Importing bank files into PocketSmith
Importing a bank file is an alternative method for bringing your transactions into PocketSmith. If there's no feed support available for your bank in PocketSmith, or you would prefer to not use feeds, then using bank files might be right for you!
You can also use bank files to import transactions that are older than those brought in by the initial feed import (bank feeds can sync back up to 90 days).
When you first start using PocketSmith, you can import bank files from the Welcome page. If you've already set up some bank accounts, you can import a bank file from the Account Summary page instead!
What is a bank file?
A bank file is a file containing the transaction data for a bank account, and can typically be exported from your online banking website.
Supported file types:
PocketSmith supports OFX, QFX, QIF, CSV file types. Export your bank files from your online banking website, then import them straight into PocketSmith!
Just getting started?
Check out our user guide: Importing bank files into PocketSmith
Bank file user guides
Browse all of our bank file user guides here.
Frequently asked questions
My bank feed only goes back a few months, can I go back further by importing bank files?
When you first start out using feeds, you have the option to choose how much history you would like to import. However, sometimes the feed may be restricted to only a few months, depending on what the bank makes available.
To have older transactions in your PocketSmith, it's easy to import these by uploading bank files Learn more here: Importing bank files into PocketSmith
How do I export bank files from my bank?
Each online banking website will look different, however, most will provide a way to export your transactions.
Log into your online banking and look for an export button. Select the date range of the data you’d like to import into PocketSmith and choose one of the following file types: OFX, QFX, QIF, or CSV.
You will need to export files for each of the accounts you'd like to have in PocketSmith. Once you have exported your bank files, you can import them straight into PocketSmith!
What is the best file format to use for my bank files?
We recommend OFX files - this file type imports smoothly into PocketSmith without any issue and most online banking websites provide this export option. We also support QFX, QIF and CSV. For more information check out: Supported file types
How do I create a template for my CSV bank file?
When uploading a CSV file to PocketSmith, you’ll have the option to create a new format (template) so that your transaction data can be imported correctly.
PocketSmith will display a sample of the rows found within the CSV file. You'll just need to identify the columns, (eg. date, merchant, or amount) and then save the format with a memorable name.
How can I delete a saved CSV format?
If you need to delete a saved CSV format you can do this under Settings > User preferences > Saved CSV formats. Navigate to the saved format you'd like to delete, click the trash icon and then click OK.
How can I prevent duplicate transactions when I'm using bank files?
If you have imported two different files with dates that cross over each other, or if you add the same file twice into the same account in PocketSmith, this will cause duplicate transactions. When you're importing bank files that might include duplicates it's really important to select the option Replace transactions on overlapping dates. Find more about this option in our user guide: Bank file import options
I'm trying to import my bank file into PocketSmith but it's not working, what should I do?
Occasionally, you may encounter an error when importing a bank file. To learn about potential bank file errors and how to resolve these, check out: Troubleshooting bank file imports
Overlap options when importing a file
When importing a bank file into an existing bank account, PocketSmith can pick up overlapping transactions - these are transactions that have the same dates as transactions already in the account. It's best to avoid duplicate transactions, so we recommend selecting Replace transactions on overlapping dates. For more details about this option, check out this user guide: Bank file import options
Why are the dates on transactions incorrect after importing a bank file?
When importing CSV and QIF bank files, PocketSmith tries to work out the date format that has been imported without asking you for additional input. Sometimes, PocketSmith will import transactions with the incorrect date format. To learn how to fix this, please see: Transaction dates are incorrect after importing a bank file