# How to import a CSV bank statement into QuickBooks

_Canonical: https://qbomaker.com/import-csv-into-quickbooks-online.html_

QuickBooks can import a CSV directly, but only if your file matches its exact column rules, and
it often chokes on extra columns, split debit/credit fields, odd date formats, or more than
1,000 rows. The reliable path is to convert your CSV into a .QBO (Web Connect) file, which
QuickBooks treats like a real bank download.

Convert at https://qbomaker.com/#tool.

## Method 1: convert to .QBO (recommended)
1. Export your transactions from online banking as CSV or Excel.
2. Open the converter and drop your file in. It auto-detects your columns.
3. Check the mapping (date, amount or separate debit/credit, description) and download the .QBO.
4. QuickBooks Online: Transactions, Bank transactions, Link account, Upload from file, choose the .QBO.
5. QuickBooks Desktop: Banking, Bank Feeds, Import Web Connect File, select the .QBO.

Each transaction is tagged with a unique, content-derived ID (FITID), so re-importing the same
statement does not create duplicates.

## Method 2: QuickBooks built-in CSV import
Transactions, Bank transactions, Upload from file, choose your CSV, then map Date, Description
and Amount. This works for simple, clean files. It tends to fail on separate money-in/money-out
columns, non-US dates, currency symbols, or summary rows, which the .QBO route handles for you.

## Common errors
- "This is not a valid Web Connect file" (Desktop): add the bank routing number, or use
  QuickBooks Online's upload, which is more lenient.
- Wrong sign on amounts: enable "Flip plus and minus signs".
- Dates in the wrong month: set the date format explicitly (MM/DD/YYYY vs DD/MM/YYYY).

The conversion runs entirely in your browser, so your statement is never uploaded.