# Loan Accounts

> Use loan accounts to track your loans and assign money for payments View your progress as you pay off mortgage auto student medical or personal loans Deci

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/loan-accounts-a-guide-HkNSkPHJi

Last updated: 2026-07-29T17:22:39.749Z

Use loan accounts to track your loans and assign money for payments. View your progress as you pay off mortgage, auto, student, medical, or personal loans. Decide whether to pair a category with your loan account.

#### In This Article

[When Should I Not Use a Loan Account in YNAB?](#non-loan)

[How to Add a Loan Account](#addaccount)

[Keeping Loan Accounts Updated](#unlinked)

[Recording a Loan Payment](#payment)

[How to View Loan Account Transactions](#transactions)

[How to Add Targets to Loan Account Categories](#targets)

[How to Handle Refinanced or Consolidated Loans](#refi)

[How to Pair a Category With an Existing Loan Account](#category)

[How to Add Missing Information to a Loan Account](#missing-information)

[How to Share Your Loan Progress Using the Web App](#share)

[Closing a Loan Account](#close)

* * *

## When Should I Not Use a Loan Account in YNAB?

There are three main scenarios where we advise **not** using a loan account type in YNAB.

*   **Credit Card Debt:**If you have credit card debt, we recommend using the [credit card account type](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/handling-credit-cards-overview-ry7cNub1s).
    
*   **Offset Mortgage:**
    
    *   If you have a **negative-balance offset account** or **all-in-one mortgage**, we have a [special setup for these](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/negative-balance-offset-account-setup-HkPKvOCc) that uses two checking accounts instead of a loan account, so that you can assign money in YNAB.
        
    *   If you have a **positive-balance offset account** or **Redraw Facility account**, we recommend [creating two accounts](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/positive-balance-offset-and-redraw-accounts-rk11XHIlh): a Tracking account for the debt and a Cash account for the positive-balance offset or redraw account.
        
*   **HELOCs:**If you have a HELOC, we recommend using a [Tracking account](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/account-types-an-overview-BkmGM0qCq) type instead of a Loan account type. If your tracking account is displaying a banner prompting you to switch to a loan account, you can dismiss that banner by clicking _Learn More_ and then _Maybe Later_.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## How to Add a Loan Account

When adding a Loan account type in YNAB, you have two options: **Unlinked** or **Linked**. How to decide which to choose? While linked loan accounts cannot import transactions (so it won't update via Direct Import like other accounts), our import provider **can** typically pull in some initial data—like the current balance—to help create the account. So, choosing Linked will allow you to pull in those account basics, but if you have the loan details readily available, feel free to move forward with the Unlinked option.

### iOS

1.  From the **mobile app**, tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the screen.
    
2.  Tap  _Add Account_.
    
3.  Search for your financial institution, click on one of the popular options to a bank connection, or select _Unlinked_. \*Not all lenders will be available for connection, so if your lender or bank isn't in the list, we recommend setting up the loan as an _Unlinked_ account instead.
    
4.  If you choose _Unlinked_, you'll then select the account type from the dropdown menu list. If your specific loan account type isn't listed, choose _Other Debt_.
    
5.  Enter a name for the account, the current account balance you owe, and the interest rate.
    
6.  Enter the monthly payment required by your lender. \*If you choose a **Mortgage** account type, you'll also be asked if your monthly payment includes escrow or fees.
    
7.  YNAB will then ask you to choose a category where you'll assign money for payments to this loan. You can choose an existing category or create a new one! This is optional.
    

#### When should I pair a category to my loan?

Great question! Pairing a category to your loan account adds a few unique loan features (the payoff calculator, _Record Payment_ button) and loan information (minimum payment, current balance, payoff date) to the [Inspector in the **web app**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/the-inspector-an-overview-ryylY7OCq) for that category.

A paired category can **only** be used for payments to the loan account, so if you’d like to use a single category to assign money for payments to multiple loans, or use multiple categories for payments to this loan, **skip this step**.

### Android

1.  From the **mobile app**, tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the screen.
    
2.  Tap  _Add Account_.
    
3.  Search for your financial institution, click on one of the popular options to a bank connection, or select _Unlinked_. \*Not all lenders will be available for connection, so if your lender or bank isn't in the list, we recommend setting up the loan as an _Unlinked_ account instead.
    
