:

  • Missing recent transactions

  • Duplicate charges appearing

  • Sync error messages like “Unable to connect to American Express”

  • Slow or incomplete updates

  • Reconciling issues during month-end closing

If you’ve seen any of these, follow the step-by-step solutions below.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing

Here’s a structured fill guide that covers everything from basic checks to advanced troubleshooting.

Step 1: Check QuickBooks and Amex Status

  1. Visit the QuickBooks Online status page to confirm if there are ongoing connection issues.

  2. Log in to your American Express account directly to ensure your credentials are working.

  3. If both work fine individually, the sync issue lies in the integration.

Step 2: Update QuickBooks and Clear Cache

  • Make sure you’re using the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online app.

  • If using a browser, clear cookies and cache.

    • Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data.

    • Edge/Firefox: Similar steps.

  • Restart QuickBooks and try syncing again.

Step 3: Reconnect American Express to QuickBooks

  1. Open QuickBooks Online (QBO).

  2. Go to Banking or Transactions > Link Account.

  3. Select American Express from the bank list.

  4. Enter your Amex login credentials.

  5. Allow permissions and select the correct card/account to sync.

  6. Click Connect.

Tip: If you already had Amex linked, remove the connection first and then re-add it.

Step 4: Handle Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

American Express often asks for a verification code for extra security.

  • Make sure to approve any text/email codes while reconnecting.

  • If you miss this step, QuickBooks won’t sync properly.

Step 5: Manually Upload American Express Transactions

If automatic sync fails, you can still keep QuickBooks updated:

  1. Log in to American Express Online Banking.

  2. Download your transaction history in CSV, QBO, or OFX format.

  3. Open QuickBooks > Banking > Upload Transactions.

  4. Select the file and map transactions to the correct Amex account.

  5. Review and categorize the entries.

This ensures your books remain accurate until the sync issue is fixed.

Step 6: Check Account Permissions

  • Ensure your Amex account isn’t restricted, locked, or inactive.

  • If you’re an additional cardholder, make sure you have full access rights for third-party integrations.

Step 7: Fix Third-Party App Syncing Issues

If you’re using middleware apps (like Expensify, Bill.com, or other Amex sync tools):

  • Check the app’s settings and login credentials.

  • Reconnect the Amex account within that app.

  • Sync again with QuickBooks.


Step 8: Contact Support

If nothing works:

  • QuickBooks Support can check integration logs for errors.

  • American Express Support can confirm if your account has restrictions.

Best Practices to Avoid QuickBooks and Amex Sync Errors

  1. Update Passwords Regularly: If you change your Amex password, update it in QuickBooks immediately.

  2. Keep QuickBooks Updated: Use the latest release to avoid compatibility issues.

  3. Avoid Duplicate Connections: Don’t connect the same Amex account through multiple apps.

  4. Use Strong Internet Connection: Poor connectivity may interrupt syncing.

  5. Perform Regular Reconciliation: Catch sync issues early by reconciling monthly.

FAQs on QuickBooks American Express Sync Issues

1. Why is my American Express not syncing with QuickBooks?

It usually happens due to outdated login credentials, server downtime, or QuickBooks app/browser cache issues. Reconnecting the account often solves the problem.

2. How do I manually add American Express transactions to QuickBooks?

You can log in to Amex, download transactions in CSV or QBO format, and upload them into QuickBooks via the Banking > Upload Transactions option.

3. Does American Express work with QuickBooks Desktop?

Yes, you can connect Amex accounts with QuickBooks Desktop using Direct Connect or by manually importing transaction files.

4. How long does it take for American Express transactions to sync?

Normally, transactions appear within 24 hours. If syncing delays occur for multiple days, you may need to reconnect your account.

5. Can I connect multiple American Express cards to QuickBooks?

Yes. Each card can be linked separately in QuickBooks under the Banking section, ensuring all accounts sync correctly.

Final Thoughts

When QuickBooks American Express is not syncing, it can disrupt your financial tracking and bookkeeping. Thankfully, most issues can be fixed by reconnecting the account, clearing cache, handling MFA codes, or manually uploading transactions. Following the step-by-step guide above ensures your Amex transactions stay up-to-date in QuickBooks without errors.

By keeping your software updated and reconciling regularly, you can prevent future syncing issues and maintain accurate financial records.

Read More:- QuickBooks Online Payroll

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