Easy Tech TutsHow to Enter Credit Card Charges in QuickBooks Online Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Recording a card charge manually keeps your liability accounts accurate between bank feed syncs. This guide shows how to log a credit card charge in QuickBooks Online, including selecting the right liability account, categorizing the expense, and attaching a receipt.
01Open the Expense form
Click + New, then select Expense from the Vendors column.
02Select payee and payment account
Choose the merchant from your directory and set the Payment account to the specific credit card used for the purchase.
03Set the date and payment method
Enter the exact swipe date and confirm Credit Card is selected as the payment method.
04Categorize the charge
In the Category details grid, select the correct expense account and enter the transaction amount.
05Attach a receipt and save
Drag a scanned receipt into the attachments area, add a memo, then click Save and Close.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the payment account matter for card charges?
Selecting the correct credit card liability account keeps your card balance accurate rather than mistakenly drawing from a checking account.
Can I attach a receipt to a manually entered charge?
Yes, you can drag and drop a scanned receipt or photo directly into the Attachments section of the expense form.
What if the charge later shows up in my bank feed too?
Review your unreviewed bank feed to match the live statement line against the manual entry rather than creating a duplicate.
Do I need to categorize every charge individually?
Yes, each charge should be routed to an accurate expense category to keep your Profit and Loss report clean.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
