Import transactions from ebanking
This page deals with the importing of transactions from bank statements, the most widely used and most useful feature, which allows you to automate the entry of transactions in the Transactions table.
Bank statement files are defined as those containing incoming and outgoing amounts on a single account. The import dialogue requires the entry of the account and the counterpart, and allows the use of the Auto-completion Rules.
On the other hand, in order to import from files that have other types of movements, e.g. from double-entry bookkeeping, please refer to the page Import Transactions (Generic). For these types of files, there is no possibility of applying the auto-completion rules.
Import procedure
- From Actions in the menu > Import into accounts > in the Import box select Transactions.
- Choose the file type to be imported.
See explanations below. - With the Browse button, choose the file from which you wish to import the transactions.
- Set the parameters as required.
See also: Import into accounting.
Next Steps
Once OK is confirmed, the data is read and the following dialogues are displayed:
- Import transactions dialog
Where instructions for completing the imported rows are to be given. - Apply rules (Advanced plan only)
When importing, records can be stored so that the programme will automatically complete the transactions in all subsequent imports.
Bank Statement Import Formats
In the dialogue for importing transactions you can choose between different file types:
- Import extensions for bank statements (the majority only with the Advanced plan)
These are additional programs that must be installed by the user and that convert the data to be imported in the formats foreseen by Banana Accounting Plus.
By using the Manage Extensions button you can install the extensions programmed for importing bank statements of different banks, credit cards and other formats.
Once the extension is installed it appears in the Extensions menu ready for import.- Bank statement Camt ISO 20022 Switzerland (Professional plan)
Reads the standard format made available by Swiss banks.
This extension also decodes the payment reference number, generated by the Invoice Layout CH10, and inserts the invoice or customer number. - Updated list of Banana Extensions for import.
- Bank statement Camt ISO 20022 Switzerland (Professional plan)
- Standard formats included in Banana Accounting Plus (Professional plan)
These are standard formats that banks make available and are included in Banana Accounting Plus:- MT 940 account statement
- Generic ISO 20022 Account Statement
Several banks in Europe make the account statement available in the standard ISO 20022 format.
- Generic format with Incoming and Outgoing Transactions TXT (Professional plan)
This is a text file of the CSV type, which uses the tabulator as a separator and presents the incoming and outgoing amounts of an account as columns.
File name
You indicate a file or even multiple files separated by a semicolon ";". You can also indicate a ZIP that contains multiple import files.
Import multiple files at the same time:
- If your bank provides daily camt053, you can select all the files for the month and import them in one step.
- If your bank provides a zip file, you can choose the file that contains all the statements.
The import files must, of course, be of the same type. You cannot import different formats together.
Import File Structure
The import file contains the typical movements of a bank statement:
- Date
- [transaction number] optional
- Description
- Incoming or outgoing amount.
When importing, the user indicates to which account the transactions are to be recorded, so that the Debit or Credit account is already created.
Import extensions can be created for any bank statement.
See Technical instructions for importing an Income and Expenses file.
Frequently asked questions:
I cannot see the format of my bank statement. What should I do?
Click onto Extensions menu > Manage Extensions... then on the Update Extensions button and enable the filter for the desired format.
I cannot see the format of the Postfinance xml statement (.tgz file). How can I import my movements?
This format is no longer supported. Please contact Postfinance and ask to receive your statement in ISO 20022 format.
I get the message "This ISO 20022 file does not contain a bank statement (camt.052/053/054)". How should I proceed?
This error message is displayed if the ISO 20022 file does not contain a bank statement. The ISO 20022 format is a generic format that can contain different types of information, such as bank statements and execution confirmations. In Banana Accounting Plus, it is only possible to import bank statements (camt.052/053/054).
My bank is not in the list of supported formats. Can it be added?
It is possible to create new extensions for formats that have not yet been implemented. Support for implementing custom formats is also available for a fee.
In eBanking (e.g. Raiffeisen Bank), when entering payments, you must choose the option 'individual order' instead of 'collective order'. Only in this way are payments imported as individual orders.
Import Transactions dialog
The dialogue Import transactions is activated from the menu:
Dialogue contents
The display of dialogue elements depends on the type of file being imported:
- Single account transactions and bank statements
All elements are displayed. - Double-entry accounting transactions or others
The following elements are not displayed:- Account
- Temporary contra account
- Apply rules.
