How to Import Bank Statement CSV into Xero
Step-by-step guide to importing bank statement CSV files into Xero for seamless reconciliation.
Xero makes it straightforward to import bank transactions from CSV files. This guide walks through the process and covers common issues.
Xero's CSV Format Requirements
Xero accepts CSV files with the following columns:
| Column | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Yes | Transaction date |
| Amount | Yes | Transaction amount |
| Payee | No | Who the payment was to/from |
| Description | No | Transaction description |
| Reference | No | Reference number |
Xero can handle both positive/negative amounts in one column, or separate Debit and Credit columns.
Import Process
Step 1: Go to Bank Account Navigate to Accounting > Bank Accounts and select the relevant account.
Step 2: Import Statement Click "Manage Account" then "Import a Statement".
Step 3: Browse for File Click "Browse" and select your CSV file.
Step 4: Map Columns Xero will show a preview and ask you to confirm which columns correspond to which fields. Map Date, Amount, Description, and any other available fields.
Step 5: Review Transactions Xero displays the imported transactions. Verify the first and last few entries against your original statement.
Step 6: Complete Import Click "Import" to add the transactions to your bank account in Xero.
Reconciliation After Import
Once transactions are imported: 1. Go to the bank account and click "Reconcile" 2. Xero will match imported transactions with existing invoices and bills 3. Confirm matches or manually categorize unmatched transactions 4. Mark each transaction as reconciled
Common Issues
Date format mismatch: Xero uses the date format from your organization settings. Make sure your CSV dates match.
Duplicate transactions: If you import overlapping date ranges, Xero may create duplicates. Always check date ranges before importing.
Missing payee information: Xero uses the Payee column for matching. Including this data improves automatic reconciliation.
letPdf and Xero
letPdf generates CSV files that work with Xero's import format. The standardized date format and clean amount formatting ensure smooth imports every time.