Guide
Import a bank statement into QuickBooks
From PDF to the QuickBooks bank feed, with a review step.
1. Prepare the statement
Use the PDF from the bank, not a screenshot. The QBO export depends on the parsed dates, amounts and descriptions. Review the preview before you download the file.
2. Export QBO
Choose QBO in the export row. The file is an OFX 1.0.2 document with the .qbo extension. It contains the transaction list and the closing ledger balance when the parser found one.
3. Import into QuickBooks
Open the bank account's statement import screen, choose the QBO file, and select the matching account. QuickBooks will show the transactions for review; it does not post them to the ledger until you approve them.
4. Match and reconcile
Match transfers, categorize payments and confirm the ending balance. If the opening balance is wrong, the import will not reconcile; fix the account setup before adding more rows.
5. Keep the audit trail
Store the original PDF, the QBO file and the reconciliation report together. The QBO file is a transport file; the PDF is the source.
Questions
Is QBO the same as OFX?
QBO is the QuickBooks variant of OFX; the export uses an OFX 1.0.2 document.
Does this connect to my QuickBooks account?
No. You download the file and import it yourself.