Import a Bank Statement PDF into Xero

Steps for bookkeeping

1. Download the statement PDF for the month you're catching up on as a PDF (scanned PDFs aren't supported).
2. Load the PDF in the converter at the start of this page.
3. Tick each row against the statement as you go and fix anything that looks off.
4. Set Export layout to Xero layout (free), choose Download CSV, then file it with that month's PDF.

What the file looks like

Sample rows, Xero layout setting.

Xero notes

• Xero only requires Date and Amount to create bank statement lines. The Xero layout gives Date, Amount, Payee, Description and Reference, with one signed Amount column and the statement text in Payee. $0 rows are left out.
• In Xero open the bank account and choose Import a statement, upload the CSV, then assign each column to a statement field. Xero remembers the assignment for later imports with the same headers.

Why it fits bookkeeping

Xero reconciles best with a complete set of statement lines. When the feed is missing a period, convert the statement PDF with the free Xero layout and import it as a statement.

Imported lines appear in the bank account's reconcile tab, where you match them to invoices, bills or create new transactions. Including a description makes Xero's suggested matches more useful, and the Xero layout fills it from the statement text.

Tip: Before importing, check the last statement line already in Xero, and start your converted rows after it so nothing appears twice.