If you’ve seen a recent feature pop up in your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account called the QuickBooks Business Network, you might be wondering what it is and whether or not you need to do anything about it.
Let’s walk through what this network is, who it benefits, and why it’s worth taking a closer look if you’re not set up to accept payments through QBO.
What is the QuickBooks Business Network?
The QuickBooks Business Network (QBN) is a feature that allows QBO users to connect to streamline invoicing and vendor setup.
When you send invoices or bills through QuickBooks, your business contact info (like your company name, address, phone, etc.) is automatically added to a searchable directory that other QuickBooks users can access. This means:
- Your business may be pre-filled as a vendor when someone adds you to their system.
- It’s easier to auto-populate information when sending invoices or bills.
- Other businesses using QuickBooks may be able to find and interact with you more quickly.
- Only basic contact info is shared; not your financials, internal records, or account details.
Who Might Benefit from It?
This network is designed with efficiency and connectivity in mind. It’s a potential time-saver for:
- Vendors and suppliers who regularly invoice or receive payments from other QBO users
- Service providers working with many small businesses already in the QuickBooks ecosystem
- Businesses looking to reduce manual data entry and speed up setup for new clients or vendors
For these types of users, the Business Network could cut down on errors and streamline processes.
Should You Opt Out?
If you’re included in the QuickBooks Business Network and a customer tries to pay you through the network, they might assume you can receive the funds. But if you haven’t activated QuickBooks Payments (or connected your bank account), that money could end up held by Intuit without your client or you realizing it.
According to Intuit’s current policy, funds can be held for up to 60 days before being returned. That’s a long time for both you and your clients to be unaware of a missing payment. So even if you never intended to use QuickBooks Payments, being in the network might make it look like you’re set up to receive funds.
This is why we strongly recommend that you review this feature in your QBO account. This would especially apply to those who are not set up to receive QuickBooks payments, have strict internal payment processes, or are not actively managing their QBO notifications or email alerts
How to Turn Off the QuickBooks Business Network
If you decide this isn’t right for your business, opting out is quick and easy, and it won’t affect your QBO account or functionality.
Here’s how:
- Sign in to QuickBooks Online as an admin.
- Click the ⚙️ Gear icon, then go to Account and Settings.
- Select the Advanced tab.
- Scroll down to the Business Network section.
- Click the ✏️ Edit icon.
- Uncheck the box labeled “Include my company in the QuickBooks Business Network.”
- Click Save, then Done.
And that’s it! Your business will no longer appear in the QuickBooks Business Network directory.
You can opt back in anytime if your needs change down the road.
Use QBN with Caution
The QuickBooks Business Network is a powerful tool, but only if it aligns with how your business operates. For those who rely heavily on QBO to send and receive payments, it can be a real efficiency booster.
But for others, especially businesses not using QuickBooks Payments, it may create confusion or delays you’d rather avoid. Taking a moment to assess and inform your clients could save both time and headaches down the line.
Need Help Navigating These Changes?
If you’re unsure whether to opt in or out or if you want help double-checking your settings, feel free to reach out. It’s always better to make an intentional choice rather than letting QuickBooks make it for you by default. Let’s keep your business finances clear, clean, and under control together.
For more QBO-related advice, check out our other blog on creating budgets in QBO.