- Grouping by invoice
This element is only displayed if there is content in the import file in the DocInvoice column.
Import Transactions dialogue
This is followed by the dialogue box that allows the data to be integrated into the accounts.
Destination account
This option appears when data is imported from a bank or postal statement or the entry and exit transactions of an account in text format.
- Enter the bank account number of your chart of accounts, relative to the imported statement.
- If it is left blank, the programme enters account [A] (Account) so that you can tell whether it is a Debit or a Credit movement.
Select transactions
Start date, End date
Insert the start and end dates of the period related to the transfer of the transactions. The period can also be selected automatically in the boxes under the dates area.
Don't import if exists same External reference, Date, Amount
If activated, this option allows the user to not import already entered transactions, in order to avoid recording transactions twice. This option can only be activated when the column "ExternalRef" is present in the transactions that are going to be imported. If not, this option will be deactivated.
Sort by date
The option is active by default and allows you to have the imported transactions sorted by date.
Complete the transactions with
Autocomplete values
The option is only necessary for accounting with VAT/Sales tax and multi-currency. If activated, it allows the automatic completion of values that are missing in the imported data (for example, the exchange rate in the Exchange rate table).
Apply Rules (Advanced plan only)
The option is not available for imports of transactions from double-entry accounting files (.ac2 format).
See: Rules for transactions auto-completion.
- If this option is activated, when you confirm with OK, the Apply Rules dialogue opens.
- If you have not activated this option, you can also access the Rules by issuing the command from the menu Actions → Recurring transactions→ Apply rules...
- This option is activated by default if there are already import rules in the Recurring Transactions table.
Temporary contra account
The option is not available for imports of transactions from double-entry accounting files (.ac2 format).
A temporary account needs to be indicated to complete the contra account of the entry. The account must then be replaced with the correct contra-account, either manually or with the auto-completion rules.
The programme suggests the commented account [CA] (ContraAccount) by default.
Once the entries have been completed, there should be no more transactions using the temporary account.
Initial document number
The option is not available for imports of transactions from double-entry accounting files (.ac2 format).
This is the document number that is allocated to the first record among those imported.
The number is incremented.
Group transactions by invoice number
If the import file contains values in the DocInvoice column, the dialogue will also contain the following options:
- Group transactions by invoice number
In this case, the rows of the same invoice are being grouped in such a way that there is only one transaction for the same account and the same VAT code. Please check the explanation Import invoice data.
- Destination account for balance differences
When VAT codes are being applied, there may be rounding differences of just a few cents.
In this case, Banana Accounting Plus creates an additional transaction for every invoice into which this difference can be recorded.
Of course, it is necessary to pay attention that the data to be imported obtain a balance between debit and credit. If not, the transaction row will contain the difference between Debit and Credit.
Editing of imported transactions
The programme creates transactions and adds them to the end of the Transactions table.
The transactions can be edited or deleted.
In double-entry accounting, in the DebitAccount and CreditAccount columns and in Income/Expenses accounting, in the Account and Category columns, the programme inserts symbols.
The symbols must be replaced with the appropriate account or category.
- [A]
This symbol is shown if no account is indicated in the dialogue.
Instead of the symbol [A], the account of the bank account is to be entered. - [CA]
This symbol indicates that the contra account must be entered in the cell so that Debit transactions offset Credit transactions.
For rows with only one contra account, both the account or symbol [A] and the counterpart symbol [CA] will be on the same row.
For rows with several contra accounts (transactions on multiple rows), each row will have the account or contra account symbol [CA]. If the symbol [CA] were not indicated, it would be impossible to tell whether the movement is a Debit or a Credit movement.
Import file ISO20022
Banana Accounting Plus allows the import of bank transactions in various formats.
The ISO 20022 format is an international standard that should now be provided by all European banks. This format may also be called ISO xml, xml, camt.053, camt.054 or other names. Importing bank transactions in ISO 20022 format is possible in two ways:
Generic manual ISO20022 import
Manual import of transactions one file at a time - available with the Professional plan.
