Import a bank statement into YNAB

When direct import isn't available for your bank, or you need older months, YNAB's File-Based Import takes CSV, OFX, QFX or QIF files. Here's how to use it – and what to do when you only have PDFs.

Updated 2026-10-26 · 4 min read

Which format?

CSV: YNAB lets you map columns (date, payee, memo, outflow/inflow or one amount column). Flexible.
OFX/QFX: no mapping needed; YNAB says you can upload several OFX/QFX files at once.
QIF: accepted too; dates can be ambiguous.

YNAB's help notes that File-Based Import works in the web app and on iPad, not in the iPhone or Android apps.

Steps

In the web app, open the account › File Import.
Choose the file; for CSV, map the columns and check the date format.
Review the preview and import. YNAB matches transactions that already exist.

From PDF statements

Open the PDF in Columnry, check the columns and the running-balance check, then export OFX (simplest for YNAB) or CSV. Credit-card statements: confirm that purchases come out as outflows.

Try your statement. Columnry reads the transactions in a text-based PDF statement or table – date, description, money in/out, balance – checks them against the running balance and exports Excel, CSV, OFX or QIF. It runs in your browser; the statement is not uploaded. Preview the whole file free and export page 1 (up to 20 rows); a 30-day pass is $9, lifetime $29.

Open the converter – free

Questions and answers

Will importing create duplicates?

YNAB tries to match imported transactions to existing ones. Review matches before approving.

Can I import years of history?

Yes, file by file. Keep the date ranges non-overlapping to reduce matching work.

Sources and product names: YNAB Support: "File-Based Import" guide (checked 2026-10-26). Microsoft Excel and Power Query are trademarks of Microsoft; Google Sheets of Google; YNAB of You Need A Budget LLC. Columnry is independent and not affiliated with them.