# Finding Your Cleared Balance to Reconcile

> This article will assist you in finding the cleared balance for your real-life bank and credit card accounts so that you can reconcile your accounts in YNAB.

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/finding-your-cleared-balance-to-reconcile-an-overview-BkH27l_A9

Last updated: 2026-09-14T16:51:36.015Z

Discover strategies to identify your bank’s cleared balance, and review the different terminologies banks use for this balance. Learn why YNAB uses the cleared balance for reconciliation, and find help in navigating the reconciliation process if your bank includes pending transactions in the current balance. Remember to reconcile your account registers weekly and update loan account balances quarterly.

#### In This Article

[Getting Started with Reconciling](#reconcile)

[A Balance by Any Other Name...](#balance)

[Help! I Can't Find My Cleared Balance.](#help)

[My Bank Includes Pending Transactions in the Current Balance.](#pending)

[Why Do We Use the Cleared Balance?](#why)

[Confirming or Updating Loan Account Balances and Reconciling Loan Accounts](#loans)

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## Getting Started with Reconciling

We recommend [using these steps to reconcile](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys) all of your account registers **at least once a week**. When you reconcile, you’ll be comparing your **cleared balance** in YNAB with your cleared balance at the bank. You can find your cleared balance in the top of your account register in the Android and Web apps. On iOS, you'll find it by tapping _Working Balance_ at the top of the account register. YNAB will also show it to you as soon as you go through the reconciliation process. If you run into any issues while reconciling, review these [troubleshooting options](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/troubleshooting-reconciliation-issues-rJkijlVki).

#### Are you working with a loan account?

Things work a little differently with that account type, so check out [the loans section below](#loans) for more specifics on the balance you're searching for and how to update it!

### Where Do I Find the _Reconcile_ Button in YNAB?

Note: A _Reconcile_ button is not available in a **loan account**! If you'd like to confirm or update your loan account balance, review [the loans section below](#loans).

### iOS

1.  From the **mobile app**, tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the screen.
    
2.  Tap the account you'd like to reconcile. 
    
3.  Tap the horizontal three dots icon in the upper right corner.
    
4.  Tap _Reconcile_.
    
    ![Tapping the three dots in the upper right hand corner of the mobile apps shows the option to tap Reconcile](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/cmbrtck39zmcqpg8m4mhvrct/Reconcile-Button-Crop-iOS-Help-Article.png)
    
5.  A **Reconcile Balance** window will pop up, asking you to confirm your current cleared account balance.
    

Finding your cleared balance in online banking can take some digging! Don’t worry—we’re here to help.

### Android

1.  From the **mobile app**, tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the screen.
    
2.  Tap the account you'd like to reconcile. 
    
3.  Tap the vertical three dots icon in the upper right corner.
    
4.  Tap _Reconcile_.
    
5.  A **Reconcile Balance** window will pop up, asking you to confirm your current cleared account balance.
    

Finding your cleared balance in online banking can take some digging! Don’t worry—we’re here to help.

### Web

1.  From the **web app**, click on an account in the left sidebar.
    
2.  In your account register, you'll notice the _Reconcile_ button on the upper right side.
    
3.  Click the _Reconcile_ button. 
    
4.  On the window that appears, you'll be asked to confirm your current cleared account balance. 
    
    ![The Reconcile button in the upper right corner of the web app](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/qnvmxtqbgjrh3rsnmcx9hs9/Reconciliation-Button-Web-Help-Article.png)

Finding your cleared balance in online banking can take some digging! Don’t worry—we’re here to help.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## A Balance by Any Other Name...

Banks call the cleared balance a bunch of different things. Here are some of the most common:

### **Current Balance**

This is the most common! This balance typically reflects cleared transactions only and should not include pending transactions. 

### **Running Balance**

Some banks only show the cleared balance as part of the running balance in your account register. In other words, the running balance next to your most recent cleared transaction is the cleared balance to enter into YNAB when you reconcile.

### **Total Balance**

The total balance (if offered) is often the cleared balance. If the bank offers a spending balance, that usually includes pending transactions. 

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## Help! I Can't Find My Cleared Balance.

It can be difficult to find the cleared balance for your checking, savings, and credit card accounts. Banks often show a few different balances due to pending transactions, and different banks use different terms.

If you’re having trouble finding the cleared balance for your bank, here are a few tips:

1.  If you’re using your bank’s mobile app, try logging into the website instead. Believe it or not, some banks don’t show the cleared balance on mobile!
    
2.  Hover! Many banks show more information about the displayed balance when you hover your mouse pointer over a question mark or other icon next to the balance. This might explain whether pending transactions are included in the balance (they shouldn’t be!). Also check for a “Details” tab in online banking.
    
3.  Credit card accounts can be especially tricky. When you log into a bank online, your credit card balance (or the amount you owe) will likely be listed as a positive number. In YNAB, the amount you owe on your credit card will always be shown as a negative number.
    
