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How to Record a Bank Transfer in Puzzle

Learn how to record a bank transfer between two accounts in Puzzle using the Bank Transfers in Transit clearing account.

Written by Michael Herchen

Overview

When you move money between two of your bank accounts — like from checking to savings — you need to record both sides of that transfer in Puzzle. Puzzle uses a holding account called Bank Transfers in Transit to link the two entries together so it knows they're part of the same movement of money, not two separate transactions.



How It Works

Think of it like this: money leaves one account and lands in another. You record each side separately, but both get tagged to the same holding account — and Puzzle automatically links them as a matched pair.



Step 1: Record the Money Going Out

  1. Go to Transactions → Banking & Credit Card

  2. Click the green + button and select Add Individually

  3. Select the account the money is leaving (e.g. Checking)

  4. Enter the date and the amount as a negative number (e.g. -$100,000)

  5. Add a description like "Transfer to Savings"

  6. Set the category to Bank Transfers in Transit

  7. Click Post



Step 2: Record the Money Coming In

  1. Click the green + button again and select Add Individually

  2. Select the account the money is going into (e.g. Savings)

  3. Enter the same date and the amount as a positive number (e.g. +$100,000)

  4. Add a description like "Transfer from Checking"

  5. Set the category to Bank Transfers in Transit

  6. Click Post



What Happens Next

Once both entries are posted, Puzzle automatically links them together as a matched pair. You'll see both transactions showing Bank Transfers in Transit as the category with a linked transaction indicator — so Puzzle knows they're two sides of the same transfer, not two separate expenses.



Already Have a Connected Bank?

If your bank is connected via API, Puzzle may automatically pull in both sides of the transfer. In that case you don't need to add them manually — you just need to make sure both transactions are categorized to Bank Transfers in Transit and they'll link up automatically.

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