Fix common account problems

This article addresses several common issues you might encounter when working with accounts in Quicken. If your situation isn’t covered here, visit the Quicken Support website for additional help.

I entered a transaction in the wrong account and need to move it

Use Edit > Transaction > Move transaction(s) to move transactions between banking accounts.
You can also cut and paste individual transactions manually. For account types that don’t support these options, export the transactions to a QIF file and import them into the correct account.

My investment account and checking account are linked. Can I delete just one?

No. Linked accounts must be deleted together. You can’t remove one without deleting the other.

Quicken won’t let me move a linked checking account

Linked checking accounts can’t be moved independently. You’ll need to maintain the link or delete the linked pair and recreate the structure if needed.

What’s the difference between a file and an account?

A file contains all your Quicken data—accounts, categories, transactions, and settings.
An account is a single component within that file, such as a checking account or a loan.

I see “Name already in use” when creating an account or category

The name you're trying to use already exists. Choose a different name, or check your Account List or Category List to locate and rename duplicates.

My loan or liability account balance is increasing instead of decreasing

This typically means payments were recorded as deposits or miscategorized. Verify that loan payments are entered using the correct category and that they reduce the loan balance.

I need to change a single mutual fund account so I can add more securities

Edit the account and change Single mutual fund from Yes to No in the Account Details window.
Important: Once you add more than one security or a cash balance, this change becomes permanent.