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Before you import
Download a statement for one account and one clearly defined period. CSV/TSV, QIF, OFX/QFX and supported PDF statements can be used where their structure is recognized; bank-specific layouts and scanned documents can require review or a different format. Keep your source file unchanged.
App migrations are different: YNAB and Actual exports use Personal → Settings → Migrate from another app. QuickBooks history uses Business → Data migration. Use statement import for routine bank activity, not full application backups.
1. Choose the file and account
From the appropriate Personal or Business bank-account statement/import workflow, select the source file and the account it belongs to. Confirm account type, currency and statement dates before accepting any rows. Never combine two QIF accounts into one imported activity file; export them separately.
2. Review the preview
Inspect the first and last dates, transaction count, descriptions and amount signs. CSV/TSV import may offer delimiter, encoding and header/footer options; use those when a bank export has extra introductory lines or a nonstandard separator.
3. Understand the three common rows
| Example | What to check |
|---|---|
| $75 grocery purchase | Expense category, direction and account |
| $300 transfer to savings | Transfer between your own accounts, not new spending |
| $25 credit-card refund | Refund of spending, not salary/income |
4. Check overlaps and splits
When importing overlapping statement periods, review possible duplicates instead of importing both versions as new activity. QIF may carry split details for review without automatically creating categorized child rows in every workflow. Confirm split totals after import.
5. Confirm then reconcile
Transactions can enter a review workflow. Correct category suggestions, dates or transfer status before relying on spending reports. Compare opening balance plus activity to the statement closing balance; an imported file alone is not proof of reconciliation.
Problems to resolve
Wrong signs? Recheck debit/credit mapping. Missing rows? Inspect file period and preview count. Duplicate rows? Check imported statement history and duplicate guidance. Balance $50 off? Use this reconciliation example.
Want the bigger picture? Explore the Personal, Portfolio and Business product tour →