4.  If you choose _Unlinked_, you'll then select the account type from the dropdown menu list. If your specific loan account type isn't listed, choose _Other Debt_.
    
5.  Enter a name for the account, the current account balance you owe, and the interest rate.
    
6.  Enter the monthly payment required by your lender. \*If you choose a **Mortgage** account type, you'll also be asked if your monthly payment includes escrow or fees.
    
7.  YNAB will then ask you to choose a category where you'll assign money for payments to this loan. You can choose an existing category or create a new one!
    

#### When should I pair a category to my loan?

Great question! Pairing a category to your loan account adds a few unique loan features (the payoff calculator, _Record Payment_ button, and [a Monthly Debt Payment target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/paired-targets-BJJI8rdC5#debt)) and loan information (minimum payment, current balance, payoff date) to the [Inspector in the **web app**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/the-inspector-an-overview-ryylY7OCq) for that category.

A paired category can **only** be used for payments to the loan account, so if you’d like to use a single category to assign money for payments to multiple loans, or use multiple categories for payments to this loan, **skip this step**.

### Web

1.  In the **web app**, click _Add Account_ in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Search for your financial institution, click on one of the popular options to a bank connection, or select _Unlinked_. \*Not all lenders will be available for connection, so if your lender or bank isn't in the list, we recommend setting up the loan as an _Unlinked_ account instead.
    
3.  If you select _Unlinked_, you'll then choose the account type from the loan accounts option list. If your account type isn't listed, choose _Other Debt_.
    
4.  Enter a name for the account, the current account balance you owe, and the interest rate—not the APR.
    
5.  Enter the monthly payment amount required by your lender. \*If you choose a **Mortgage** account, you'll also be asked if your monthly payment includes escrow or fees.
    
6.  YNAB will then ask if you'd like to choose a category where you'll assign money for payments to this loan. You can choose an existing category or create a new one. **Pairing a category to your loan is optional**. Feel free to click _Skip_ and you'll be all set with your new account!
    

#### When should I pair a category to my loan?

Great question! Pairing a category to your loan account adds a few unique loan features (the payoff calculator, _Record Payment_ button) and loan information (minimum payment, current balance, payoff date) to the [Inspector in the web app](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/the-inspector-an-overview-ryylY7OCq) for that category.

A paired category can only be used for payments to the loan account, so if you’d like to use a single category to assign money for payments to multiple loans, or use multiple categories for payments to this loan, **skip this step**.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## Keeping Loan Accounts Updated

**As a reminder, linked loan accounts will not import payments or transactions.** This just means you'll have full control over recording payments and watching your debt go down. Whether your loan account is linked or unlinked, here are some tips to make it easier to manage: 

*   You can create a [Scheduled Transaction](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/scheduled-transactions-a-guide-BygrAIFA9) in the checking account that makes your loan payments, and YNAB will automatically enter the payments each month! The steps to create a scheduled payment are in the section below.
    
*   If you're making payments with a linked checking account, the transaction will import into the checking account. Once approved, it will update your loan balance. 
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Recording a Loan Payment

When you record a loan payment in YNAB, the payment will be a transfer from a Cash account to the loan account. In other words, four things will happen:

*   an outflow transaction will be added to the account register of the Cash account that made the payment.
    
*   the payment will be deducted from the loan account's paired category (or whichever category you select if you chose to keep it unpaired!).
    
*   the inflow payment will be reflected to the loan account.
    
*   YNAB will calculate the monthly interest charge and apply that interest charge to your loan account **automatically**. If YNAB's estimated interest charge is incorrect, you can edit this in the web app to match what your lender charged.
    

If you'd like to see how much you've paid over time, on the web you can see that information by scrolling down to the Account Activity section. On our mobile apps, the Overview tab reflects principal payments only while the Activity tab shows the total amount paid, including interest and fees. 

