How to export a statement from Starling
In the Starling app, open the account’s statements and choose to export a CSV for the period you need. Business accounts can also export from Starling’s online banking in a browser. If your Starling account is connected to Xero by a bank feed, use a file import to fill gaps before the feed started or while it was disconnected.
Menus change. Starling 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 Starling's help pages for “download transactions”.
What a Starling CSV looks like
| Date | Counter Party | Reference | Type | Amount (GBP) | Balance (GBP) | Spending Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/01/2026 | Tesco | TESCO STORES 3021 | CARD | -48.20 | 2451.80 | GROCERIES |
| 06/01/2026 | Acme Ltd | SALARY JAN | FASTER PAYMENT | 1850.00 | 4301.80 | INCOME |
Dates are day-first and Amount (GBP) is signed, with money out negative. Counter Party is a cleaned-up payee name, and Reference holds the bank’s raw text. In the Xero file the counterparty becomes the payee and the reference goes into Xero’s Reference field, so you keep both.
Common problems with Starling files in Xero
- The currency in the headings. Headings like “Amount (GBP)” don’t match Xero’s expected names, so Xero’s column matching needs doing by hand. The converter outputs Xero’s own layout.
- Categories and notes. Starling’s spending categories aren’t Xero accounts, so they’re left out; code transactions in Xero instead.
- Overlapping exports. If you export overlapping periods, combine them with our combine tool first to remove the repeated rows.
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
Which column becomes the payee in Xero?
Counter Party. The Reference text goes into Xero’s Reference field, so both are kept.
Are Starling spending categories imported?
No. They don’t correspond to accounts in your Xero chart of accounts, so they are left out. Use Xero bank rules to code transactions.
Does it work with Starling business accounts?
Yes. Personal and business CSV statements share the same columns.
Can I import an OFX file instead of a CSV?
Yes. Choose OFX in step 3. Xero imports OFX files without column matching.
Is my Starling statement uploaded?
No. The conversion runs in your browser and the file stays on your device.