Import bank statement transactions into Wave

Start with a native CSV, OFX, QBO, QFX, or other statement export from your bank when Wave supports it. Convert a PDF only when the native export is unavailable, then review every proposed transaction before import.

Last updated: August 29, 2026 · Import steps vary by product version

Need to convert a PDF first?

Document quality affects extraction. Digital PDFs are usually easier to process than scans, and password-protected files must be unlocked before upload.

Open the OFX, QBO, QFX, ASO, or CSV converter

A review-first workflow

1. Check your bank first. Download a native statement export that Wave accepts if one is available.
2. Convert only when necessary. If the bank provides only a PDF, extract dates, descriptions, debits, credits, and balances into a supported format.
3. Validate the output. Compare the date range, row count, signed amounts, and opening or closing totals with the source statement. Spot-check several rows.
4. Import into the correct account. Confirm the account, currency, column mapping, and date range in Wave before completing the import.
5. Reconcile and check duplicates. Look for overlap with feeds or earlier uploads before accepting the imported transactions.

Current Wave statement-import workflow

Use a native OFX, QBO, QFX, or ASO download from your bank when available; Wave recommends these before CSV. For CSV, keep a date column, a description column, and either one signed amount column or separate deposit and withdrawal columns. In Wave, open Accounting, select Transactions, choose More, then Upload transactions. Select the payment account, confirm the date, amount, and description columns, and complete the upload. The statement currency must match the payment account. Check the imported date range and review for duplicates, especially if automatic bank imports cover the same period.

Read the official source: Wave Help Center: Upload bank and credit card statements

What to verify before import

Dates

Confirm the date format and the first and last transaction dates.

Amounts

Check debit, credit, and signed-amount conventions.

Account and currency

Import into the matching account and currency.

Overlap

Compare the date range with bank feeds and previous uploads.

Statement converters by bank

These retained bank pages use the same review-first workflow and link to the global export formats.

Chase Wells Fargo Bank of America PNC Bank Capital One Navy Federal TD Bank Citibank USAA US Bank RBC TD Canada Trust

Frequently asked questions

Should I convert a PDF if my bank offers OFX or CSV?

Use the native bank export when it is accepted by Wave. It avoids an extra extraction step and usually contains structured transaction fields already.

What should I review after PDF conversion?

Compare the row count, date range, signed amounts, and available opening or closing totals with the source PDF. Spot-check descriptions and amounts before import.

Can an import create duplicates?

Overlapping bank feeds or statement date ranges can create or expose duplicate transactions. Review the proposed import and reconcile it against the source statement.