Convert a Bank of America statement to Excel
Bank of America lets you download recent transactions as a file, but older history is mostly available as PDF statements. Here is how to get either into a spreadsheet.
No statement to hand? Try a sample: ·
Two ways to get your data from Bank of America
In Online Banking, the account’s transaction page has a download option with file types such as CSV (for Excel) and Quicken or QuickBooks-style files, for a limited date range. PDF statements are under Statements and documents, one per month, and go back further. The exact menus and limits change, so check what your account offers.
What the PDF looks like
Checking statements typically start with an account summary (beginning balance, deposits, withdrawals, ending balance), then separate sections: Deposits and other credits, Withdrawals and other debits, Checks, and a daily ledger balance table. Withdrawals are printed as negative amounts. A transaction description often continues on a second line.
Gotchas
Because credits and debits are in separate sections, the statement is not one running list. RowBalance reads all sections, signs the amounts and sorts them by date, then checks the beginning balance plus the net movement against the ending balance. Reading by hand, skip the summary and the daily balance tables: they are not transactions.
How to do it
- In Online Banking, open the account and download the monthly PDF statements you need.
- Drop them above and check each balance badge.
- Export Excel or CSV, or QBO and OFX on a paid plan.
Excel and CSV are free for up to 5 pages a day. QuickBooks, Xero and OFX files and batch conversion are on paid plans, from a $9 one-off pass: see pricing or go back to the converter.
Questions
Should I use the CSV download or the PDF?
Use the download file for recent activity. Use the PDF for older months, for statements you must keep as the official record, and when you want an opening and closing balance to reconcile against.
Does the Bank of America statement get uploaded?
No. It is read in your browser.
Is RowBalance affiliated with Bank of America?
No. Bank of America is a trademark of Bank of America Corporation, mentioned only to describe compatibility.