Import a CSV bank statement file into Xero

Download CSV file from online banking or create one using template

Download a CSV file from online banking containing the bank transactions you want to import into the matching bank account in Xero. If you have multiple bank accounts, download a file for each account separately.

You'll need to split up the file if it contains more than 1,000 bank transactions.

Alternatively, create your CSV file from scratch using our template.

Bank statement template (CSV, 1KB)

Prepare data in the file

Use headings

Give each column a heading. Headings must be unique and in row 1.

Include necessary columns

• Date
• Amount

Include recommended columns

• Payee
• Description

• Reference

Delete the following columns and rows, and other data

• Columns that contain no data, and sit between other columns of data
• Rows that contain no data, and sit between other rows of data
• Columns containing opening and closing balances
• Your bank account number

Save your CSV file

Save your file with .csv as the file extension. For example, you might name your file Jan13bankstatement.csv.

Import your file into Xero

1. Go to Accounts, then Bank Accounts.
2. Find the bank account you want to import your file into. Click Manage Account, then clickImport a Statement.
3. Click Browse and select your saved CSV file.

4. Click Import.

   You may be prompted to set up CSV file import rules

5. Click Save.

Set up CSV file import rules

Assign CSV columns to Xero fields

The first time you import a CSV bank statement, you will need to assign each column heading in your file to a field in Xero. Xero applies this assignment to the entire statement, and CSV bank statements you import from now on.

Xero will prompt you to assign CSV files imported into this bank account again, if the files contain extra columns or different column headings.

The more fields you assign, the more information Xero will hold when you reconcile your bank account.

Choose the date format

If your file contains a date that could be either DD/MM/YY, MM/DD/YY or YY/MM/DD Xero prompts you to confirm the format. Xero applies the format you choose to the entire statement, and CSV bank statements you import from now on.