Format CSV files in Excel to get bank transactions into QuickBooks Online
by Intuit•31• Updated 2 months ago
Instead of connecting your bank and credit card accounts to QuickBooks, you can upload them manually. Usually, you download this file from your bank, but before you can upload it into QuickBooks Online you need to make sure the data is in the correct format.
Before you start
Each bank's .CSV file format is different. This means you may not be able to import CSVs from certain banks since the files don't have the format QuickBooks needs. If your bank doesn't export to a .CSV file, you can also upload your statements to QuickBooks Online via Quicken (.QFX), QuickBooks Online (.QBO), or Microsoft Money (.OFX) files as long as they follow the following format.
Learn about CSV formats
You can upload CSVs with either the following 3-column or 4-column format. These are the only columns QuickBooks can handle and this order.
The three mandatory fields needed to import successfully into QuickBooks are Date, Description and Amount columns.
The 3-column format
This format has a Date, Description, and Amount column.
A | B | C | |
1 | Date | Description | Amount |
2 | 1/1/2018 | Example of a payment | -100.00 |
3 | 1/1/2018 | Example of a deposit | 200.00 |
The 4-column format
This format has a Date, Description, Credit (money out), and Debit (money in) column.
A | B | C | D | |
1 | Date | Description | Credit | Debit |
2 | 1/1/2018 | Example of a payment | 100.00 | |
3 | 1/1/2018 | Example of a deposit | 200.00 |
Upload transactions into QuickBooks Online
When your file is formatted correctly, follow these steps to upload them into QuickBooks Online, and categorise them to keep your books tidy.
If you've uploaded the data to the wrong bank account, you'll need to exclude the transactions before re-uploading the CSV file to the right account.
We're here to help
If you're confused about how to review, match or categorise transactions, or need help with manually uploading them, let us know. Sign in to QuickBooks and start a discussion with a qualified QuickBooks Online expert in the community.
Sign in now for personalized help
See articles customized for your product and join our large community of QuickBooks users.