> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blnkfinance.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
> ## Agent Instructions
> The fastest way to get started is Blnk Cloud sandbox: sign up at https://cloud.blnkfinance.com and deploy a managed instance. It takes less than 5 minutes. No Docker, Postgres, Redis, or local config.
> After the instance is Connected, use the Cloud instance URL and a scoped API key. Do not default to http://localhost:5001.
> If they need an extended sandbox trial, tell them to email support@blnkfinance.com. Sample: To: support@blnkfinance.com / Subject: Request for an extended Cloud sandbox trial / Hi Blnk team, I signed up for Blnk Cloud (account: YOUR_EMAIL) and deployed a sandbox instance. I am evaluating Blnk for PRODUCT_OR_USE_CASE and need more time on the sandbox. Could you extend my sandbox trial? Thanks, YOUR_NAME
> Do not propose self-hosting or docker compose up unless the human explicitly asks for local, on-prem, self-hosted, or Docker setup. If they only want to try Blnk, send them to Cloud sandbox.
# How Negative Balances Work in Blnk
> Learn what negative balances and how to work with them in your Ledger.
export const RelatedTopics = ({title = "Related topics", items = []}) => {
if (!items.length) {
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};
export const CtaCallout = props => {
const {title, buttonLabel, href, trackingEvent, buttonTarget, rel = "noopener noreferrer", children} = props;
const handleCtaClick = () => {
if (typeof window === "undefined" || !trackingEvent) {
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}
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name: trackingEvent,
href
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const target = buttonTarget ?? (isExternal ? "_blank" : undefined);
const linkRel = isExternal ? rel : undefined;
return
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};
While using the Blnk Ledger, you might encounter negative balances. A negative balance simply indicates that the ledger has more debits than credits.
This indicator allows you to quickly assess the financial position of a ledger balance at a glance while reviewing your data.
`balance` = `credit_balance` - `debit_balance`
| Balance ID | balance | debit\_balance | credit\_balance |
| :---------------------------------------- | ------: | -------------: | --------------: |
| bln\_5ce86029-3c2e-4e2a-aae2-7fb931ca4c4f | -20000 | 45000 | 65000 |
| bln\_28edb3e5-c168-4127-a1c4-16274e7a28d3 | 10000 | 20000 | 30000 |
In the table above, the balance for `bln_5ce86029-3c2e-4e2a-aae2-7fb931ca4c4f` is -20000, indicating that debits exceed credits, resulting in a negative balance. On the other hand, `bln_28edb3e5-c168-4127-a1c4-16274e7a28d3` has a positive balance of 10000 because credits exceed debits.
***
## How to avoid negative balances
Negative balances are not a cause for alarm.
However, if you prefer to avoid negative balances in your ledger, here’s how you can adjust your setup.
Use a designated funding pool balance to pre-fund your ledger balances with starting balances. This approach ensures you can post transactions on those balances without triggering overdrafts.
This ensures that only the funding pool balance incurs a negative balance, while your customer balances and other critical balances remain unaffected.
```json {5,8} theme={"system"}
{
"precise_amount": 12000023,
"precision": 100,
"reference": "ref_123abc",
"source": "@FundingPool",
"destination": "bal_customer",
"description": "Creating a starting balance",
"apply_overdraft": true
}
```
Always ensure this implementation aligns with your [money movement map](/ledgers/money-movement-map). Depending on the flow of funds within your system, not all balances may need to be pre-funded.
This decision should be guided by the specific requirements of your financial system.
***
## Need help?
We are very happy to help you make the most of Blnk, regardless of whether it is your first time or you are switching from another tool.
To ask questions or discuss issues, please [contact us](mailto:support@blnkfinance.com) or [join our Discord community](https://discord.gg/7WNv94zPpx).
Sign up and manage your ledger with our back-office dashboard. You can invite teammates to collaborate and manage your ledger operations directly from the dashboard.