QuickBooks bank import template (3- and 4-column CSV)

Download the 3-column template Download the 4-column template

Both files are UTF-8 CSVs with Windows (CRLF) line endings, so they open cleanly in Excel, Google Sheets and Numbers. Replace the example rows with your own transactions.

The 3-column QuickBooks template

One signed Amount column: negative for money out (purchases, payments, fees) and positive for money in (deposits, refunds). This is the simplest layout and the one most bank exports can be turned into.

The 4-column QuickBooks template

Money in goes in Credit and money out in Debit, both as positive numbers. Use it when your data already has two amount columns, or when the QuickBooks upload screen asks for separate columns.

Column rules

• Date. One date format for the whole file. QuickBooks asks which format you used when you map the columns — MM/DD/YYYY and DD/MM/YYYY are both offered — so a UK or Australian file can stay day-first. Don’t mix formats, and don’t include times.
• Description. Plain text on one line. Commas are fine as long as the cell is quoted, which Excel and Google Sheets do automatically when saving a CSV.
• Amounts. Plain numbers with a full stop for decimals: -1250.00, not $1,250.00 or (1,250.00).
• Headings. Keep exactly one heading row, on the first line. Delete any title, account number or summary lines above it.
• One account per file. Upload each bank or card account’s transactions separately.

The zero-value pitfall

In the 4-column template, each row uses either Credit or Debit. The other cell must be empty. A 0 or 0.00 in the unused cell is the most common reason a 4-column file is rejected or imports wrongly. Spreadsheets add zeros easily — for example when a formula returns 0 — so check before saving. The guide to QuickBooks upload errors covers this and the other messages you might see.

Skip the template: convert the bank file instead

If you already have a CSV, Excel or OFX download from your bank, you don’t need to retype anything. The free bank statement to QuickBooks converter writes either layout for you — in your browser, with no upload — and handles summary rows, separate debit and credit columns and day-first dates automatically. For PDF statements, use the PDF bank statement converter.

How to use the template

1. Download a template. Choose the 3-column file for one signed amount, or the 4-column file for separate money in and money out.
2. Replace the example rows. Paste your transactions under the heading row, one per line, and delete the fictional examples.
3. Check the rules. One date format, plain numbers, no zeros in unused 4-column cells, and nothing above the heading row.
4. Save as CSV. In Excel choose File, Save As, CSV UTF-8. In Google Sheets choose File, Download, Comma-separated values.
5. Upload to QuickBooks Online. Go to Transactions, Bank transactions, Upload transactions, choose the file and the account, map the columns and pick the date format.

Frequently asked questions