- The user downloads the ISO 20022 file from their bank and saves it in a folder on their computer.
- Then, from Banana, they manually import this file.
This import is made possible by the extension Bank Statement Camt ISO 20022 Switzerland (Banana+) for Switzerland and a generic filter distributed with the application for other countries.
The import must be repeated manually each time.
Advanced ISO20022 import [Beta]
Advanced import of transactions from multiple files simultaneously - available with the Advanced plan.
It significantly speeds up the workflow because the user no longer needs to check for which periods transactions need to be imported.
- The user defines a folder containing ISO 20022 files from different bank accounts.
- In Banana, with a command, the program notifies if there are new transactions to be imported.
This new advanced import function is made possible by the extension Swiss Camt ISO20022 Reader.
Requirements
- Use of Banana Accounting Dev-Channel with the Advanced plan.
- Use of a Double-entry accounting or Income & Expenses system.
Import bank transactions in the ISO20022 format (generic)
Banana Accounting Plus allows the import of bank transactions in different formats.
The ISO 20022 format is an international standard for the transmission of financial data that should by now be available to all European banks. This format can also be referred to as ISO xml, xml, camt.053, camt.054, and others. For some banks, the ISO 20022 format may not be available by default but needs to be requested. The ISO 20022 format replaces the old MT940 standard.
By importing bank data with the ISO20022 format, Banana Accounting Plus also allows you to automatically close open invoices of customers.
The CAMT category regroups the formats used for the account statement, reporting of account transactions and account balance confirmation:
- camt052: Account Reporting
- camt053 (including version 4): Account Statement
- camt054: Credit / Debit Notification
Preview the ISO-20022 file
Banana. offers the possibility to preview contents of a camt file.
Data importing into the current accounting
Proceed as indicated from the menu Actions > Import into accounting.
Compressed files can also be opened with this function. In this case, the program will prompt the user to select the file from which to import the data of the compressed file.
Technical notes on converting ISO 20022 files
Banana, when reading the file, tries to adapt itself to the ways in which the ISO 20022 file has been prearranged.
- As opening balance, it reads similar encodings
- As closing balance, it reads similar encodings
- All contents are read and converted into transactions
- Transaction date (Date)
- Currency date
- Transaction amount (positive or negative)
- Description
For the time being Banana Accounting displays the different descriptions as a single text. In the future, it will be possible to extract this information on a distinctive basis and indicate the columns where to allocate data. - Distinction between single transactions or transactions with details
For transactions with details, there is a row for the total and separate rows for each single transaction that constitutes the total.
Country specifications
Each country and/or bank has the possibility to insert additional information in the ISO 20022 file according to its needs. Banana Accounting Plus offers a generic filter distributed with the application and multiple country- and/or bank-specific filters distributed as Banana Extensions. To import this additional information into your accounting, you must install and use the filter that is most specific to your country and/or bank (for example Bank statement Camt ISO 20022 Switzerland (Banana+)).
Import bank transactions in the ISO20022 format (advanced) [BETA]
This new feature allows you to update your accounting by automatically importing bank transactions from Camt files (052, 053, 054). Thanks to this innovation, you can:
- Accelerate the entire transaction recording process.
- Reduce the risk of manual errors.
- Avoid duplicates, since only transactions not yet present in your accounting are imported.
The program reads the Camt files from a selected folder, saves their content in a local database, and detects any new transactions not yet recorded. These are then proposed for import into your accounting, greatly simplifying financial management. Once imported, you can leverage auto-completion rules to further streamline your work.
This feature is currently in BETA version, available for experimental use with Banana Accounting Plus (Advanced plan) in double-entry or income & expense accounting. We welcome any suggestions and feedback to improve it.
Prerequisites
- Use Banana accounting Dev-Channel with the Advanced plan.
- Use a Double-Entry or Income & Expense accounting file.
Data Preparation
Before starting the import, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Organizing Camt Files:
Create a dedicated folder containing all the Camt (*.xml) files you want to import into your accounting.
You can organize the files within the folder as you prefer, for example, by accounting year or by financial institution. - Access Permissions:
Ensure that the selected folder is both readable and writable by the program. This guarantees the proper saving of data and import information. - Setting IBANs:
For each account in the accounting file, make sure you have entered the IBAN in the 'BankIban' column of the 'Accounts' table.- If the column is not present, add it through the menu: Tools → Add/Remove functionality → Add address columns to the Accounts table.
