Frequently asked questions

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) reads scanned images pixel-by-pixel, which can introduce accuracy risks. Text-based extraction directly reads native PDF text layers, achieving 99%+ accuracy. BankStatementLab uses a hybrid approach: we detect if your PDF contains selectable text and only apply OCR to truly scanned documents. This ensures maximum accuracy for both modern and legacy bank statements.

Chase and Bank of America intentionally limit exports to PDF only for security reasons. Most personal banking accounts are restricted to PDF exports. BankStatementLab bridges this gap by securely converting your PDF to CSV, Excel, or JSON formats ready for QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage import. We never access your bank account - you simply upload the PDF downloaded from your bank.

QuickBooks Online doesn't natively support PDF imports - it requires CSV, OFX, or QBO format. Here's the process: 1) Convert your PDF to CSV using BankStatementLab. 2) In QB Online, go to Banking > Upload from File. 3) Select your CSV file. 4) Map columns if needed (Date, Description, Amount). 5) Review and accept transactions. Our CSV exports are pre-formatted as 'QuickBooks-ready' for automatic column recognition.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is universal and works with all accounting software, ideal for flexibility. OFX (Open Financial Exchange) is a standardized banking format, best for QuickBooks Desktop and Quicken. QBO is QuickBooks Online's proprietary format. For most users, CSV is recommended - it's versatile and compatible with Excel, Google Sheets, Xero, Sage, and FreshBooks.

Conversion failures typically stem from: poor PDF quality (blurry scans), unusual bank layouts, handwritten notes, or watermarks. To ensure accuracy: use the clearest PDF version from your bank's portal (not email attachments), scan at 300 DPI minimum, avoid phone photos. BankStatementLab highlights uncertain rows so you know which transactions to double-check before importing to QuickBooks.

For tax filing (Schedule C in USA, Self Assessment in UK), convert all business statements to Excel, filter by category (Supplies, Equipment, Travel), identify deductible expenses, and calculate totals. Key deductions traceable via statements: office supplies, software subscriptions, travel expenses, professional services. Pro tip: process statements monthly, not annually, for easier reconciliation.

Most UK retail banks limit exports to PDF only for regulatory compliance. Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest don't offer direct CSV export for personal accounts. BankStatementLab supports all four UK banks with bank-specific formatting. Alternative: some business accounts offer CSV, or use Open Banking apps for live data (not historical statements).

Digital PDFs (native text) achieve 99%+ accuracy - no OCR needed. High-quality scans (300 DPI) reach 97-98% accuracy. Standard scans: 94-96%. Phone photos: 92-95%. Old or damaged documents: 85-90%. You can review and correct each line before export. For suspicious conversions, verify 2-3 random transactions manually.

Yes, BankStatementLab exports to JSON format for automated workflows. Use cases: Xero/FreshBooks API integration, custom accounting dashboards, expense management systems, data warehousing. JSON output includes structured transaction data (date, description, amount, transaction_type) ready for your accounting API or custom application.

Security measures: TLS 1.3 encryption for all transfers, automatic file deletion after 24 hours (no permanent storage), no bank credentials required, no data sharing with third parties, GDPR compliant with EU server options. We never train AI models on your statements. Before uploading, verify any converter has clear data deletion and encryption policies.

We support Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One, Citibank, PNC (USA); HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander UK, Metro Bank (UK); plus BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and 1000+ other banks worldwide. Each bank's format is automatically recognized for optimal extraction.

Yes, upload up to 5 files simultaneously. Each page uses 1 credit (5 on signup, then 5/month). For high-volume needs (accountants, firms), our Pro (400 credits/month) and Business (1000 credits/month) plans support optimized batch processing. Enterprise plans offer unlimited volume with API integration for 1000+ pages/day.

Current limit is 3MB and 100 pages per file, sufficient for most multi-page statements. A 12-page statement = 12 credits. For very high volumes or API integrations, contact us for Enterprise options with unlimited page processing and dedicated account management.

Free tools (FormX.ai, Parsio Sandbox): ~92% accuracy, limited conversions. Freemium (BankStatementLab, limited DocuClipper): 95-98% accuracy, 5-10 statements/month. Paid ($10-50/mo): 99%+ accuracy, faster processing, full support. Enterprise ($500+/mo): API access, unlimited volume. BankStatementLab offers 5 free credits on signup to test with your actual bank PDFs.

Contact us via the chat widget (bottom right) for instant help, or email support@bankstatementlab.com. Response within 24h for free accounts, priority support for Premium accounts. Attach the problematic file for faster diagnosis. We continuously improve compatibility with all bank formats.