Overview
QuickBooks Online supports CSV uploads for manual bank transaction imports. The most reliable path is a simple, strict CSV that matches QuickBooks expectations exactly.
KontoCSV converts PDF bank statements into that structure so accountants and bookkeepers can avoid manual retyping and reduce mapping errors.
Who this is for
Accountants, bookkeepers, and small businesses that need a reliable manual bank transaction import.
Expected CSV format
QuickBooks Online accepts CSV manual uploads. KontoCSV uses the conservative 3-column layout: Date, Description, Amount.
- Output: CSV (`.csv`)
- Encoding: UTF-8
- Delimiter: comma (`,`)
- Line endings: CRLF
- Header row: `Date,Description,Amount`
- Output filename from KontoCSV: `your-source-file-quickbooks-online.csv`
Required columns
Keep the file structure minimal. Extra columns can cause mapping errors in import flows.
Transaction date in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Narrative or booking text in plain text. Always populated, no line breaks.
Single signed amount column: positive for money in, negative for money out.
Date and amount formatting
Use US date format MM/DD/YYYY for every row.
- Use one Amount column only.
- Deposits are positive and withdrawals are negative.
- Use a dot decimal separator (for example, 1234.56).
- Do not use thousands separators.
Step-by-step import
1. Download your bank statement PDF
Export the full statement period from online banking as PDF.
2. Open KontoCSV with QuickBooks profile preselected
Use the QuickBooks Online (CSV) export profile so the output schema is fixed.
3. Download the CSV file
KontoCSV exports your-source-file-quickbooks-online.csv with Date, Description, Amount.
4. Import into QuickBooks Online
Use the manual bank CSV import flow and map Date, Description, and Amount.
5. Validate before finalize
Check signs and sample rows, then complete import and reconcile.
Common import errors
Date parsing fails
Make sure all dates are MM/DD/YYYY, not DD/MM/YYYY.
Amounts import to the wrong direction
Use positive values for money in and negative values for money out.
Mapping breaks due to extra fields
Keep only Date, Description, Amount. Do not add extra columns.
Descriptions split across lines
Use plain text only and remove line breaks inside text cells.
How KontoCSV exports for QuickBooks Online
KontoCSV export profile
- Profile ID: `quickbooks_online_csv`
- Header row: `Date,Description,Amount`
- Filename: `your-source-file-quickbooks-online.csv`
- Text is sanitized for CSV safety (line breaks removed, quotes escaped).
FAQ
Does QuickBooks require a fixed filename prefix?
No. QuickBooks does not require a fixed filename prefix for CSV import.
Why does KontoCSV use a 3-column format instead of 4 columns?
QuickBooks supports alternatives, but the simpler Date, Description, Amount format is often easier to map and troubleshoot.
Can I import directly from PDF to QuickBooks?
QuickBooks import expects CSV. KontoCSV converts PDF statements into the required CSV structure first.
Who is this workflow for?
It is designed for accountants, bookkeepers, and small business teams doing manual bank transaction imports.