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JL458902
March 18, 2025
Solved

Is it normal to have to "Complete secure connection" every single time you want to update bank transactions?

  • March 18, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views

Why do I get error 185 -Complete some security steps for Banque de Montreal - Personal. Then we’ll get your latest transactions. (185). every time I try to update my transaction? Is this normal or a glitch? It is bank specific? Seems pointless to have to do it over and over again every time

Best answer by LouiseG12

The requirement to enter a verification code each time you click the update button for bank transactions in QuickBooks Online (QBO) depends on the security settings and protocols established by your bank, JL. Allow me to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding this process and what it entails.

 

Some financial institutions now enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) as part of their security measures to safeguard your accounts. This industry-standard practice enhances account security by requiring an additional verification step, such as entering a code sent via text.

 

As a result, QBO follows the security standards set by your bank, which may include frequent MFA prompts. The need to enter a new code every time you update your bank transactions—even within a short time frame—reflects the security policies put in place by your bank.

 

Furthermore, you can scan this article that provides a step-by-step guide on how to accurately categorize your bank transactions: Categorize online bank transactions in QuickBooks Online.
 

Understanding and adhering to your bank's security standards will help you maintain the strong security of your account, JL. If you have any additional questions about bank transactions, I'm just a message away here in the Community and always ready to support you. Wishing you all the best!

2 replies

E
EmanE17
March 18, 2025

I recognize that it can be inconvenient to constantly provide information for the security questions that arise during transactions in QuickBooks Online (QBO), such as verification codes and OTPs, JL458902. Let me explain in more detail why this is necessary.

 

Bank error 185 indicates that your bank or financial institution needs more information after you have entered your credentials. This may imply that your financial institution has extra security measures in place, such as a security question or one-time passcode, that you need to complete.

 

To resolve this issue, if your bank or financial institution prompts you with a security question, please provide your answer. You may encounter this error again during future updates if you have multiple security questions. As you submit your answers, QBO will remember the security questions you've been asked and will auto-fill the answers for you.

 

Additionally, if your bank or financial institution requests a one-time password, retrieve it (via a device, text, call, etc.) and enter it each time you encounter Error 185.

 

For more information, check out this article: Fix bank error 185.

 

Moreover, if you encounter errors or issues while downloading transactions from your bank, feel free to visit this article for assistance. It provides detailed steps on how to resolve those errors: What to do if you get a bank error or can't download transactions in QuickBooks Online.

 

I'll be around if you need assistance with handling bank transactions. I’m committed to helping you get back on track smoothly.

J
JL458902Author
March 18, 2025

Hello, so the questions was not how to resolves error 185. I can easily resolve it each time by entering a service code via text. My question was is that normal? Does every person using QB have to enter a code every time they hit “update” on bank transactions? 
it’s not asking security questions. It simply wants me to enter a code each time I press the update button. Even if it’s 5mins later, for example. That seems excessive, given that I just entered it. I just want to know if this is normal, or a glitch with QB, or a bank specific thing? Maybe it’s only my bank who is making me do this?

L
LouiseG12Answer
March 18, 2025

The requirement to enter a verification code each time you click the update button for bank transactions in QuickBooks Online (QBO) depends on the security settings and protocols established by your bank, JL. Allow me to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding this process and what it entails.

 

Some financial institutions now enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) as part of their security measures to safeguard your accounts. This industry-standard practice enhances account security by requiring an additional verification step, such as entering a code sent via text.

 

As a result, QBO follows the security standards set by your bank, which may include frequent MFA prompts. The need to enter a new code every time you update your bank transactions—even within a short time frame—reflects the security policies put in place by your bank.

 

Furthermore, you can scan this article that provides a step-by-step guide on how to accurately categorize your bank transactions: Categorize online bank transactions in QuickBooks Online.
 

Understanding and adhering to your bank's security standards will help you maintain the strong security of your account, JL. If you have any additional questions about bank transactions, I'm just a message away here in the Community and always ready to support you. Wishing you all the best!

I
info1705
June 4, 2025

I’m happy to see others having issues with the bank connections!! 
im paying $68 a month, and I can’t even connect my bank to QB, so I have to pay my bookkeeper extra to manually enter the bank and cc information… how crazy is this ???? 
Has anyone tried Xero? My bookkeeper says it’s 100 times better (and cheaper) 

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