- Write the IBAN in uppercase, without spaces or special characters.
- Swiss Camt ISO20022 Reader Extension:
Install the Swiss Camt ISO20022 Reader extension. This is required for the program to correctly interpret Camt files and start the import process.
First Use
The first time you use the "Import bank transactions (Camt ISO20022)" command, available under the Actions menu, the program will ask you to select the folder containing the Camt files. This choice will be saved, so that for subsequent imports the program will automatically use the same folder without asking for the path again.
Note that the first execution may take longer. The program must read, process, and save all the files in the folder, and it analyzes the content of each file. During this phase, a progress bar will display the current status of the operation, indicating both the percentage of completion and the number of files processed out of the total. The same progress indicator is shown both during the reading of the files from the folder and during the opening and reading of their contents.
On subsequent imports, the process will be much faster since the program will read and import only the content of new files, already knowing which data has been previously saved in the database. This way, future operations require significantly less time and ensure a smoother, more efficient workflow.
File Processing
The processing of Camt files occurs in two distinct phases:
- Reading Files in the Folder:
In the first phase, the program analyzes the selected folder and identifies all the files present, adding them to the internal database. During this process, a progress bar is displayed, indicating how much of the file reading has been completed compared to the total number of files. - Reading the Content of the Files:
Once file reading is completed, the program moves on to the second phase, in which it opens the files saved in the database, reads their content, and processes the data. In this phase, a dedicated progress bar is also shown, clearly displaying the percentage of completion and the number of files processed.
If, for any reason, one of these processes is interrupted, the program retains the data already saved. On the next import execution, it will automatically resume from where it left off, without having to start over. This ensures an efficient workflow and avoids repeating already completed processing steps.
Bank Transactions Import Dialog
The import dialog provides an overview of the processed files, the parameters used, and the transactions to be imported. You can modify the parameters in the dialog at any time, and the data will be recalculated immediately.
Folder Tab
The “Folder” tab provides a general overview of the import, showing the currently selected folder, the files to be processed, and some options to filter the content.
- Select Folder:
Here you can view and modify the working folder path. The program constantly checks the validity of the selected path and, if the folder does not exist or is not accessible, it displays an error. - Renaming or Moving the Folder:
If you change the folder’s name or location, remember to update the path in this dialog. The program stores the last used path and, if it cannot find it, will show a warning. - Renaming Files in the Folder:
You can freely rename the files in the folder; the program does not rely on the file name but on its content. Even if two files have different names but identical content, the program considers them duplicates and will only import one of them. - Ignore Subfolders:
By default, this option is enabled, allowing you to exclude the files located in subfolders. This is useful if, for example, you only want to import files relevant to the current accounting period, avoiding older or irrelevant data. If you disable this option, all Camt files in subdirectories will be included in the database, regardless of date or file organization. - Ignore Files Older Than...:
If you set a date in this field, the program will not read the content of files older than that date. By default, files older than the accounting opening date are saved in the database but not analyzed. Adjusting this date allows you to further refine the time filter. If you enter an invalid date, the program automatically replaces it with the current date. - Read All Files:
Clicking this button forces the immediate re-reading of all files in the folder instead of waiting for the normal daily check. This function is especially useful when you add new files and want to import them right away, without waiting for the next automatic update.
Bank Accounts Tab
The “Bank Accounts” tab provides a detailed overview of all the bank accounts present in your accounting. For each account, the program shows both static information (such as the current balance in your accounting) and dynamic data, updated based on the latest imports.
Information Displayed for Each Account
- Accounting Balance:
Shows the current amount recorded in the accounting for that account. - Last Bank Balance:
Displays the most recent bank balance detected directly from the Camt files. This lets you instantly compare the figure in your accounting with the actual bank amount. - New Transactions:
Indicates how many new movements, not yet recorded in accounting, have been detected in the Camt files. - Total New Transactions:
Shows the total monetary value of the new transactions to be imported for that account, helping you quickly assess the volume of pending operations. - Last Import:
Indicates the date when the folder was last fully read, providing a useful time reference for when the last update occurred. - Status:
- Updated: There are no new movements to import for this account.
