How to upload a PDF bank statement to Xero

In the UK, Australia and New Zealand you can't upload the PDF itself: Xero's help page for those regions says PDF statements can't be imported. In the US and Canada Xero lists PDF as an accepted format, for supported banks. Everywhere, a CSV works. Here is how to get one in.

1. Look for OFX or CSV in online banking first

Xero recommends OFX where you can get it, because the file goes in without any changes. Banks usually offer the export when you view the transactions as a list, rather than on the statement page. If your bank offers OFX, QFX, QIF or CSV, you don't need the PDF.

2. Only have the PDF? Type it into a CSV

This is the free way, and for a short statement it is fine. In Xero, get the template: Accounting, Bank accounts, the menu on the account, Import a Statement, then the link to the CSV template. Then copy the lines across, following Xero's rules:

• Date and Amount are the only fields you must fill. Payee, Description, Reference and Cheque number make reconciling easier.
• One Amount column. Money in is positive, money out is negative: -30.00 or (30.00). Don't use a comma for decimals.
• Dates in one format, such as DD/MM/YYYY, MM/DD/YYYY or YYYY/MM/DD.
• Delete any balance columns (Xero works the balance out itself), the bank account number and empty rows.
• Size: no more than 100,000 rows in a file. If you have several accounts, make one file per account.

3. Check the sum before you import

Add up your lines: the opening balance plus money in minus money out should equal the closing balance on the PDF. A slipped digit is much easier to find now than at reconcile time.

4. Import the CSV

1. In the Accounting menu, select Bank accounts.
2. On the account, click the menu icon and select Import a Statement.
3. Under File to upload, choose the file and click Next.
4. If asked, match your columns to Xero's fields. Date and Amount must be assigned.
5. If asked, pick the date format.
6. Look through the lines, clear any you don't want, and click Complete import.

Sources

Checked against the vendor's own help pages on 7 November 2026. Menu names and report layouts change between plans, regions and releases, so confirm them on your screen.

• Xero Central: About manually importing bank statements
• Xero Central: About manually importing bank transactions (US, lists PDF)
• Xero Central: Import a bank statement in CSV format
• Xero Product Ideas: importing PDF in other regions