### How to Edit an Interest or Escrow Amount (Web App Only)

1.  In the **web app**, hover your mouse pointer over the estimated charge in the loan account register.
    
2.  Click the edit (pencil) icon that appears to the left.
    
3.  Edit the amount.
    
4.  Click _Save_.
    
5.  You can edit interest and escrow charges in the current **and past** months.
    

YNAB assumes the interest charge (and escrow or fees, if applicable) for the loan must be covered first. Any payment funds beyond the interest (and escrow or fees, if applicable) are applied directly to the principal balance of the loan.

There are two ways to record a loan payment: **entering** a loan payment or **importing** a loan payment. 

### How to Enter a Loan Payment

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Home_ tab.
    
2.  Tap + Transaction.
    
3.  Enter the amount of the payment and tap _Done._
    
4.  Tap the drop down menu at the top and choose Transfer.
    
5.  Tap _Transferred from_ and choose the bank account making the payment.
    
6.  Tap _Transferred to_ and choose the loan account receiving the payment.
    
7.  Tap _Category_ if you haven’t paired your loan account with a category, and choose the correct category.
    
8.  Tap _Save_.
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Home_ tab.
    
2.  Tap + Transaction.
    
3.  Enter the amount of the payment and tap _Done._
    
4.  Tap the drop down menu at the top and choose Transfer.
    
5.  Tap _Transferred from_ and choose the bank account making the payment.
    
6.  Tap _Transferred to_ and choose the loan account receiving the payment.
    
7.  Tap _Category_ if you haven’t paired your loan account with a category, and choose the correct category.
    
8.  Tap _Save_.
    

### Web

1.  Open the Loan account and click _Add Activity_.
    
2.  Choose _Add Payment_.
    
3.  Enter the amount in the Payment Amount field. If the loan has been paired with a category, the Available funds in the loan's payment category will be automatically entered in the Payment Amount field. If the loan is **not** paired with a category, you'll enter the payment amount manually.
    
4.  In the **From Account** field, choose which account made the payment.
    
5.  Choose the date of the payment and add a memo if you'd like!
    
6.  Click _Save_ when you're done.
    

### How to Import a Loan Payment

### iOS

Loan accounts cannot import transactions, but if your Cash accounts are linked, you may notice your loan payment import into the account that **made** the payment (i.e. Checking). The first time a loan payment is imported into one of your non-loan accounts, YNAB may not know that the outflow transaction is a loan payment. We can adjust this!

1.  In the **mobile app**, select the transaction that imported incorrectly.
    
2.  Tap on the payee field to open the list of payees. 
    
3.  Change the payee to be a transfer to the loan account. You'll do this by selecting the specific loan account option found under the **Payments and Transfers** header at the top of the payee list.
    
4.  Update the category field to the category you want the funds to come from in your plan. If you paired a category to your loan, be sure to choose that one. If you don't have an existing category, you can create one by tapping _Create "\[new name\]" category_.
    
5.  Tap _Save_ when you're done. 
    

### Android

Loan accounts cannot import transactions, but if your Cash accounts are linked, you may notice your loan payment import into the account that **made** the payment (i.e. Checking). The first time a loan payment is imported into one of your non-loan accounts, YNAB may not know that the outflow transaction is a loan payment. We can adjust this!

1.  In the **mobile app**, select the transaction that imported incorrectly.
    
2.  Tap on the payee field to open the list of payees. 
    
3.  Change the payee to be a transfer to the loan account. You'll do this by selecting the specific loan account option found under the **Payments and Transfers** header at the top of the payee list.
    
4.  Update the category field to the category you want the funds to come from in your plan. If you paired a category to your loan, be sure to choose that one. If you don't have an existing category, you can create one by tapping _Create "\[new name\]" category_.
    
5.  Tap _Save_ when you're done.
    

### Web

Loan accounts cannot import transactions, but if your Cash accounts are linked, you may notice your loan payment import into the account that **made** the payment (i.e. Checking). The first time a loan payment is imported into one of your non-loan accounts, YNAB won't know that the outflow transaction is a loan payment. We can adjust this!

1.  In the **web app**, select the transaction that imported incorrectly.
    
2.  Click on the payee to bring up the drop down payee options menu.
    
3.  Change the payee by selecting the specific loan account option found under the **Payment and Transfers** option at the top of the list.
    
