Many banks provide PDF downloads for your bank account and credit card statements, and when you need to load your data into your accounting software, you are wondering how this could be done.

Converting a PDF file to a ‘data’ format could be tricky task especially if PDF is “image”, not text document, so what should you do or what tool should you use?

The answer is – nothing. You should download PDF files for your records, and look for “accounting” section on your online banking page. If it usually in separate section, when PDFs are usual in “Download” section. The accounting section requires to provide input from your side (date range, account, etc.) therefore it is not available just ‘for download’.

Many banks prepare QIF, OFX, QFX, QBO and other formats for you on demand. Look for the ‘Accounting’ section or call your bank and ask them how to generate and download these files for you. At least should provide a CSV format.

You can convert CSV files to QIF using CSV2QIF, CSV to QFX using CSV2QFX, CSV to OFX using CSV2OFX, CSV to QBO format using CSV2QBO.