How to Fix QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error?

The QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error happens when QuickBooks cannot retrieve, update, or sync AMEX transaction data. This causes missing or delayed transactions. The issue affects QuickBooks Online (QBO) with bank feed errors, QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) with failed Web Connect (.QBO file) or Direct Connect downloads, and QuickBooks Self-Employed (QBSE) where transactions do not appear in reports. The main causes include bank connection failures, incorrect login details, server downtime, expired authorization tokens, incorrect bank feed settings, corrupt Web Connect files, outdated software, and cache issues.

To fix this, users should reauthorize AMEX, update QuickBooks, manually import transactions, clear cache, and check bank feed settings. Before troubleshooting, confirm internet access, correct QuickBooks credentials, and AMEX or QuickBooks server status. Prevent future errors by keeping QuickBooks updated, reauthorizing AMEX regularly, and monitoring server status. Here are 8 methods to fix QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error.

Method 1: Reconnect American Express to QuickBooks Online

A lost connection between QuickBooks Online (QBO) and American Express (AMEX) can cause sync issues. Resolve this by disconnecting and reconnecting the accounts.

Step 1: Disconnect an American Express Business Account

Before disconnecting, check the Review tab for pending transactions and note the last downloaded transaction date to prevent duplicates when reconnecting.

1. Go to Transactions > Bank Transactions.
2. Click the blue square for the American Express account.
3. Select the Edit (Pencil) icon, then choose Edit Account Information.
4. In the Accounts window, check Disconnect this account.
5. Click Save and Close to complete the disconnection.

Step 2: Reconnect QuickBooks Online with American Express Business Account

Follow these steps to reconnect and sync your American Express account with QuickBooks Online:

1. Open QBO and go to Transactions > Bank Transactions.
2. Click Link Account to reconnect your bank.
3. Search for your American Express account type:
   • Primary account holders should select American Express Business Credit Card & Checking (US).
   • Delegate users should choose American Express (Delegate).
4. Click Continue.
5. In the sign-in window, enter your American Express User ID and password. Complete any security steps required.
6. Select the American Express account to link with QuickBooks.
7. Linking multiple accounts requires assigning the correct account type to each one.
8. Choose the date range for transaction downloads.
9. Click Connect to complete the process.

After reconnecting, ensure QuickBooks and American Express are syncing properly.

Method 2: Update Your American Express Connection

QuickBooks improves American Express connections to enhance transaction syncing. QuickBooks Online (QBO) automatically pulls transactions daily, eliminating manual entry. QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) updates also enhance bank feeds for faster and more accurate downloads.

The May 20, 2020 update introduced:

• Better expense tracking for QBO sales transactions.
• Automatic syncing of receipts captured in the American Express Business App with QuickBooks.
• Simplified transaction details-only descriptions and amounts appear, not itemized details.

To update your American Express connection and prevent errors:

1. Log in to your QuickBooks Online account.
2. Go to Bookkeeping > Transactions > Banking.
3. Click the Update Connection link on the banner.
4. Select Continue and sign in to your American Express account.
5. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the update.
6. Ensure the correct Chart of Accounts (COA) selection for tracking AMEX transactions.
7. Click Connect to finalize the process.

Once updated, QuickBooks and American Express should sync transactions without issues.

Method 3: Adjust Personal and Company Preferences

Modify Company Settings to fix QuickBooks not syncing with bank issues. Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Company File as an Administrator.
2. Switch to Single-User Mode.
3. Go to Edit > Preferences > Checking.
4. Under My Preferences, set the default accounts for all options.
5. Under Company Preferences, set the default accounts for:
   • Create Paychecks
   • Pay Payroll Liabilities
6. Click OK to save changes.
7. Reset your account for online banking.
8. This ensures QuickBooks correctly syncs with your bank feeds.

Method 4: Manually Update the Financial Institutions Directory (FiDiR)

An outdated FiDiR can cause syncing issues in QuickBooks. Update it manually with these steps:

1. Find the fidir.txt file based on your QuickBooks version:
   • QuickBooks Pro/Premier:
     • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks XXXX\Components\OLB\branding\filist
   • QuickBooks Enterprise:
     • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions XXXX\Components\OLB\branding\filist
2. Rename the file:
   • Right-click fidir.txt.
   • Select Rename and change .txt to .old.
3. Download the latest FiDiR file for your QuickBooks version.
4. Save the file:
   • In the Save As window, select Desktop.
   • Click Save.
5. Replace the old file:
   • Right-click fidir.txt on the Desktop and select Copy.
   • Open File Explorer, go to This PC, and navigate to the filist folder (from Step 1).
   • Right-click inside the folder and select Paste.
6. Restart QuickBooks and check if the bank feeds error is resolved.

