How do I import transactions from my bank or other financial software?
Banktivity can import transaction data from your financial institutions or other money-management software in a variety of formats. You can import transactions regularly to keep current with your bank's records, or just do a one-time import of your transaction history the first time you set up a new account.
You can easily migrate your account data from other financial programs like Quicken or Microsoft Money. Banktivity also offers Direct Access so that you can update your accounts at the click of a button!
Supported formats:
Banktivity can import transaction data from the following file formats:
- QMTF: Quicken Mac Transfer Format, used by Quicken Essentials and Quicken for Mac 2015+
- QFX: Quicken File Exchange, also known as Web Connect format
- OFX: Open Financial Exchange, most commonly used by Microsoft Money
- QIF: Quicken Interchange Format
- CSV: Comma-Separated Values, most commonly used with Excel and other spreadsheet programs
Import options:
Banktivity can import transactions using any of the following methods:
- By using IGG's subscription service to automatically update your accounts (fees apply - see Direct Access).
- By connecting to your financial institution via the OFX protocol and downloading transaction updates automatically (fewer institutions are supported and fees may apply - see Direct Download).
- By using the built-in web browser to access your bank's website and downloading transactions manually (see Using the Built-in Web Browser).
- By reading transactions from a file (see File Import).
Click any of the links above to read more about each type of import.
What is the Difference Between Direct Access and Direct Download?
Direct Access
Direct Access is a service exclusive to Banktivity (for Mac, iPad, and iPhone), allowing automatic account updates. Direct Access connects to thousands of banks worldwide and provides you with real-time access to your financial transactions in Banktivity as soon as they become available in your online accounts. Once your banking logins are set up, accounts update in the background with no additional steps needed.
Direct Access can be shared between your copies of Banktivity for Mac and Banktivity for iPad/iPhone, and downloaded data can be synced across devices. However, if Direct Download (OFX) or Manual/Web Download meet your needs, you do not need to use Direct Access to use Banktivity successfully.
Direct Download (OFX)
Direct Download (OFX) is an alternative method for updating your account transactions in Banktivity, primarily for customers of U.S. banks. Previously called Direct Connect, Direct Download offers several advantages:
The standard OFX protocol is required to use Banktivity’s bill pay feature (if your bank also supports bill payment from third-party financial software).
Direct Download (OFX) is only available in Banktivity for Mac.
Direct Download may require you to set up a separate login and password for your account(s), and some banks may charge a fee for direct connections. It's important to ask your bank about these fees. If your bank claims to not support Banktivity, you can still ask to set up your account the same way as “Direct Connect” for Quicken, as both Direct Download and Direct Connect use the same OFX protocol.
Whether you choose Direct Access or Direct Download, Banktivity offers flexibility to connect to your bank accounts and manage your finances effectively. Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences.
Topics in this section:
- How do I update my accounts using Direct Access?
- How do I update my accounts using direct download?
- How do I connect my Apple Card?
- How do I use the built-in web browser to download transactions?
- How do I import transactions from a QIF, OFX, QFX, or CSV file?
- How do I review transactions after an import?
- How do I use import rules?