Why convert to OFX for FreeAgent
FreeAgent accepts bank statements as OFX, QIF or CSV (FreeAgent: Which bank statement formats does FreeAgent support?, checked October 2026). CSV is the awkward one: FreeAgent reads CSV downloads from a short list of banks, and for any other bank you have to rebuild the file in FreeAgent’s own layout first. OFX avoids that, because every field in the file is labeled.
FreeAgent’s list shows that some UK banks, including Barclays, NatWest, Halifax and Nationwide, already offer OFX downloads. If yours does, download OFX directly. This converter is for when you only have a CSV or Excel file, or need an older period your bank only exports as CSV.
How to upload the file to FreeAgent
FreeAgent’s steps (Upload bank transactions from a bank statement):
- Open the Banking tab and choose Bank Accounts.
- Choose the bank account, then select Upload Statement. (Or use Upload a Statement in Quick Links on the Overview screen.)
- Select the .ofx file. Leave Guess explanations for my transactions ticked if you want FreeAgent to suggest explanations.
- Select Upload Statement, then explain the new transactions.
Getting the dates right
- Start the day after your last transaction. FreeAgent recommends that a statement starts the day after the last transaction already in the account. It also tries to spot and ignore duplicates, and an upload can be undone if something goes wrong.
- UK dates are day-first. The converter reads UK exports day-first; check a date after the 12th in the preview before you download.
- Cards and other accounts: convert each account separately, and choose Credit card in step 3 for card statements so charges come through as money out.
How your data stays private
- Your browser reads the file. The converter is JavaScript that runs on this page and opens your file on your own device.
- Nothing is sent to a server. Your file and its contents are never uploaded, to us or to anyone else. The page also loads Google Analytics and Google ads; useme4’s code never passes your file to them.
- It works offline. Once this page has loaded, you can disconnect from the internet and the converter keeps working.
You can check this yourself in about a minute: how to verify that your file never leaves your browser.
What this converter can’t do
- PDF statements. This converter reads CSV, Excel and OFX/QFX/QBO files. For a PDF, use PDF bank statement to Excel.
- Old .xls files. Excel 97–2003 workbooks aren’t supported. Open the file in Excel or Google Sheets and save it as .xlsx or CSV first.
- Files over 25 MB. Download a shorter date range from your bank instead.
- Dates that could go either way. If every date in a file could be day-first or month-first (like 03/04/2026), the converter follows your region and warns you. Check the preview.
- Checking your bank’s file. It can only convert what the bank exported. Compare the transaction count and totals with your statement before you import.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload any bank’s CSV to FreeAgent?
Only CSV files from the banks FreeAgent supports, or files rebuilt in FreeAgent’s own CSV layout. Converting the CSV to OFX here avoids reformatting it.
My bank offers OFX. Do I need this?
No. If your online banking offers an OFX download for the period you need, upload that to FreeAgent directly.
Will FreeAgent create duplicates if periods overlap?
FreeAgent tries to spot duplicate transactions and ignore them, but its advice is to start each statement the day after the last transaction already in FreeAgent.
Does it handle credit card statements?
Yes. Choose Credit card as the account type in step 3, and check in the preview that purchases show as money out.
Is my bank file uploaded?
No. The conversion happens in your browser and the file never leaves your device.