How to download transactions from RBC
In RBC Online Banking, look for a Download Transactions option — it is usually reached from the account services or account details area rather than from the transaction list itself. You'll choose the software format, which accounts to include and the period. Pick the comma separated values (CSV) option to get a spreadsheet file; QuickBooks and Quicken formats may also be listed.
RBC may only let you download recent transactions, such as those since your last statement. For older periods, use your PDF statements with our PDF statement converter.
Menus change. RBC 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 RBC's help pages for “download transactions”.
What an RBC CSV looks like
| Account Type | Account Number | Transaction Date | Cheque Number | Description 1 | Description 2 | CAD$ | USD$ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chequing | 01234-5678901 | 1/5/2026 | Interac purchase | PETRO-CANADA 1234 | -48.20 | ||
| Chequing | 01234-5678901 | 1/6/2026 | Payroll deposit | ACME INC | 1850.00 | ||
| Chequing | 01234-5678901 | 1/8/2026 | 1042 | Cheque | 1042 | -300.00 |
Dates are month-first and often written without leading zeros (1/5/2026 is 5 January). Each transaction's description is split: Description 1 is the transaction type and Description 2 is the payee or detail. The amount appears under CAD$ for a Canadian-dollar account and under USD$ for a US-dollar account; the other column is empty.
Common problems with RBC files in QuickBooks
- Several accounts in one file. If you choose more than one account when downloading, their transactions are mixed together in one file, told apart only by the Account Number column. Download one account at a time so each file goes into the right QuickBooks account.
- Half the description is missing. QuickBooks lets you map only one description column. If you pick Description 1 you'll see only “Interac purchase” for every card payment. The converter joins both parts so the payee is kept.
- Wrong amount column. Mapping USD$ for a Canadian-dollar account imports blanks. The converter detects which column holds the amounts.
- Day-first assumptions. Canadian banks don't all use the same date order. The converter recognises the RBC layout and reads its dates month-first; check a date after the 12th in the preview to be sure.
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 does my RBC download have two description columns?
RBC splits each description: the first part is the transaction type and the second is the payee or detail. The converter combines them so nothing is lost in QuickBooks.
What are the CAD$ and USD$ columns?
They hold the amount for Canadian-dollar and US-dollar accounts respectively. For a given account only one of them is filled.
My RBC file contains more than one account. What should I do?
Download each account separately, then convert and import each file into its own QuickBooks account.
Does it work with QuickBooks Online Canada?
Yes. The 3-column CSV and the QBO file both work in QuickBooks Online Canada. Choose the date format that matches your QuickBooks settings in step 3.
Is my RBC data uploaded?
No. The conversion runs in your browser and the result is saved to your device.