Import a converted statement into QuickBooks

The results page offers two files for QuickBooks. Check the balance first: if the check is red, fix the flagged row before you download, or you will import the same mistake.

QuickBooks (.qbo)

This is a Web Connect file, the format QuickBooks uses for bank downloads. It works with both QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop.

• QuickBooks Online: Transactions, then Bank transactions, then Upload from file.
• QuickBooks Desktop: File, Utilities, Import, Web Connect Files.

Each transaction carries a stable ID derived from its content, so importing the same file twice does not create duplicates. The file uses a generic bank ID that QuickBooks accepts for manual uploads, the account number appears as XXXX plus the last four digits, and the closing balance is included. Credit card statements are written as credit card files so QuickBooks matches them to a card account.

Descriptions are reduced to plain ASCII, with the first 32 characters as the payee name and up to 255 characters in the memo.

Categories are left out on purpose. QuickBooks applies its own bank rules on import and would ignore ours.

QuickBooks CSV

If your QuickBooks does not accept .qbo, use the QuickBooks CSV download. It has three columns, Date, Description and Amount, with dates as MM/DD/YYYY and a signed amount (negative for money out). Import it from the same Upload from file screen and choose the three-column layout when asked.

If QuickBooks rejects the .qbo

Run the file through the QBO checker. It reads the file and points at the field QuickBooks is likely objecting to. If the checker passes and QuickBooks still refuses, use the QuickBooks CSV instead.

Several statements

In a batch, QuickBooks files are made per statement. Open the statement in the batch list and follow Open this statement on its own to reach the download.

There is a longer walkthrough at Bank statement to QuickBooks.