QIF file format: what a QIF file is, an example, and the Quicken import catch
Quick answer
A QIF file (Quicken Interchange Format) is an older, plain-text format for transactions, created by Intuit before OFX. Each transaction is a few lines - date, amount, payee - ending with a ^ line. GnuCash and Moneydance still import QIF, but current Quicken for Windows does not accept QIF for checking, savings, or credit card accounts; Quicken recommends Web Connect (QFX) files for those.
The QIF format, with an example
A QIF file starts with a header naming the account type, then lists transactions. Each line begins with a one-letter code:
- !Type:Bank - the header (others include !Type:CCard for credit cards and !Type:Cash).
- D - the date.
- T - the amount: negative for money out, positive for money in.
- P - the payee or description.
- L - an optional category.
- ^ - end of the transaction.
!Type:Bank D03/02/2026 T-86.40 POFFICE SUPPLY CO ^ D03/05/2026 T1500.00 PCLIENT PAYMENT INV-1042 ^
Which apps import QIF today
Quicken's support page states that QIF import isn't available for checking, savings, or credit card accounts and recommends Web Connect (.QFX) files from your bank instead. Quicken dropped QIF import for those account types in its 2006 versions.
| App | QIF import for bank accounts |
|---|---|
| GnuCash | Yes |
| Moneydance | Yes |
| Quicken for Windows (current) | No for checking, savings, and credit card accounts - yes for cash, asset, and liability accounts |
| QuickBooks Online / Desktop | No - use QBO or CSV |
QIF vs QFX vs OFX
Because QIF has no transaction IDs, importing the same file twice creates duplicates, which is one reason newer software prefers QFX and OFX.
| QIF | QFX | OFX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Plain text, one-letter codes | OFX tags + Intuit bank ID | Tagged open standard |
| Duplicate detection | None built in | Unique ID per transaction | Unique ID per transaction |
| Quicken bank accounts | Not accepted (current Windows) | Accepted | Varies |
| Readable in a text editor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
QIF vs QDF
A QDF file is a Quicken data file - your whole Quicken database. A QIF file is just a list of transactions to import. You can't open a QDF in another app the way you can import a QIF.
Converting a PDF statement to QIF
If your app takes QIF and your bank only offers PDF statements, StatementTidy converts a digital PDF to a QIF file (header !Type:Bank, US-format dates, signed amounts) in your browser, reconciled against the statement balances. For QuickBooks, use the QBO export instead.
Working from a PDF statement?
Converted in your browser - your statement never leaves your device.
Doing this monthly or across clients?
Batch multi-file conversion and direct QuickBooks/Xero sync — join the early-access list. We only collect your email, never your statement.
Frequently asked questions
What is a QIF file?
A QIF (Quicken Interchange Format) file is a plain-text list of financial transactions. Each transaction has a date, amount, and payee, written as lines that start with one-letter codes.
Can I still import QIF into Quicken?
Current Quicken for Windows doesn't allow QIF import into checking, savings, or credit card accounts; Quicken recommends Web Connect (.QFX) files for those. QIF still imports into cash, asset, and liability accounts.
How do I open a QIF file?
Open it in any text editor to read it, or import it into an app that supports QIF, such as GnuCash or Moneydance.
What's the difference between QIF and QFX?
QIF is an older plain-text format without transaction IDs. QFX is Quicken's OFX-based Web Connect format with unique transaction IDs and a bank identifier, and it's what Quicken expects for bank accounts.
Can QuickBooks import a QIF file?
No. QuickBooks imports QBO, QFX (QuickBooks Online), and CSV files.
What is a QDF file?
A QDF file is Quicken's own data file containing your whole Quicken database - not an import format.