When you need a QBO file instead of a CSV
QuickBooks Online can import CSV files, but you have to match the columns every time, and it can't tell whether a transaction was already imported. A QBO file solves both problems. It carries the date, amount, payee and a unique transaction ID for each line, so QuickBooks knows exactly what each field is and can skip duplicates.
A QBO file is the better choice when:
- you use QuickBooks Desktop, which imports bank transactions from Web Connect files rather than CSV;
- your bank stopped offering QuickBooks downloads, or the bank feed is broken and you need to fill a gap;
- you import regularly and want QuickBooks to recognise transactions you've already brought in;
- your CSV upload keeps failing on the mapping screen.
How to make and import a QBO file
- Download your transactions from online banking as CSV, Excel or QFX.
- Drop the file on the converter above and check the preview. Totals should match your statement.
- In step 3, choose Bank or Credit card and the currency. Optionally enter the last four digits of the account number.
- Download the .qbo file.
- QuickBooks Online: Transactions → Bank transactions → Upload transactions, then pick the .qbo file and the account.
QuickBooks Desktop: File → Utilities → Import → Web Connect Files, then choose the account to link it to.
What's inside the file
The converter writes a standard OFX 1.0.2 file with QuickBooks' Intuit bank ID tag. Each transaction gets:
| Field | What we put there |
|---|---|
| TRNTYPE | DEBIT for money out, CREDIT for money in, CHECK when a check number is present |
| DTPOSTED | The transaction date |
| TRNAMT | The amount, negative for money out |
| FITID | A stable unique ID built from the date, amount and description, so re-imports are recognised |
| NAME | The payee or first 32 characters of the description (QuickBooks' limit) |
| MEMO | The full description and any reference |
QuickBooks Desktop and the bank ID. Desktop checks the Intuit bank ID in the file. We use 3000 by default. If Desktop says your bank isn't supported, change the Intuit bank ID in step 3 to your own bank's ID, or import a CSV into QuickBooks Online instead.
Converting QFX to QBO
QFX files (Quicken's format) and QBO files are close relatives. Drop a .qfx or .ofx file on the converter and download it as QBO — the transactions, amounts and IDs carry over.
Frequently asked questions
What is a QBO file?
A QBO file (also called a Web Connect file) is the bank download format used by QuickBooks. It is based on the OFX standard and adds an Intuit bank ID. QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop can both import it without column mapping.
How do I import the QBO file into QuickBooks Online?
Go to Transactions → Bank transactions and choose Upload transactions (on some menus it is under Link account → Upload from file). Select the .qbo file, choose the QuickBooks account it belongs to, and review the transactions in the For review tab.
QuickBooks Desktop says my bank is not supported. How do I fix it?
QuickBooks Desktop checks the Intuit bank ID inside the file. We use 3000 by default, a value many converters use. If your version rejects it, enter your own bank's Intuit bank ID in the Intuit bank ID box before downloading, or use a CSV import in QuickBooks Online instead.
Do I need to enter my full account number?
No. The account number only helps QuickBooks tell your accounts apart. The last four digits are enough, and you can leave it blank.
Is it safe to convert my bank file here?
Yes. The conversion happens in your browser and your file is never uploaded. You can even disconnect from the internet after the page loads and the converter still works.
Can I convert a QFX or OFX file to QBO?
Yes. Drop the .qfx or .ofx file into the converter and choose QBO as the output.