4.  YNAB will automatically choose the paired category for the payment. If a category is not paired, you'll have the option to select a category for your loan payment.
    

In the future, YNAB will remember the transfer payee and will automatically choose that payee for the next imported loan payment!

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## How to View Loan Account Transactions

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap the loan account.
    
3.  Tap _Activity_ at the top.
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap the loan account.
    
3.  Tap _Activity_ at the top.
    

### Web

1.  Click on your loan account in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Scroll down to Account Activity.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## How to Add Targets to Loan Account Categories

### iOS

Targets help you reach your loan payoff goals by reminding you to assign funds for them! You can set a target to pay a set amount toward the loan each month, or pay off the loan by a chosen date.

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap the Loan account associated with the paired category.
    
3.  Tap _Create Target_.
    
4.  Confirm the amount and frequency of your payment(s).
    
5.  Tap _Save Target_.
    

Learn more about the [Debt Payment target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/paired-targets-BJJI8rdC5#debt).

#### Snoozing the Target When Skipping a Payment

If you need to skip a payment this month, you can [snooze the target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/snooze-a-target-HyS4E5rZT). This will prevent YNAB from prompting you to assign funds in this month only.

### Android

Targets help you reach your loan payoff goals by reminding you to assign funds for them! You can set a target to pay a set amount toward the loan each month, or pay off the loan by a chosen date.

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap the Loan account associated with the paired category.
    
3.  Tap _Create Target_.
    
4.  Confirm the amount and frequency of your payment(s).
    
5.  Tap _Save Target_.
    

Learn more about the [Debt Payment target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/paired-targets-BJJI8rdC5#debt).

#### Snoozing the Target When Skipping a Payment

If you need to skip a payment this month, you can [snooze the target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/snooze-a-target-HyS4E5rZT). This will prevent YNAB from prompting you to assign funds in this month only.

### Web

Targets help you reach your loan payoff goals by reminding you to assign funds for them! You can set a target to pay a set amount toward the loan each month, or pay off the loan by a chosen date.

1.  To add a target in the **web app**, select the category you'll use to assign money for your loan payments.
    
2.  Click _Create \[category name\] Target_ in the right sidebar.
    
3.  If the category is **not** paired to a loan account, you'll have the option to choose the cadence and behavior of the target. 
    
4.  If the category **is** paired to a loan account, the Monthly Debt Payment target includes the payoff calculator. Enter a monthly payment amount and YNAB will calculate how much interest you'll save and the payoff date for your loan. If you'd prefer, you can select a payoff date to have YNAB calculate the monthly payment for you.
    
5.  Choose the date that your monthly payments are due, and click _Save Target_.
    

Learn more about the [Debt Payment target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/paired-targets-BJJI8rdC5#debt).

#### Snoozing the Target When Skipping a Payment

If you need to skip a payment this month, you can [snooze the target](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/snooze-a-target-HyS4E5rZT). This will prevent YNAB from prompting you to assign funds in this month only.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Handle Refinanced or Consolidated Loans

When you refinance or consolidate a loan that's been added to YNAB, you'll [close the existing loan account](#close) and [follow these steps to open a new one](#addaccount), entering your updated loan information when prompted. 

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Pair a Category With an Existing Loan Account

Follow these steps to add a category to an existing loan account in YNAB.

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap your loan account.
    
3.  Tap the edit (pencil) icon at the top right of the screen.
    
4.  Tap _Pair With A Category_.
    
5.  Tap the existing category you'd like to pair with your loan account.
    
6.  Tap _Pair_ at the top right of the screen.
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap your loan account.
    
3.  Tap the three dots icon at the top right of the screen.
    
4.  Tap _Edit Account_.
    
5.  Tap _Pair with a Category_.
    
6.  Tap an existing category, or tap_New Category_.
    
7.  Follow any prompts, then tap _Save_ at the top right of the screen. 
    

### Web

1.  Click on your loan account in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Click the pencil icon at the top right corner of the screen.
    
3.  Click _Pair with a Category_.
    
4.  Click _Pair with an existing category_ or _Pair with a brand new category_ and choose/enter the requested information.
    
