“I’m Kevin, and one of my clients is currently unable to connect their bank account to QuickBooks Online. Every time we attempt to establish the connection, the system either shows an error stating “Something went wrong. Try again later,” or it loops endlessly without completing the authentication process.
We’ve verified that the bank credentials are accurate and working outside QuickBooks. The bank’s website loads fine, and multi-factor authentication is working properly. We also confirmed that the bank is listed as a supported institution within QuickBooks’ online banking network.
To troubleshoot, we tried clearing the browser cache, switching browsers, using incognito mode, and even accessing the account from a different device and network. Despite these steps, QuickBooks still fails to sync or link with the bank account.
This connection issue is creating a serious delay in categorizing recent transactions and reconciling monthly statements. My client depends on real-time banking sync to stay compliant and maintain up-to-date financials, especially with quarterly tax reviews coming up.
I need immediate support. We’re not just facing a minor delay — the inability to sync the bank account is actively holding up the books. If there’s a system-side outage, a bank feed update required, or any manual override that can be applied, we need a resolution right away.”
Hi Kevin,
You’re not alone in this. Many QuickBooks Online users run into a frustrating issue where the system shows a “Something went wrong. Try again later” message or gets stuck in a continuous loading loop when attempting to link a bank account.
You’ve already tried the right steps:
- Verified bank credentials and MFA
- Confirmed the bank is supported by QuickBooks
- Switched browsers, cleared cache, and tested different devices
Yet the connection still fails, delaying transaction syncing and reconciliation.
To fix a bank connection issue in QuickBooks Online, such as sync failure or errors during bank feed setup, clear your browser cache, try incognito mode, or switch browsers/devices. If the issue persists, disconnect and reconnect the bank account after reviewing past transactions, and check the QuickBooks Status Page for any outages.
This usually happens when QuickBooks fails to complete the authentication handshake during bank feed setup, even if the login credentials and multi-factor authentication work perfectly on the bank’s own site.
What’s Causing the Bank Connection Loop or Error in QuickBooks Online?
This issue usually occurs when QuickBooks can’t complete the secure connection with your bank during the bank feed setup, even if your login details are correct.
QuickBooks appears ready, but something silently blocks the connection from finalising.
Common causes include:
- Expired browser session or cached login data
- Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA) timing out mid-process
- QuickBooks is waiting on a pending bank feed refresh
- Third-party access restrictions set by the bank
- Temporary system outage from QuickBooks or your bank’s side
Even if nothing looks broken on the surface, these background delays or security mismatches can cause the sync to loop endlessly or throw the “Something went wrong” error.
Immediate Steps to Fix It Before Reconciling or Downloading Transactions
These steps help you bypass browser/session issues and force a clean connection.
Step 1: Clear Cache and Restart the Browser
QuickBooks relies on a fresh session for bank connections.
- Open your browser settings
- Clear cache, cookies, and stored site data
- Close and reopen the browser
- Try again in incognito/private mode
Step 2: Use a Different Browser or Device
- Try switching from Chrome to Firefox, Edge, or Safari
- Test on another device or mobile browser
- Ensure the network connection is stable and not firewalled
Step 3: Disconnect and Reconnect the Bank Account
If the account already exists in Banking:
- Go to Banking > click the Pencil icon on the account
- Select Edit account info
- Check Disconnect this account on save
- Save and then reconnect the bank account using “Link account”
Note: Only disconnect after all previous transactions are reviewed and categorised.
Step 4: Check for QuickBooks System Outages
Sometimes the issue is system-side.
- Visit the QuickBooks Status Page
- Look for any alerts related to Online Banking or your specific bank
Still Not Working? Try a Manual Upload
If real-time sync fails, you can upload transactions manually to stay compliant:
- Download a CSV or QBO file from your bank
- In QuickBooks, go to Banking > Link account > Upload from file
- Follow prompts to import and match transactions
How to Avoid Bank Feed Errors in the Future
- Refresh credentials every 90 days (per bank requirement)
- Avoid multi-device login during bank sync.
- Use only supported bank accounts from the Intuit Bank Feed List.
- Maintain a backup download of monthly bank data.
- Use manual update when reconnection fails automatically.
FAQs
Why does the connection loop even if credentials are correct?
The loop usually happens due to expired browser sessions, cached login data, or timeouts during multi-factor authentication, even when credentials are valid.
Can I safely reconnect without losing past data?
Yes, as long as previous transactions are reviewed and categorised, reconnecting the account won’t duplicate or erase existing data.
Is this issue specific to certain banks?
It’s more common with banks that use strict security protocols or frequent MFA prompts—like Chase, Capital One, and Wells Fargo.
Do I need to re-authenticate every time?
Some banks require re-authentication every 90 days as part of their security policies. QuickBooks will prompt you when it’s time to reconnect.
Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “Why Can’t I Connect My Bank Account in QuickBooks Online?” is applicable to all supported versions, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. It is designed to work with operating systems such as Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS.