Import CSV Files into Xero Without Errors
Xero needs specific CSV columns for bank imports. This guide shows you the exact format Xero expects and how to convert any bank statement to a perfectly formatted Xero CSV in seconds.
Damin Mutti
Founder, Zera Books • Updated January 2025
What is Xero CSV Import?
Xero CSV import is a feature that allows you to upload bank transactions from a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file directly into your Xero bank account. This is essential when:
- Your bank doesn't support automatic Xero bank feeds
- You need to import historical statements from before you started using Xero
- You're a bookkeeper importing client statements in bulk
- You need to import statements from international banks
The challenge is that Xero requires CSV files in a very specific format. If your columns don't match exactly, or if your date format is wrong, the import will fail. This is where Zera Books comes in—we automatically generate perfectly formatted CSVs that Xero accepts every time.
Xero CSV Column Requirements
These are the exact columns Xero expects in your CSV file
| Column Name | Format | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Date | DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY | Yes |
| Amount | Decimal (e.g., -150.00) | Yes |
| Payee | Text (transaction description) | Optional |
| Description | Additional details | Optional |
| Reference | Check number or reference | Optional |
| Cheque Number | For check transactions | Optional |
Zera Books Handles All Formatting
When you export from Zera Books, we automatically structure your CSV with the correct columns, proper date formatting, and clean decimal amounts. No manual formatting required.
How to Convert Bank Statements to Xero CSV
Follow these 5 simple steps to import any bank statement into Xero
Upload Your Bank Statement
Drag and drop your PDF bank statement or click to browse. We support statements from 10,000+ banks worldwide.
AI Extracts All Transactions
Our Zera AI analyzes your statement and extracts every transaction with 99.6% accuracy in under 10 seconds.
Review & Edit Data
Preview all extracted transactions. Add categories, edit descriptions, or remove unwanted entries before export.
Export Xero-Ready CSV
Download your perfectly formatted CSV with the exact columns Xero requires: Date, Amount, Payee, Description.
Import to Xero
Go to Xero → Bank Accounts → Import Statement and upload your CSV. All transactions import instantly.
Common Xero Import Errors (And How We Fix Them)
These are the most frustrating Xero CSV errors—and why they never happen with Zera Books
Date format not recognized
Cause:
Xero expects specific date formats based on your region settings
Zera Books Solution:
Zera Books automatically formats dates to match your Xero settings
Amount column contains invalid data
Cause:
Currency symbols, commas, or text in amount fields
Zera Books Solution:
Our AI strips formatting and outputs clean decimal numbers
Duplicate transactions detected
Cause:
Importing overlapping date ranges
Zera Books Solution:
We highlight potential duplicates before you export
File encoding error
Cause:
Wrong character encoding for special characters
Zera Books Solution:
Zera Books exports UTF-8 with BOM for perfect Xero compatibility
Why Choose Zera Books for Xero
Purpose-built for accountants and bookkeepers who use Xero
Lightning Fast
Convert any bank statement to Xero CSV in just 10 seconds. No more hours of manual data entry.
99.6% Accurate
Our AI extracts transactions with near-perfect accuracy. Fewer errors mean less time fixing data.
Edit Before Export
Review and modify transactions before downloading. Add categories or remove unwanted entries.
Bank-Level Security
256-bit SSL encryption protects your data. Files are automatically deleted after processing.
10,000+ Banks
Works with statements from virtually any bank worldwide including all major institutions.
Perfect Compatibility
CSVs match Xero's exact specifications. Date formats, column headers, encoding—all handled.
"My clients send me all kinds of messy PDFs from different banks. This tool handles them all and saves me probably 10 hours a week. The Xero-formatted exports work perfectly every time."
Ashish Josan
Manager, CPA at Manning Elliott
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Xero CSV imports
What CSV format does Xero require for bank imports?
Xero requires a CSV with specific columns: Date (required), Amount (required), Payee, Description, Reference, and Cheque Number. The date format must match your Xero organization settings. Zera Books automatically generates CSVs that match Xero's exact specifications.
Why does my Xero CSV import keep failing?
Common causes include wrong date format (Xero is strict about DD/MM/YYYY vs MM/DD/YYYY), currency symbols in amount fields, extra columns, or encoding issues. Zera Books eliminates these problems by generating perfectly formatted Xero-compatible CSVs every time.
Can I import multiple bank accounts to Xero from one statement?
Yes! Zera Books automatically detects multiple accounts in a single PDF and separates them into individual CSV files. Each file is properly formatted for importing into the corresponding Xero bank account.
How do I match the CSV date format to my Xero settings?
Zera Books lets you choose your preferred date format during export. Select DD/MM/YYYY for UK/AU Xero accounts or MM/DD/YYYY for US accounts. The exported CSV will use your selected format consistently.
Does Zera Books work with Xero bank feeds?
Zera Books complements Xero bank feeds by handling statements from banks that don't offer automatic feeds, historical statements, or client statements that need to be imported manually. The CSV import works alongside your existing bank feeds.
Can I add transaction categories before importing to Xero?
Yes! Our AI categorization feature can pre-categorize transactions using common Xero account codes. When you import to Xero, the categorization data helps speed up your reconciliation process.
Ready to Import Bank Statements to Xero?
Join 1,000+ accountants and bookkeepers who save hours every week with perfectly formatted Xero CSVs.
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