How to import a PDF bank statement into Xero
Quick answer
Xero cannot import a PDF bank statement. Convert the PDF to a clean CSV (Xero also accepts OFX), then bring it in with Xero's Import a Statement option and map the columns. StatementTidy converts a PDF bank or credit card statement to CSV in your browser - nothing is uploaded, and every transaction is reconciled against the opening and closing balance.
Why Xero will not take your PDF
Xero imports bank lines from a CSV or an OFX file, not from a PDF. When your bank only gives you a PDF, or you are working from a client's PDF statements, you convert the PDF into a clean CSV first and then import that.
Step 1: convert the PDF to a clean CSV
Drop the statement into the converter and download a clean CSV. Because the rows are reconciled and free of currency symbols, thousands separators, and summary lines, they map cleanly in Xero instead of erroring out.
Step 2: import the statement in Xero
In Xero, open the bank account, choose Manage Account, then Import a Statement, upload the CSV, and map the columns (Date, Amount, Payee or Description) to Xero's fields. Xero shows you a preview before it imports.
Make sure it ties out
Every conversion is checked so the transactions tie to the statement's opening and closing balance. Low-confidence rows are flagged and shown, never silently dropped, so your reconciliation in Xero matches the statement.
Keep it off the cloud
Conversion happens entirely in your browser. Your statement is never uploaded to a server, so you are not sending confidential client financials to a third party or pasting them into a public AI tool.
Convert your statement now
Converted in your browser - your statement never leaves your device.
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Frequently asked questions
Can Xero import a PDF bank statement?
No. Xero imports bank transactions from CSV or OFX files, not PDFs. Convert your PDF statement to a clean CSV first, then use Xero's Import a Statement option.
What format does Xero need for a bank statement import?
A CSV with clear columns (Date, Amount, and a Payee or Description) works best, and Xero also accepts OFX. StatementTidy produces a clean CSV you can map during Xero's import step.
My bank only gives me a PDF. How do I get it into Xero?
Convert the PDF to a CSV with StatementTidy, then import the CSV into Xero via Manage Account and Import a Statement. The conversion runs in your browser, so the statement is never uploaded.
How do I do bookkeeping in Xero with only CSV files?
Convert each statement to a clean CSV, import it through Xero's Import a Statement, then reconcile the imported lines against your transactions as usual.
Do I have to upload my statement to a server?
No. StatementTidy processes the PDF in your browser. The file and its transactions are never uploaded, stored, or used to train any model.