How to import a bank statement into QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop imports bank transactions from a .qbo Web Connect file. Here's the process and what has to be true for it to work.

Steps

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to File → Utilities → Import → Web Connect Files.
2. Select your .qbo file.
3. Choose to import into an existing account, or create a new one when prompted.
4. Review the transactions in the bank feed and add them to the register.

What has to be true

• The .qbo carries a valid, recognized INTU.BID — otherwise you'll get “bank not authorized.”
• Your QuickBooks Desktop version isn't too old (it generally stops importing Web Connect after ~3 years).
• You're importing into the right account, and not double-importing a period you already have.