Why duplicate transactions happen, and how to avoid them

A single payment can be reported by an SMS, an email alert and later a monthly statement. If each becomes its own entry, your total doubles.

1. Multiple sources, one payment

Banks confirm the same event in several ways. Each confirmation looks like a new transaction if nothing connects them.

2. Manual and imported overlap

If you enter a payment by hand and later import the statement, you now have two entries for the same money.

3. Transfers look like two transactions

Moving money between your own accounts shows as an outflow in one and an inflow in the other. It should be treated as a transfer, not as spending and income.

4. Match on amount, date and reference

Two entries with the same amount, close dates and the same reference are very likely the same payment.

5. Review before saving

A review step before imported items are saved is the simplest defence.