How to export transactions from NatWest
In NatWest online banking (or RBS, which uses the same system), open the account’s statement and look for a Download or Export transactions option. Choose the period and the CSV (Excel, Lotus 123, text) format.
Menus change. NatWest 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 NatWest's help pages for “download transactions”.
What a NatWest CSV looks like
| Date | Type | Description | Value | Balance | Account Name | Account Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Jan 2026 | POS | 'TESCO STORES 3021 , 04JAN26 , 48.20 GBP | -48.20 | 2451.80 | 'MR A SMITH | '500000-12345678 |
| 06 Jan 2026 | BAC | 'ACME LTD , SALARY JAN | 1850.00 | 4301.80 | 'MR A SMITH | '500000-12345678 |
| 08 Jan 2026 | D/D | 'OCTOPUS ENERGY | -75.00 | 4226.80 | 'MR A SMITH | '500000-12345678 |
Value is the signed amount, with money out negative. Dates may be written with the month as a word (05 Jan 2026) or as numbers, day-first. Type is a short code such as POS (card payment), D/D (Direct Debit), S/O (standing order), BAC (automated credit) or C/L (cash withdrawal). Text fields start with an apostrophe, which the bank adds so spreadsheets keep them as text. Some exports also begin with a blank line before the headings.
Common problems with NatWest files in Xero
- Apostrophes in every description. Imported as-is, every payee in Xero starts with
', and bank rules stop matching. The converter removes them. - A blank line at the top. Xero expects the headings on the first line. The converter finds the real heading row.
- Account name and number on every line. These aren’t needed and are left out of the Xero file.
Import the converted file into Xero
- In Xero, go to Accounting → Bank accounts, find the account and choose Manage account → Import a statement.
- Upload the file. For an OFX file, Xero imports straight away. For a CSV, Xero asks you to match the columns: Date → Transaction Date, Amount → Transaction Amount, Payee → Payee, Description → Description.
- Check the preview Xero shows, complete the import, then reconcile as usual.
Our Xero import guide covers each screen and the messages you might see.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work for Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Ulster Bank exports?
It recognises the NatWest and RBS export layout. Other banks in the same group may use the same layout; if a column isn’t picked up, you can choose it in step 2.
Why does every description start with an apostrophe?
NatWest adds it so spreadsheets don’t treat the text as a formula. The converter removes it, so payees in Xero look normal and bank rules match.
What do POS, D/D and BAC mean?
They are transaction types: POS is a card payment, D/D a Direct Debit, S/O a standing order, BAC an automated credit such as a salary, and C/L a cash withdrawal.
Which date format should I use for Xero?
DD/MM/YYYY for a UK Xero organisation. The converter chooses it automatically for a UK bank file.
Is my NatWest data uploaded?
No. The file is converted in your browser and never leaves your device.