QuickBooks error 103 is something that you can encounter when trying to connect the bank account to the application. It usually arises in QuickBooks Online or the Self-Employed version.
This can be because you are entering an incorrect username or password for the bank account. It is important that you address this and connect the bank account so that you do not have to upload the transactions manually every time. In this guide, we will tell you how to do so.
Reasons for the Error Code 103 in QuickBooks Online/Self-Employed
Let us first explore all the reasons that can give way to error code 103 in QuickBooks Desktop:
- The login credentials that you entered for the bank or financial institution are wrong
- The network connection is poor, or unstable, or there was a network timeout
- You have selected the wrong bank or credit card service provider by mistake
- Your bank or financial institution’s login credential was updated after connecting the account to QuickBooks
- There is an issue with your bank server
Now, let us see how you can fix it.
Simple Steps to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 103
Since QuickBooks error 103 can stem from various factors, troubleshooting it is a multi-step process that we have elaborated in this section. Therefore, go through these steps and carry them out as instructed.
Step 1: Double-check the Login Information
The first thing you need to do is ensure that the username/customer ID and password that you use to log in are correct. To do so:
- Launch a new web browser window, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari, and open your bank’s website.
- Now, log in with the username and password that you’ve got.
Note: If the password is already saved and entered automatically, tap on the eye or view icon to see it and match it with the password you have in hand.
- Try to sign in and if you do that successfully, the credentials are correct, and you can skip to the next step.
However, if you can’t sign into the bank or financial institution’s account, the password or user ID is incorrect. Follow the procedure laid out by your bank to reset the password and use that to log in.
Step 2: Figure Out If Your Bank Needs Third-Party Access
Sometimes, banks and financial institutions don’t allow connection to third-party services. To connect your account to QuickBooks Online or Self-Employed, you will need to enable the third party access.
- Open your bank’s website and enable the option for third-party access.
- If there is no such option or you can’t find it, contact your bank.
Step 3: Enter Your Bank Logins Into QuickBooks
Finally, you are all set to connect your bank account with QuickBooks.
- However, if you already have an existing connection, here is how you can update the login info in it.
- Open QuickBooks Online and log into your company.
- Choose Transactions, followed by Bank transactions.
- Now, tap on the bank or credit card account you wish to update.
- Choose Edit (pencil icon), followed by Edit account sign in. You will be taken to your bank’s website in a different web browser window.
- Type in the login credentials, i.e., the
Note: In case the browser Autofills the already saved login info, clear them and input the correct login info.
- Finally, choose Update.
If the error persists, configure QuickBooks internet security settings. Moreover, ensure that you have a stable network connection.
Scenario: You See a Wrong Security Question Appears
Your bank might show you security questions in case of suspicious activities, for example, when you enter the wrong login info.
However, sometimes, you might enter the right info and see the wrong security question, which is a technical issue on the part of your browser. To resolve that, here’s what you can try:
- Opening your browser in an incognito or private window
- Clearing browser cache and Intuit-specific cookies
Conclusion
This was all on why you see QuickBooks error 103 when connecting the bank account and how to resolve it. However, even after carrying out the steps given, if error 103 continues to show up, speak to an expert. Dial +1(855)-738-0359.
Frequently Asked Questions
Error 103 can arise when you try to link your bank account to QuickBooks Online or Self Employed. This can be because of poor network connection, incorrect internet security settings, wrong login credentials, etc.
Here is what you can do to troubleshoot error code 103 in QuickBooks Desktop:
1. Check the Login Information: Double-check your user ID and password to ensure that you are entering the correct ones.
2. Enable Third-Party Access: If your bank account requires permission to connect to third-party services, enable that.
3. Configure Internet Security Settings: Tweak the internet security settings and add Intuit websites as trusted.
4. Clear Browser Cache and Intuit Cookies: Clear browser cache and Intuit-specific cookies.

Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.