Quicken does not support direct import for CSV files, but you can easily convert CSV files into one of the following formats:

Convert CSV to QIF

Convert CSV to QIF using CSV2QIF. CSV2QIF is capable to create different QIF variants (for Quicken, for MS Money, or for other finance applications), so you need to make sure to select Quicken as the QIF target (Quicken is selected by default when you start the program for the first time).

But Quicken 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 does not allow QIF files to be imported under checking, savings, credit card, broker and investment accounts, right? Not exactly. There is different QIF file variations. QIF created for MS Money, or provided for download by your bank are not accepted by Quicken unless you import them under a cash account.

However, CSV2QIF creates QIF files for Quicken, and Quicken does accept these files. In fact all Quicken versions for Windows (up to Quicken 2012) import QIF files just fine under checking, savings, credit card, broker, and investment accounts.

Where is the catch then? The catch is that you need to enter the account name in CSV2QIF exactly as you have it Quicken, otherwise during QIF import, Quicken will try to create a new account with that name. For example, if your checking account in Quicken is called “Checking” or “Bank checking” or other name, you need to enter this name exactly in CSV2QIF (as well as select correct account type) before saving a QIF file.

What is the advantage of using QIF files? Quicken does not require “online call home” during the import. You do not need to have internet connection active and firewall enabled for Quicken to go through to import a QIF file. This can come quite handy when you work and travel and do not have internet always on, but need to complete your finance report on time.

Another advantage? Creating investment transactions becomes quite easy, when you comfortably working in Excel, then copy and paste them in CSV2QIF and import QIF into Quicken.

So when QIF is not good? For Quicken Essentials for Mac. This Quicken variant does not allow QIF files at all. Please see the next paragraph on how to import your CSV into Quicken including Quicken Essentials for Mac.

Convert CSV to QFX (Web Connect)

Convert CSV to QFX (Web Connect) using CSV2QFX. CSV2QFX creates QFX files acceptable by Quicken. CSV2QFX covers bank (checking and savings, credit line and credit card accounts. During QFX import, Quicken ‘calls home’ using internet connection (so please make sure your firewall allows it to go through), and assigns bank details supplied in QFX file with selected account in Quicken. Even more, if Quicken find the match for bank details in the QFX to details with an account, it imports data there automatically. Otherwise, if offers you the import dialog to select existing “unlinked” account, or create new one.

QFX format supplies unique id for each transaction, and Quicken uses it to avoid import for the same transaction next time. However, when you prepare your CSV file, it is common you may notice some transactions mistakes, so you need to fix them and import the file again. Even if you deleted the transaction in Quicken, it still refuses to import it the second time.

To deal with your need to import corrected transactions again, CSV2QFX allows to create unique transaction IDs every time you save the QFX file (this option is turned on by default), as well as keep transaction IDs consistent if you need them to be this way.