Setting up cash accounts

A cash account in Quicken for Mac is a simple way to track money that isn't stored in a bank account. Use a cash account to record physical cash transactions, such as personal spending, petty cash, or reimbursements. Unlike checking accounts, cash accounts do not support online banking features, such as direct downloads or bill payments.

Transactions in a cash account are manually entered and categorized to help track expenses and income. You can also reconcile a cash account against a physical cash balance to ensure accurate record-keeping.

Setting up a cash account

To create a cash account in Quicken for Mac:

1. Select Accounts > Add Account from the menu bar. You can also use  at the top of your sidebar.

2. In the Add Account window, choose Offline Account near the bottom of the window.

3. Choose Cash.

4. Enter a name for the account, such as "Personal Cash" or "Petty Cash."

5. Enter the initial balance of the cash account.

6. Click Finish.

The register for your new account will appear, and you can begin entering transactions.

Differences between a cash account and a checking account

A cash account is best for tracking cash expenses and balances, while a checking account is used for bank transactions, including check payments, direct deposits, and online bill payments.

Notes and tips

• Use a cash account if you frequently handle physical money and need to track spending.

• Keep your cash account updated by recording transactions as they happen.

• If your cash account balance does not match your physical cash, check for missing transactions or rounding errors.