How to download transactions from BMO
Sign in to BMO online banking in a web browser, open the account or Mastercard, and look for a Download transactions or Export option. Choose the date range and a CSV (spreadsheet) format.
Menus change. BMO updates its online banking from time to time, so the exact button names may differ from what's described here. If you can't find the option, search BMO's help pages for “download transactions”.
What a BMO CSV looks like
The file usually starts with a line such as “Following data is valid as of 20260131093000”, a couple of blank lines, and then the headings:
| First Bank Card | Transaction Type | Date Posted | Transaction Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| '500000000000000 | DEBIT | 20260105 | -48.20 | [DS]SHELL OIL 5744 |
| '500000000000000 | CREDIT | 20260106 | 1850.00 | [DN]ACME CORP PAYROLL |
Date Posted is written year, month, day with no separators, so 20260105 is 5 January 2026 — there is no day-first or month-first question. Transaction Amount is signed. Descriptions start with a two-letter code in square brackets, such as [DS] or [DN]; the converter removes it so QuickBooks bank rules match on the payee.
Common problems with BMO files in QuickBooks
- “The file isn’t in the right format.” The text line above the headings stops QuickBooks reading the file. The converter skips it.
- Dates QuickBooks can’t read. QuickBooks doesn’t accept 20260105-style dates. The converter writes them in the format you choose in step 3.
- Card numbers in the file. The card number column isn’t included in the converted file.
Import the converted file into QuickBooks Online
- In QuickBooks Online, go to Transactions → Bank transactions and choose Upload transactions (it may sit under the arrow next to Link account).
- Select the file you downloaded from the converter, then pick the QuickBooks account it belongs to. Use the credit card account for a card export — not a bank account.
- For a CSV, map Date, Description and Amount, and choose the date format shown in step 3 of the converter. A QBO file skips this screen.
- Review the transactions in the For review tab, then compare the QuickBooks balance with your statement for the same date.
The full walkthrough, with every screen, is in our QuickBooks Online import guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t QuickBooks accept my BMO CSV?
BMO puts a line of text and blank lines above the headings, and writes dates as 20260105. QuickBooks can’t read either. The converted file has the headings first and normal dates.
What are the codes like [DS] at the start of descriptions?
BMO transaction codes. They are removed from the converted file so QuickBooks bank rules match on the payee name.
Does it work with BMO Mastercard downloads?
Yes, as long as the download is a CSV. Import the converted file into your credit card account in QuickBooks.
Which currency is used?
CAD for a Canadian bank file. You can change the currency in step 3 for a QBO file.
Is my BMO data uploaded?
No. The file is converted in your browser and the result is saved to your device.