- New transactions: Unrecorded movements have been found, ready to be imported into the accounting.
Transaction Details Tab
In the “Transaction Details” tab, you will find all the banking operations identified in the Camt files that are not yet imported into the accounting, organized by account. This view allows you to quickly analyze pending movements, verify their relevance, and select which ones to import.
- Selecting Transactions to Import:
You can temporarily exclude specific transactions or, if you prefer, all those related to a particular account using the provided checkboxes. Excluded transactions are not permanently removed; they will be proposed again the next time you open the dialog, allowing you to reassess their import at any time. Currently, it’s not possible to permanently exclude a transaction. - Consider Only Transactions Starting from a Specific Date:
To reduce the number of displayed movements, you can set a date from which to consider new transactions for import. By default, the program uses the accounting start date. By setting a different date, it will only display operations occurring after that day, ignoring previous ones. This function is particularly useful if, in the past, transactions were imported without a unique ID (ExternalReference column), typically when importing from CSV files. In these cases, simply set a date after the last recorded transaction to avoid re-proposing older movements. If you enter an invalid date, the program automatically replaces it with the current date. - Unique Identification of Transactions:
Transactions from Camt files (052, 053, 054) should always include a unique ID as required by the ISO20022 standard. This identifier enables the program to accurately detect which movements have already been imported and which are new, reducing the risk of duplicates or errors.
Settings Tab
Settings Tab
In the “Settings” tab, you can manage some advanced aspects of the import process, including the possibility to restore the initial data state and define how to recognize already processed files.
- Delete Saved Data:
This function allows you to delete all data related to previous imports stored in the internal database. Once deletion is confirmed, you will be automatically redirected to the “Folder” tab, where the default values will be restored.- New Import: If you want to perform a new import after deleting the data, simply click on the “Read all files” button.
- Limited Impact on Import Data: Deleting data from the internal database does not affect any information already present in the accounting.
- Complete Database Removal: The command here only clears the database tables. If you want to completely remove the database, you must manually delete the “*.db” file in the selected folder.
- Always Verify the Existence of Files Using Hashing:
This option allows you to choose how the program identifies already processed files:- Hashing (slower): If you select this option, the program will compute a unique hash for each file, ensuring accurate duplicate detection even if names or paths change. However, this method can slow down file reading.
- Check Name, Date, and Size (default): If the checkbox is not selected, the program simply compares the file name (including path), creation date, and file size to determine uniqueness. This approach is faster but may not be as robust in scenarios where files are renamed while retaining the same content.
Database File
The program uses an SQLite database to store import-related data. The first time you activate this function, if the selected folder is valid, a database file (*.db
) will be created in it.
It is important not to move or delete this file, as the program uses it as a reference for all subsequent operations. In case of loss or deletion, the program will generate a new .db
file, forcing you to re-read and re-process all the files in the folder.
What is Saved in the Database?
- File List:
All the files detected in the folder are saved. If you have chosen to ignore subfolders in the settings, the files they contain will not be saved. This option is enabled by default. - Bank Accounts and Related Data:
The database stores information about the bank accounts present in the accounting. If these data are modified in the accounting file, the database updates them accordingly. - Imported Transactions:
Transactions found in the opened and read files are saved in the database, allowing you to reprocess or view them later without having to re-read the files. - Import History:
The program records who performed the import operations, when they were executed, and with which software version, providing a detailed historical trace of activities.
Log File
During the import process, the program generates a log file to help identify and diagnose potential issues. In case of anomalies or unexpected behavior, the log file provides detailed information about the operations performed, aiding developers in understanding the source of the error.
If you need assistance locating or interpreting the log file, contact our support team: they will guide you step-by-step to find the file within your active directory.
Troubleshooting
If no transactions are displayed for import despite having selected the correct folder, check the following:
- Bank Accounts: Make sure that the data related to bank accounts (including IBANs) in the “Accounts” table is complete and correct.
- Accounting Period: Check that the currently set accounting period includes the dates of the transactions you want to import. If the transactions fall outside the defined period, the program will not propose them for import.
If the problem persists after these checks, contact our technical support for further assistance.