Import a bank statement into Xero as a CSV
In Australia, Xero takes bank statements as files such as CSV, not PDF. The ExtractPro custom format options that give Xero its columns, and Xero’s import steps.
Xero can import a bank statement from a file, but in Australia that file can’t be a PDF. When what you hold is the PDF of a statement, the ExtractPro custom format can write a CSV with one signed amount column, dates as DD/MM/YYYY, amounts with no thousands separator and no balance column. Below are Xero’s requirements, the options to choose in ExtractPro and Xero’s import steps.
Why a CSV and not the PDF
Xero’s article on PDF imports says: “PDF bank statement imports are currently only available in Xero organizations in Canada and the United States.” Its CSV article starts from your bank’s own download: “If your online banking gives you the option to download a bank statement, we recommend using OFX, QFX or QuickBooks files, or use CSV to create your own.” For a period your bank’s download no longer reaches, or a PDF a client sends you, the CSV you create is the way in. Source: Xero Central, Import a PDF bank statement, central.xero.com/s/article/Import-a-PDF-bank-statement, and Import a CSV bank statement, central.xero.com/s/article/Import-a-CSV-bank-statement, accessed 7 October 2026.
What Xero asks of the CSV
- Date and amount: “You only need the Date and Amount fields…”
- One amount column with a sign: “Both income and expense amounts must be in the same column… for example -30.00 or (30.00).”
- A full stop for decimals: “Don't use commas to show decimal places.”
- No balance columns: Xero lists “Columns containing opening and closing balances” among those to delete.
- Dates in day-month-year order: “DD/MM/YYYY (eg 15/01/2023)”.
- Size: “You can't import a CSV file with more than 100,000 rows.”
The ExtractPro settings for a Xero CSV
Convert the statement first; then, on the result, set the custom format like this:
- 1Under Output format, select See more formats or customise, then Custom.
- 2In File type, choose CSV.
- 3In Date format, choose DD/MM/YYYY (15/01/2026).
- 4In Amounts, choose Single column (signed): debits come out negative and credits positive, in the same column.
- 5Under Include balance, untick Add Balance column, and leave Categories unticked, so the file has three columns: date, description and amount.
- 6In CSV separator, choose Comma (,), and in Number format, Decimal point, no separator (1234.56).
- 7Select Apply format and download the CSV.
Importing the CSV in Xero
Xero’s steps begin in the Accounting menu: “In the Accounting menu, select Bank accounts. … select Import a Statement. … Click Complete import.” After the import, Xero’s next step is: “Reconcile the imported bank statement lines…”
Before importing, compare the CSV with the PDF statement: same transactions, and amounts that add up to the movement of the period.
Frequently asked questions
The questions that come up most:
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload a PDF bank statement straight to Xero in Australia?
No. Xero says PDF bank statement imports are open only to Xero organisations in Canada and the United States, so in Australia the statement goes in as a file such as a CSV.
Why leave the balance out of the CSV for Xero?
Xero’s CSV article lists columns with opening and closing balances among those to delete, and it needs only the date and the amount. Unticking Add Balance column keeps the balance out of the file.
What date format should the CSV use for Xero?
DD/MM/YYYY, the format Xero gives with the example 15/01/2023. In the ExtractPro custom format, that is the option DD/MM/YYYY (15/01/2026).
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