4.  Reach out to your bank. They'll be able to confirm which balance option does **not** include pending transactions!
    
5.  [Tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5). If you can, include a [screenshot](https://www.take-a-screenshot.org/) from your account screen in online banking.
    

Here’s the good news: Even if tracking down your cleared balance takes a little detective work the first time, every time you reconcile after that, all you have to do is check the same place… until your bank updates its website. 🤦🏽

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## My Bank Includes Pending Transactions in the Current Balance

### iOS

Some banks include **all** transactions—even ones that are still pending—in the Current Balance. This means that your Cleared Balance in YNAB will never match what your bank shows as your Current Balance, because YNAB is separating your pending transactions from this amount. If your bank shows a balance that doesn't include pending transactions, we strongly recommend [reconciling by following the steps in this article](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys). If your bank **only** shows a balance that includes pending transactions, read on! We have a way to make your balance work. 

### How to Reconcile If Your Bank Only Shows a Balance Including Pending Transactions

1.  You'll first need to enter or import your pending transactions in the appropriate YNAB account register.
    
2.  In the account register, mark these pending transactions as **cleared** by tapping _Select_ at the top of the screen, tapping the transactions, and tapping the C icon at the bottom. The C icon will turn from gray to green in the account register.
    
    ![Grey c in a circle changes to green circle with c in center to indicate the transaction is cleared](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/pr79rxff568vk3wh77zwz7w/Uncleared-Cleared-Transaction-iOS-Help-Article.png)
    
3.  Once the pending transactions are marked cleared, this will include those transactions in the Cleared Balance in YNAB. 
    
    ![Cleared and uncleared balances change by the amount of the cleared transaction](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/cf8jhkvhgwjbnm4pk8z6m9k/Uncleared-Cleared-Balance-iOS-Help-Article.png)
    
4.  You can now continue following [our reconciliation process](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys), using your bank's Current Balance amount. 
    

Keep in mind that some pending transactions will change before they're cleared officially, like with a tip that gets added later, or a hold charge that drops off your account. You can mark these transactions with a [flag](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/flags-a-guide-Skh8Xb4kj) to remind you to return to them to update the amounts. You'll also want to reconcile frequently (1-2 times a week) to keep your account registers and plan as accurate as possible. 

### Android

Some banks include **all** transactions—even ones that are still pending—in the Current Balance. This means that your Cleared Balance in YNAB will never match what your bank shows as your Current Balance, because YNAB is separating your pending transactions from this amount. If your bank shows a balance that doesn't include pending transactions, we strongly recommend [reconciling by following the steps in this article](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys). If your bank **only** shows a balance that includes pending transactions, read on! We have a way to make your balance work. 

### How to Reconcile If Your Bank Only Shows a Balance Including Pending Transactions

1.  You'll first need to enter or import your pending transactions in the appropriate YNAB account register.
    
2.  In the account register, mark these pending transactions as **cleared** by selecting the C icon to the right of the transaction. The C icon will turn from gray to green. If you'd like to [clear multiple transactions at once, follow these steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-edit-and-delete-transactions-BJG4oS1s#action)!
    
    ![Grey c in a circle changes to green circle with c in center to indicate the transaction is cleared](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/p727njfpcz8qcn7hqfvpwc/Uncleared-Cleared-Transaction-Android-Help-Article.png)
    
3.  Once the pending transactions are marked cleared, this will include those transactions in the Cleared Balance in YNAB. 
    
    ![Cleared and uncleared balances change by the amount of the cleared transaction](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/3876bf93scwk9zpxnk494nw/Uncleared-Cleared-Balance-Android-Help-Article.png)
    
4.  You can now continue following [our reconciliation process](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys), using your bank's Current Balance amount. 
    

Keep in mind that some pending transactions will change before they're cleared officially, like with a tip that gets added later, or a hold charge that drops off your account. You can mark these transactions with a [flag](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/flags-a-guide-Skh8Xb4kj) to remind you to return to them to update the amounts. You'll also want to reconcile frequently (1-2 times a week) to keep your account registers and plan as accurate as possible. 

### Web

Some banks include **all** transactions—even ones that are still pending—in the Current Balance. This means that your Cleared Balance in YNAB will never match what your bank shows as your Current Balance, because YNAB is separating your pending transactions from this amount. If your bank shows a balance that doesn't include pending transactions, we strongly recommend [reconciling by following the steps in this article](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys). If your bank **only** shows a balance that includes pending transactions, read on! We have a way to make your balance work. 

### How to Reconcile If Your Bank Only Shows a Balance Including Pending Transactions

1.  You'll first need to enter or import your pending transactions in the appropriate YNAB account register.
    
2.  In the account register, mark these pending transactions as **cleared** by clicking the clock icon to the right of the transaction. The clock icon will turn to a green c. If you'd like to [clear multiple transactions at once, follow these steps](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-edit-and-delete-transactions-BJG4oS1s#action)!
    
