Convert a CSV file to QBO format and import into QuickBooks

This video shows how to convert a CSV or Excel file to QBO format and import into QuickBooks. We will use CSV2QBO, free trial is available. IMPORTANT: CSV2QBO is now replaced with the ProperConvert app, which converts from more formats and converts to more formats.

We will use a sample CSV file with debit and credit transactions. The CSV file has the date, amount, payee, memo, check number. In most cases, you just need to click the 'Convert' button. You still have to review transactions to see how the converter understood your file and you have all controls to convert your file successfully.

The left sidebar has input file settings: expected date format if it is obvious to the parser. It is recognizable credit card transactions, check the "Detect credit card transactions checkbox.

Check if amounts are negative for expenses and positive for deposits (payments to the account). Use the "Change +/-" button once per file to revert the sign of amounts. It applied to both bank (checking/savings) and credit card accounts: expenses must be negative, payments to the account must be positive.

On the left side, we have account type, which is important to set for QuickBooks, enter the account number. If you are importing for one account, you can leave the default value. In other settings, you can leave the default or set if you know you need to set them.

Important, INTU.BID value (default 3000, Wells Fargo), you can look up your bank or leave the default value.

The transactions show how the converter understands your data. Check columns has correct/expected values: dates are correct, amounts are correct, and so on.

Now we switch to QuickBooks. Before we import a QBO file, check the chart of accounts. The account you need to import into does not have the yellow strike icon because if you have the icon, it means the account is online linked to direct download. You need to disconnect first to import a QBO file. This is a QuickBooks requirement, not a converter requirement.

To disconnect, click 'Edit Account', then 'Bank Settings', and then 'Deactivate'. Check there is no yellow icon after the change.

To import a QBO file, go 'File' - 'Utilities' - 'Import' - 'Web Connect file'. Then select a QBO file. Then select an existing account, and click 'Continue'. Now the data is imported. Where this data is?

It is under Bank Feeds. Imported statements show up here and review transactions. You have to select the payee from your QuickBooks vendor records. When you choose a vendor record for payee from the QBO file (column "Downloaded As"), QuickBooks will remember your choice for the next QBO import.

Then you marked all transactions, select expense accounts, select payee and approve and that's. The rename rule creation dialog will show up after using it for the next time.

A longer video with more details (22 min) about multiple accounts, mapping different amount layouts, and more:

Related articles