Import CSV Statements

The first step in building your budget is getting your transaction data into the app. Most banks allow you to export transactions as CSV files, which our app can import directly.

Why Import CSV Files?

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are:
- Standard format - Most banks support CSV export
- Complete data - Includes all transaction details
- Accurate - Direct from your bank, no manual entry errors
- Fast - Import hundreds of transactions in seconds

How to Export CSV from Your Bank

Each bank is different, but the general process is:

1. Log into your online banking
2. Navigate to account history or transactions
3. Select date range (typically last 30-90 days)
4. Look for "Export" or "Download" button
5. Choose CSV format (sometimes called "Excel" or "Spreadsheet")
6. Download the file

Common Bank Locations

• Chase: Accounts → Transactions → Export
• Bank of America: Accounts → Transactions → Download
• Wells Fargo: Account Activity → Download
• Capital One: Transactions → Export
• Credit Unions: Usually under "Account History" or "Statements"

Tip: If you can't find the export option, search your bank's help section for "export transactions" or "download statement".

Importing CSV Files in the App

Note: If you haven't generated demo data yet, we recommend doing that first. Demo data includes sample accounts and transactions that make it easier to practice importing.

Step 1: Navigate to Import

1. Go to Accounts in the main navigation
2. Select the account you want to import transactions for
3. Click "Import Transactions" button
4. Choose "Import CSV" option

Try it now: If you have demo data, view your accounts and try importing a CSV file.

Step 2: Select Your File

1. Click "Choose File" or "Browse"
2. Navigate to your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the CSV)
3. Select the CSV file
4. Click "Open"

Step 3: Configure Import Map (First Time Only)

Before importing, you need to configure an Import Map that tells the app how to read your bank's CSV format. This is a one-time setup per account.

Option 1: Use a Template (Recommended)

1. Go to Settings → Import Maps
2. Click "Use Templates"
3. Select your account type (Cash, Checking, or Credit Card)
4. Choose the account this map will be used for
5. Review the pre-configured field mappings
6. Give your map a descriptive name (e.g., "Chase Checking")
7. Click "Save Import Map"

Option 2: Upload Your CSV to Create Map

1. Go to Settings → Import Maps
2. Click "Create Import Map" → "Upload CSV to Create Map"
3. Select the account
4. Upload a sample CSV file from your bank
5. Map CSV columns to transaction fields:
   • Date → Post Date
   • Description → Description
   • Amount → Amount (or Debit/Credit columns for checking accounts)
   • Balance → Skip (balances are calculated automatically)
6. Give your map a descriptive name
7. Click "Save Import Map"

Note: Once configured, the Import Map is saved and reused for all future imports from that account. You won't need to map columns again.

Try it now: Configure an Import Map for one of your accounts.

Step 4: Import Your CSV File

Once your Import Map is configured:

1. Go to Accounts and select the account
2. Click "Import Transactions" button
3. Select your CSV file
4. Optional: Set a start date to skip transactions before that date
5. Click "Import Transactions"

The app will use your configured Import Map automatically.

Step 5: Verify Import

After import:
1. Go to your Transactions list
2. Verify transactions appear correctly
3. Check that amounts match your bank statement
4. Review that descriptions are readable

Common CSV Format Issues

Issue: Dates in Wrong Format

Problem: Dates might be in MM/DD/YYYY but app expects YYYY-MM-DD

Solution: The app handles common date formats automatically. If dates look wrong, check your CSV file format.

Issue: Amounts Include Currency Symbols

Problem: CSV has "$100.00" instead of "100.00"

Solution: The app automatically strips currency symbols during import.

Issue: Negative vs Positive Amounts

Problem: Some banks use negative for debits, others use positive

Solution: The app detects this automatically. If transactions appear backwards, you can reverse them during import.

Issue: Multiple Accounts in One File

Problem: CSV contains transactions for multiple accounts

Solution: Import the file once, then filter or split transactions by account during the mapping process.

Best Practices

1. Import regularly - Don't let transactions pile up
2. Use consistent date ranges - Import monthly or weekly
3. Verify after import - Always check that transactions look correct
4. Keep originals - Save your CSV files as backup
5. Import in order - Start with oldest transactions first

What Happens After Import?

After importing CSV transactions:

1. Transactions appear in your account's transaction list
2. Automatic categorization begins (if you have TagMatcher rules)
3. Balances update based on imported transactions
4. You can review and adjust categories as needed

Next Steps

Once you've imported your transactions, you'll want to:
- Set opening balances (covered in next lesson)
- Create TagMatcher rules for automatic categorization (Module 5)
- Review and clean any duplicate or incorrect transactions

Key Takeaway: CSV import is the fastest way to get your transaction data into the app. First, configure an Import Map in Settings (one-time setup per account). Then export from your bank and import. The app handles categorization and duplicate detection, giving you a complete transaction history in minutes instead of hours.