What this screen is for
Imported bank transactions arrive as raw descriptions from the bank. A rule matches on what a description contains and applies a category to it, so recurring items are handled the same way every time. The screen counts your total rules, how many are active and how many are global, and lists them so you can open, edit or add one. You can search by rule name or by what a rule looks for, and filter by status.
When to use it
Set up a rule when you find yourself categorising the same kind of bank line repeatedly — a standing charge, a regular supplier, a card fee. Every company starts with a set of rules already in place, so check what exists before adding another.
What you see on this screen
Three cards: Total Rules, Active Rules and Global Rules — global meaning rules that apply across every bank account rather than one. The table carries:
- Priority — the order rules are tried in, so a more specific rule can be placed ahead of a broader one
- Rule Name — the name, which opens the rule, with a summary of what the rule looks for beneath it
- Bank Account — the bank this rule is limited to, or All Banks where it is not limited
- Maps To — the ledger account the matched transaction will be posted against, shown as code and name
- Applies To — Credits, Debits or Both, meaning which direction of transaction the rule considers
- Status — Active or Inactive; clicking the badge switches it
- Actions — edit and delete
Filters and actions
Search by rule name or what it looks for narrows the list. A row of buttons filters by status, and Clear removes both. New Rule creates one, and Back to Imports returns to the bank statement imports list.
Status values
- Active — applied to transactions as statements are imported
- Inactive — kept but not applied
Related
- Bank Statements — where imported transactions are reviewed
- Expense Categories — the categories a rule can assign