StatementLensGetting a CSV of your transactions
A CSV (comma-separated values) file is a plain text table: one transaction per line, with the columns separated by a comma, a semicolon or a tab. Most banks and card providers offer one on their website. It is the most reliable input for StatementLens, because the columns are already separate and no text has to be reconstructed from a PDF.
Where to look
The export is usually on the website rather than in the phone app. Look on the account activity or transaction history page for a button labelled Download, Export or a downward arrow, then choose a date range and a file type.
Wording varies between providers. As one example, American Express says in its US help pages that you can download "your recent activity and past six billing statements" to Quicken, QuickBooks "or as a CSV file" through your online account (American Express: download and export transactions), and that the statement history page lets you "sort, filter and download as a PDF, Excel or CSV file" (American Express: transaction and statement history). Check your own provider's help pages for the exact steps; menus change, and we have not checked every bank.
Choosing the file type
- CSV or comma delimited: choose this when offered.
- Excel: some providers label a CSV download as "Excel format". If the file name ends in .csv, it will work. A real .xlsx workbook will not; open it in a spreadsheet and save it as CSV first.
- QFX, OFX, QBO, QIF: formats for accounting software. StatementLens does not read these.
What the columns usually look like
You will meet two common shapes:
| Layout | Columns | What to choose in StatementLens |
|---|---|---|
| Single amount | Date, Description, Amount | Map the amount column, then say whether money out is negative (typical for bank accounts) or charges are positive (typical for card exports). |
| Split columns | Date, Description, Debit, Credit, Balance | Choose "Separate debit and credit columns". Debits count as money out and credits as money in. If your bank writes debits with a minus sign, tick that option; any value with an unexpected sign is listed as not read rather than guessed. |
Some exports have no header row at all. Untick "First row is a header" and pick the columns by their sample values.
Before you open it
- Check the date range. Two exports that overlap will show the same transactions twice. StatementLens marks these as duplicate candidates but does not remove them.
- Do not edit and re-save in a spreadsheet unless you have to. Spreadsheets can turn 03/04 into a different date or drop leading zeros. If you must, keep the original as well.
- One currency at a time. If you have accounts in different currencies, review them in separate sessions.
- Keep the file private. It contains your account activity. StatementLens does not keep a copy, but your Downloads folder does.