MoneyWell Icon

Importing a CSV (Delimited) File

The CSV file format is a poor format for transferring data because it has so many limitations but there are times when this is the only format available. Many financial institutions outside the U.S. support it but you should use OFX or QFX instead if that is offered.

CSV stands for comma separated values but may use a different delimiter like tabs, semi-colons, or colons to separate the different columns in it. MoneyWell gives you control over selecting the delimiter and previewing the transaction information before finishing the import. Delimited files also don't have a standard way of identifying what column matches up with a specific field in a transaction record, so you will have to tell MoneyWell how to parse the information.

Import

To import an QIF file:

  1. Click Import on the toolbar or use File > Import
  2. Select your CSV file from the Open panel
  3. Click Open
  4. Look at the Review Data table
  5. If all the data is in the first column, try changing the Delimiter option
  6. If the first row contains field names, check the First row is a header option
  7. In the Assign Fields table, select the matching field for each column of your imported file
  8. Check that the date format setting by confirming that the test date string looks correct
  9. If the format is wrong, use the drop down list to select a different format or type in your own
  10. Once the information in the Review Data table looks correct, click Import
  11. Wait for the import to finish and for MoneyWell to display any transactions it thinks may be duplicates
  12. Review the duplicate transactions (see Review Duplicates for more help)

MoneyWell will remember these settings for the next time you do a CSV import.

Some delimited files contain amounts that are always positive but also contain a "Type" column that determines the sign of the amount. You can change the Deposit Types: string to contain any specific credit transaction notation. Simply add any new abbreviations making sure to separate them with commas. MoneyWell will then designate these as credit transactions and the rest as debits.

Another common occurrence in delimited files is the use of two columns for the amount, with one being for credits and the other debits. MoneyWell can handle this as well. All you need to do is instead of using the "Amount" field choice, use the "Amount (Credit/+)" and "Amount (Debit/-)" choices.

See also

Importing an OFX/QFX file
Importing a QIF file
Adding accounts
Adding buckets
accounts
buckets