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QuickBooks CSV Import: 3-Column vs 4-Column Formats

StatementBridge Team4 min

## The Two QuickBooks CSV Formats

When importing bank transactions into QuickBooks, you have two CSV format options. Choosing the wrong one causes import errors.

3-Column Format

The simpler format with three columns:

Date,Description,Amount
01/15/2026,Payment - Vendor ABC,-100.00
01/16/2026,Deposit - Client XYZ,200.00

**Use when:** - You want a simple import - Negative amounts represent withdrawals - Positive amounts represent deposits

4-Column Format

Separates credits and debits:

Date,Description,Credit,Debit
01/15/2026,Payment - Vendor ABC,,100.00
01/16/2026,Deposit - Client XYZ,200.00,

**Use when:** - You prefer explicit debit/credit separation - Your workflow requires separate columns - You're matching specific accounting conventions

Which Should You Choose?

Both formats work in QuickBooks. The 3-column format is simpler and reduces errors. The 4-column format provides clearer categorization.

StatementBridge exports both formats — just select your preference when downloading.

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