Quicken 2016, considering subscription version, but not sure which version [Edited]

JeannieB

I had Quicken 2016 on my old desktop, but the hard drive crashed. Computer company was able to recover my old files and install on new desktop, but I'm no longer able to access them, as Quicken keeps asking for barcode, which I don't have.

So, I'm willing to subscribe to new Quicken, just don't know which one. I ONLY use Quicken to keep a check register; I don't link to my bank. Which program should I susbscribe to? Will I be able to pull up my last Quicken check register? I'd hate to have to re-enter 9 months of checks.

Thanks,

Boatnmaniac

If I were you I would purchase the subscription for Quicken Classic Deluxe. It is the 2nd least expensive one but should you decide not to renew your subscription after the first year you will be able to continue using it manually for as long as your system supports the software. If you do not renew the subscription you will get banners taking up about 20%-25% of the screen reminding you to renew. These banners can only be removed by renewing the subscription but they will not prevent you from continuing to use Quicken manually should you decide not to renew.

The least expensive edition is Quicken Starter. But with Starter if you choose not to renew the subscription after the first year the file becomes read-only so you will not be able to update and maintain it manually. So, with Starter you will need to renew your subscription every year if you want to continue using it and that will make it much more expensive after the first year.

Regardless of which edition you buy, you will be able to convert and use your current 2016 data file. There is only on Subscription software. The edition you purchase simply tells Quicken which features are to be turned on/off.

BTW, since you are not a current subscriber you should be able to get a nice "New Subscriber" discounted price. Sometimes Quicken.com offers this discount but you might also want to check with retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco or Sam's Club. They sometimes have even better offers than what can be found on Quicken.com. It seems to me that the two retailers that most consistently offer the best prices are OfficeDepot.com and NewEgg.com.

If you do buy from an online retailer you most like will get just the activation code, not a CD or DVD with the software on it. When you get the activation code, log into your Quicken.com online account (or create an account if you have not already done so), enter the activation code there and then download the software from there and then install it.

Let me know if you have any questions.

JeannieB

So with either program Starter or Classic Deluxe, I have to renew each year?

NotACPA

Yes, it's an annual subscription. But with Starter, if you don't renew the product becomes "Read Only" and you wouldn't be able to input those checks. With Deluxe there's a big (about 1/3 of your screen) message to renew …. but the product is still usable.

Boatnmaniac

Just to be very clear:

• STARTER: You will need to renew each year if you want to continue using it. Data will become read-only with no ability to edit or add any data unless you renew.
• DELUXE: You do not need to renew each year if you do not want to do so. If you do not renew you will be able to continue using it manually but you will lose some of your screen because of the renewal reminder banner. Some people find that to be a nuisance but others don't seem to mind it too much.

Regarding the renewal banner: What we have stated here regarding the size of it are simply unofficial estimates. I've heard anywhere from 20% to 30% of the Quicken screen but it does not prevent you from being able to manually enter and edit data. Someone once posted a picture of what it looks like and from what I remember is it seems to me to be somewhere in the middle of that range.

Boatnmaniac

I found the picture of the renewal reminder banners that someone had posted. Looks to me like it's more like 15%-20% of the screen. You'll have to decide for your self whether or not it would be worth renewing the subscription:

You could subscribe to Deluxe now and then at the end of the year let the subscription expire and see if you can tolerate it. If not, then you could resubscribe and maybe downgrade to Starter since you will then be resubscribing every year, anyway, and that would be less expensive than Deluxe.

Quicken Kristina

Hello @JeannieB,

Here is some additional information you may find useful. From the Quicken Subscription FAQ:

What happens when my Quicken membership expires?

The Quicken Data Access Guarantee means that whether you renew your subscription or not, you'll always have full access to and ownership of your data. You can view, edit, export, and manually enter transactions and accounts for Deluxe and higher versions, even after your subscription ends. Access to online services, such as transaction download, quotes, and mobile sync, along with access to Quicken Support, will end if your subscription does. We’ll continue to let you know about product changes and enhancements within the Quicken product. You will also see expiration messages within the program.

For more information on the Quicken Data Access Guarantee, please click this link. Please note that the Data Access Guarantee applies to Quicken Deluxe and higher versions. Quicken Starter is not covered by the Data Access Guarantee and files become read only when the subscription expires.

I hope this helps!

mshiggins

If you only keep a check register, I would see if your bank’s website has the features you want. If so, you could skip Quicken entirely.