Method 5: Check for Notifications or Alerts on the Bank’s Website

Bank website notifications can prevent QuickBooks from downloading transactions during maintenance or other issues. Visit the bank’s website and check for messages, alerts, or display errors.

Account changes like a new account number, username, or password require an update in QuickBooks to maintain the connection. Keeping QuickBooks updated also helps prevent syncing issues.

Follow the steps to Update Bank Details in QuickBooks:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Banking section from the left menu.
2. Click Edit at the top of your bank account.
3. Select Edit sign-in info and update the changes.

After updating the details and checking for bank alerts, confirm that American Express syncs with QuickBooks Desktop without errors.

Method 6: Verify Your Bank’s Website

Check the bank’s website to confirm its server is accessible. If the bank servers are down, QuickBooks may fail to download bank feeds.

Ensure QuickBooks Uses the Correct Bank URL:

1. Go to Bookkeeping > Transactions in QuickBooks.
2. Click Bank Transactions and select Link Account (no account needed, just the listed URL).
3. Search for American Express and select it.
4. Copy the listed bank URL and log in to the bank’s website using it.

Check for Possible Sync Issues:

1. Review messages, notifications, or alerts on the bank account and acknowledge them.
2. Ensure the bank’s website displays correctly to prevent QuickBooks from blocking transactions.
3. Check for security updates or authentication changes required by the bank.

Refresh Bank Feeds in QuickBooks:

1. Go to Bookkeeping > Transactions.
2. Click Bank Transactions.
3. Select Refresh to update the connection.

Method 7: Use Incognito Mode

Enable Incognito Mode to resolve the QuickBooks Desktop bank feeds error. Use these shortcuts for different browsers:

• Google Chrome: Press Ctrl + Shift + N
• Mozilla Firefox: Press Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: Press Control + Option + P

After opening an incognito browser, log into QuickBooks and re-add your credit card.

Method 8: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Browser cache stores website elements to load pages faster, but outdated cache files can cause QuickBooks Online (QBO) and American Express sync issues. Clear cache and cookies using these steps:

Firefox:

1. Click the Menu ☰ button and select Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & Security from the right menu.
3. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
4. Uncheck Cookies and Site Data, then close Settings to save changes.

Google Chrome:

1. Click the More ⋮ icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Clear Browsing Data.
3. Choose a time range (Last hour, All time, etc.).
4. Select the data to remove and click Clear Data.

Safari (Mac):

1. Open Safari and select History > Clear History.
2. Choose a date range to clear browsing history.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click Settings and More ⋯ in the top-right corner.
2. Select Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services.
3. Under Clear Browsing Data, click Choose What to Clear.
4. Select a time range and data types to clear.
5. Click Clear Now.

After clearing cache and cookies, retry syncing American Express with QuickBooks Online.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error?

• Verify a stable internet connection.
• Check that the AMEX username and password are correct.
• Confirm if QuickBooks or AMEX servers are under maintenance.
• Update QuickBooks to the latest version for compatibility.
• Ensure the AMEX account is active and properly linked.
• Verify that the correct AMEX account is selected in QuickBooks settings.
• Reauthorize the AMEX connection if the bank requires it.
• Clear cookies and cache to avoid connection issues.
• Make sure the .QBO file is correctly formatted and not damaged.

How to Identify QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error?

Identify the error by checking for the following signs:

• AMEX transactions are missing in QuickBooks.
• QuickBooks displays an error when updating AMEX transactions.
• Login fails, or QuickBooks repeatedly asks for AMEX reauthorization.
• Error messages include “Bank Connection Error,” “AMEX Sync Failed,” or “Transaction Download Error.”
• Transactions show incorrect details or appear as duplicates.
• The .QBO file fails to import or generates an error.

How to Prevent QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error?

• Update QuickBooks regularly to ensure compatibility.
• Reauthorize AMEX periodically to prevent expired tokens.
• Check QuickBooks and AMEX server status for maintenance or outages.
• Verify bank feed settings to link the correct AMEX account.
• Use accurate AMEX login credentials and keep them updated.
• Clear browser cache regularly (QBO users) to prevent connection issues.
• Ensure the .QBO file is properly formatted and not corrupted (QBDT users).
• Maintain a stable internet connection to avoid sync failures.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error?

Seek professional help if the QuickBooks American Express Not Syncing Error continues after troubleshooting. Contact support if error messages persist, transactions are missing or incorrect, bank feeds fail repeatedly, or manual imports through Web Connect (.QBO) do not work. Assistance is needed if AMEX authorization fails, login credentials are correct but still rejected, or QuickBooks shows ongoing connection errors. Professional support is essential for technical issues, software bugs, or cases that require advanced settings adjustments. If multiple accounts experience the issue and QuickBooks or AMEX support confirms no outages, expert help can prevent data loss and further disruptions.

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