Update your online accounts

Quicken can download transactions and balances from your financial institutions using One Step Update, which supports all connected accounts. You can use it to update everything at once, select specific accounts to update, update from the sidebar, or set up a scheduled update to run automatically.

This topic explains every method you can use to run One Step Update, the connection methods it supports, and what to do if your accounts require reauthorization or don’t appear in the list.

All ways to use One Step Update

Quicken provides multiple ways to access and use One Step Update. Each one initiates the same update engine but offers different levels of control.

Method 1: From the Tools menu

This is the full version of One Step Update, where you can select accounts, enter passwords, and access update settings.

1. Go to Tools > One Step Update.

2. Enter your Vault Password if prompted.

3. Review the list of accounts and check or uncheck as needed.

4. Click Update Now to begin the update.

To manage which accounts are included:

• In the One Step Update window, click Settings.

• Use the checkboxes to select or exclude specific accounts.

• Click Apply or OK to save.

Method 2: From the One Step Update icon in the toolbar

1. Click the One Step Update icon (blue circular arrows) in the toolbar.

2. The One Step Update window opens, just like using the Tools menu.

This method is convenient if you’ve customized your toolbar to include the update icon.

Method 3: From the Account List

1. Go to Tools > Account List.

2. At the bottom of the window, click One Step Update.

This updates all accounts in your file that are enabled for One Step Update, without opening the full update dialog.

Method 4: Scheduled updates

You can configure Quicken to run One Step Update automatically at a specific time each day.

To schedule automatic updates:

1. Go to Tools > Schedule Updates.

2. In the Scheduled Updates window, select Enable Scheduled Updates.

3. Choose the time of day and the frequency.

4. Check the accounts you want to include.

5. Click OK to save.

Quicken will launch the update silently at the scheduled time, even if you don’t manually open the update window.

Method 5: One Step Update on file open

You can tell Quicken to run One Step Update each time you open your data file.

To enable this:

1. Go to Edit > Preferences.

2. Under Startup, select Download transactions when Quicken starts.

3. Click OK to save the change.

This ensures you always begin your session with the most current data.

Understand connection methods

Each account in Quicken uses one of the following connection methods:

• Express Web Connect+ (EWC+) – A secure method requiring reauthorization every 90 days.

• Express Web Connect (EWC) – Uses stored credentials. Being replaced by EWC+.

• Direct Connect – Connects directly to your bank’s servers; may support bill pay.

• Web Connect – Requires you to manually download and import a QFX file. Not supported by One Step Update.

• Manual – Not connected to any financial institution. These accounts are not eligible for updates.

To check a connection method:

1. Go to Tools > Account List.

2. Click Edit next to the account.

3. Click the Online Services tab.

4. View the Connection Method and Financial Institution fields.

Reauthorize Express Web Connect+ accounts

Accounts using Express Web Connect+ must be reauthorized every 90 days due to bank security requirements.

To reauthorize when prompted:

1. Click Reauthorize or Fix It in the One Step Update summary.

2. Complete the bank login in the browser window that opens.

3. Return to Quicken and confirm that the reauthorization succeeded.

You can also reauthorize manually:

1. Go to Tools > Account List.

2. Click Edit next to the account.

3. On the Online Services tab, click Reset Account or Improve Connection (based on your current setup).

Update a single account manually

You can update just one account without using One Step Update.

1. In the left sidebar, click the name of the account to open its register.

2. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the register.

3. Select Update Now.

4. Follow any prompts to complete the download.

This is useful for troubleshooting or when a single account needs immediate attention.

Why some accounts don't appear in One Step Update

Some accounts are excluded by design:

• Manual accounts – These are not connected and must be updated manually.

• Web Connect accounts – These are updated by importing QFX files from your bank’s website.

• Hidden or closed accounts – These are not included in update tools unless reactivated.

To verify whether an account should appear:

1. Go to Tools > Account List.

2. Click Edit next to the account.

3. Click the Online Services tab to check the connection method.

Only accounts using Express Web Connect, Express Web Connect+, or Direct Connect can be included in One Step Update.