5.  Click _Save_. 
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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## How to Add Missing Information to a Loan Account

If you notice a gear icon next to your loan account, the account is missing information.

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Account_ tab.
    
2.  Tap your loan account.
    
3.  Tap the pencil icon at the top of the screen.
    
4.  Add your Monthly Minimum, Interest Rate, or any other missing information.
    
5.  Tap the checkmark at the top of the screen.
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Account_ tab.
    
2.  Tap your loan account.
    
3.  Tap the three dots icon at the top of the screen.
    
4.  Add your Monthly Minimum, Interest Rate, or any other missing information.
    
5.  Tap _Save_ at the top of the screen.
    

### Web

1.  Click on your loan account in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Click the pencil icon at the top of the screen.
    
3.  Add your Monthly Minimum, Interest Rate, or any other missing information.
    
4.  Click _Save_ at the bottom of the screen.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## How to Share Your Loan Progress Using the Web App

![Highlighted areas of the Loan Planner's Share Your Progress modal include format, hide amounts toggle, share preview and download image button](https://cdn.bfldr.com/NIEXAZS5/at/3zj7j547s3fp3vxj7jxkqn7/Loan-Account-Share-Progress-Web-Help-Article.png)

  
Choose from a number of static formats and share your loan progress with friends, family, and social media!

1.  Click on your loan account in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Click _Share Your Progress_ to the right of your remaining balance.
    
3.  Select a visual format.
    
4.  Decide whether you’d like to show the tagline and amounts.
    
5.  Click _Download Image_.
    

Not able to share your progress? This feature isn’t available if you’ve closed your loan account; if you’d like, reopen the account, share your progress, and then close the account again. Also, the option to share is only available for loans paid off after July 12, 2026.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Closing a Loan Account

Once you've paid off your loan, it's time to celebrate! 🎉 It’s also a great time to close that loan account. Loan accounts don’t close automatically when the balance reaches $0 — you’ll need to close the account manually. When you do, YNAB will zero out the balance in the account if it’s not already zero. The account will then move to the _Closed Accounts_ list. The category that was paired with the account (if any) will be unpaired. You can assign money to that category for future loan payments, or hide the category if you’d like.

### How to Close a Loan Account

### iOS

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap the loan account you'd like to close.
    
3.  In the upper right corner, tap the edit (pencil) icon  
    
4.  Tap _Close Account_ (you may need to scroll down).
    
5.  If your balance is already zero, click _Close_. If you have a balance, tap _Adjust Balance & Close_.
    

### Android

1.  Tap the _Accounts_ tab at the bottom of the app.
    
2.  Tap the loan account you'd like to close.
    
3.  In the upper right corner, tap the three dots icon .  
    
4.  Tap _Edit Account_.
    
5.  Tap _Close Account_ (you may need to scroll down).
    
6.  If your balance is already zero, click _Close_. If you have a balance, tap _Adjust Balance & Close_.
    

### Web

1.  Hover your mouse pointer over the name of the loan account in the left sidebar.
    
2.  Click the edit (pencil) icon to bring up the Edit Account window.
    
3.  If the account has **any** transaction history beyond the starting balance, the _Close Account_ button will be available (you may need to scroll down). If there is no transaction history, you'll see _Delete Account_. Note that deleting permanently removes the account from YNAB — it will not appear in _Closed Accounts_.
    
4.  If the account balance is above zero, you'll be prompted with a warning that the balance will need to be zeroed out with an adjustment transaction. Select _Adjust Balance and Close_. 
    

**Close Account vs. Delete Account**

If your loan account has transaction history (payments, interest charges, balance adjustments), you'll see _Close Account_. This archives the account to your _Closed Accounts_ list. If there's no transaction history beyond the starting balance, you'll see _Delete Account_ instead.

A few important things to know about _Delete Account_:

*   Deleting permanently removes the account from YNAB. It does **not** move the account to _Closed Accounts_.
    
*   Deleting a loan account is only recommended in the web app. Deleting on mobile requires manually removing all transaction history from the account first — and because loan accounts don't have their own register on mobile and can't be filtered in the _All Accounts_ view, this can be a very tedious process depending on your account history.
    

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

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