    ![Grey c in a circle changes to green circle with c in center to indicate the transaction is cleared](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/ppthtrf87svkkjwk53nf5kpg/Uncleared-Cleared-Transaction-Web-Help-Article.png)
    
3.  Once the pending transactions are marked cleared, this will include those transactions in the Cleared Balance in YNAB. 
    
    ![Cleared and uncleared balances change by the amount of the cleared transaction](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/fxwgr3bnmg5gj63cr6ftzmb/Uncleared-Cleared-Balance-Web-Help-Article.png)
    
4.  You can now continue following [our reconciliation process](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reconciling-accounts-a-guide-BJFE3fHys), using your bank's Current Balance amount. 
    

Keep in mind that some pending transactions will change before they're cleared officially, like with a tip that gets added later, or a hold charge that drops off your account. You can mark these transactions with a [flag](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/flags-a-guide-Skh8Xb4kj) to remind you to return to them to update the amounts. You'll also want to reconcile frequently (1-2 times a week) to keep your account registers and plan as accurate as possible. 

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## Why Do We Use the Cleared Balance?

Aren’t uncleared transactions important, too?

Absolutely! Your YNAB numbers are based on your working balance, which includes all of the cleared and uncleared balances in your account. If you buy groceries today, and the charge is still pending, you still want that amount to come out of your Groceries category right away so that you don’t accidentally overspend.

However, pending transactions are no good for comparing with your bank, because they can change. You might have entered a transaction in YNAB (such as a paper check or a tip at a restaurant) that your bank doesn’t even know about yet.

Or you might notice a “preclearance” for a rental car, hotel room, or gas pump purchase in online banking. that will never clear, because it’s just making sure you have enough money or credit available to cover a trashed hotel room. 🎸

That’s why pending transactions aren’t involved when you reconcile. Don’t worry: those pending transactions will clear and get picked up the next time you reconcile.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## Confirming or Updating Loan Account Balances and Reconciling Loan Accounts

Loan accounts work differently and do not follow the typical reconciliation process. There's not a _Reconcile_ button, and we don't use the current cleared balance (since there's often not much transaction history in these types of accounts). Let's review how to confirm or update the balance! \*We recommend confirming or updating your loan account balances **once a quarter.**\*

YNAB uses the current balance in the account, the interest rate, and the minimum payment amount to calculate the remaining interest and upcoming interest charge. As you go through the process of confirming or updating your account, you want to use the **remaining balance amount, or today's balance—**not the initial borrowed amount, or total repayable. 

If you want to **clear** loan transactions, you can search for the name of your loan account in _All Accounts_ using the web app and mark them as cleared. If you want to **clear and lock** the transactions, follow the Web steps below. 

### How to Confirm or Update Your Loan Account Balance

### iOS

1.  From the **mobile app**, tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the screen.
    
2.  Tap your loan account.
    
3.  Tap the pencil icon in the upper right corner.
    
4.  This will bring up the [Edit Account window](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/edit-account-details-an-overview-S1qj7MuR5) where you can adjust the **working balance** to reflect the current remaining balance of the account.
    
5.  Enter the new balance and tap _Save_ in the upper right corner.
    
6.  Note: When completed on iOS, this process **only** updates the balance. If you would like the transactions to change to the green lock symbol, you'll want to follow the web app steps instead.
    

### Android

From the **mobile app**, tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the screen.

1.  Tap your loan account.
    
2.  Tap the vertical three dots icon in the upper right corner.
    
3.  Select _Edit Account_.
    
4.  This will bring up the [Edit Account window](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/edit-account-details-an-overview-S1qj7MuR5) where you can adjust **Today's Balance**. You'll enter the current remaining amount of the loan.
    
5.  Tap _Save_ in the upper right corner.
    
6.  Note: When completed on Android, this process **only** updates the balance. If you would like the transactions to change to the green lock symbol, you'll want to follow the web app steps instead.
    

### Web

1.  From the **web app**, click on your loan account in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Click the _Update Balance_ button.
    
3.  You'll be asked to confirm: "Is your current balance in YNAB \[xxx\]?". You'll select _Yes_ or _No_.
    
4.  If it does not match, click _No_ and then enter your **current remaining balance** at the financial institution.
    
5.  Tap _Next_.
    
6.  The next screen will ask you to confirm your interest rate. Edit it, if needed, and click _Next_.
    
7.  YNAB will then show you the needed balance adjustment to fix the discrepancy between the current balance in YNAB and the correct current remaining balance that you just entered. Click _Next_ to proceed and update the balance.
    
8.  All transactions (cleared and uncleared) will change to the green lock symbol in the All Accounts register.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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