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Level 7
December 11, 2018
Question

How to import pdf bank statements?

  • December 11, 2018
  • 16 replies
  • 128 views
My bank only exports pdfs of my bank statements. I have a lot of expenses to log from the last year. What's the best way to import in to desktop quickbooks? 

16 replies

January 19, 2019

i need the same help

JenoP
QuickBooks Team
January 21, 2019

Thanks for joining us here, mineola siding plus.

 

Do you still your bank statements in PDF? If so, you will need to convert them first to Excel or CSV.

 

You can follow the same steps or use the third-party apps recommend in the previous replies. Once you're file is converted, you can then import it in QuickBooks.

 

Let me know if you run into an error when importing the file so we can help you again.  

 

May 30, 2019

You can try https://www.docuclipper.com. It can extract text & tables from PDF documents and automatically create a Google Spreadsheet. It can also import PDF invoices into QuickBooks directly. 

January 22, 2021

How do i import pdf files to quick books

QuickBooks Team
January 22, 2021

Thanks for joining the thread, @LB03.

 

Able to import PDF files to QuickBooks Desktop (BQDT) is unavailable. Right now, what you can import are the following:

  • MS Excel files
  • CSV files
  • IIF files
  • .QBO files

In the meantime, you can convert your PDF file online to the file types above. You can see below links for more information about importing data in QBDT:

I can see how the option to import PDF files would be beneficial to you and your business. Our developers periodically update and release new features for QuickBooks Desktop. They might change how this works in the future. I'd encourage to visit the What's New section on your QuickBooks Desktop, to be updated with our latest news and updates including product improvements or open this link to view our product update blogs.

 

If you've got any questions when using QuickBooks, let me know by commenting below. I am here to help. Have a nice day.

July 21, 2023

SOLUTION for 2023:

 

Use DocuClipper (linked) to convert the PDF's into QB accepted excel files. DocuClipper reconciles for you and it's insanely accurate. Saved me days of time for my business. You will need to sign up for a plan but it's inexpensive. Worth it! 

 

https://www.docuclipper.com/solutions/convert-bank-statements-to-excel/?lmref=ehA_5Q

New Member
July 10, 2026

I built a simple tool (https://www.statementsheets.com/) to handle this because I didn’t want to pay a subscription or hand personal data over to a random website.  With StatementSheet, the conversion runs entirely in your browser (it works with Wi-Fi off — you can literally test that), and every statement is re-checked against its own running balance, so an extraction error can't slip through. It's $19 per batch of statements, no subscription, and previewing is free so you can check it handles your bank before paying. If your bank's layout doesn't verify, email me, and I can add it. Hope you find that helpful!

New Member
July 10, 2026

QuickBooks Desktop cannot natively read or import PDF files. However, it natively recognizes .QBO files. Converting to .QBO allows you to upload an entire year of expenses directly into your Bank Feeds Center in seconds, bypassing manual data entry.

Step 1: Convert your PDF statements to .QBO format

You will need to run your PDF files through a financial data extraction tool. Popular, reliable choices tailored for QuickBooks Desktop include: 

  • DocuClipper: An online tool where you drag-and-drop the PDF, and it outputs a clean .QBO file. 
  • ProperSoft ProperConvert (PDF2QBO): A secure desktop application that extracts the transactions locally on your computer and generates the .QBO file. 
  • MoneyThumb (2QBO Converter): A highly rated industry standard used by accountants to convert scanned or digital PDF statements into QuickBooks formats. 

Note: Avoid converting to .CSV files if possible. While QuickBooks Online accepts CSVs, QuickBooks Desktop handles .QBO files much more cleanly without requiring tedious manual column mapping

Step 2: Import the .QBO file into QuickBooks Desktop

Once you have your converted .QBO file saved on your computer, follow these steps inside QuickBooks Desktop: 

  1. Open your company file and switch to Single-User Mode (if applicable).
  2. Click on the File menu at the top left.
  3. Select Utilities > Import > Web Connect Files...
  4. Browse your computer, select the converted .QBO file, and click Open.
  5. A dialog box will appear asking you to select an account. Choose Link to an existing QuickBooks account and select your specific bank account from the dropdown menu.
  6. Click Continue and then OK once the successful import message appears. 

Step 3: Match and categorize in Bank Feeds

Your transactions will now appear in your Bank Feeds Center exactly as if you had downloaded them directly from the bank:

  1. Go to Banking > Bank Feeds > Bank Feeds Center.
  2. Select your bank account to see the imported list of expenses.
  3. Assign Payees and Expense Categories to the transactions.
  4. Click Add to officially log them into your register.