How to export transactions from CommBank
Sign in to NetBank on a computer, open the account and go to its transaction list. Look for an Export option, choose the date range and pick CSV as the format. Other formats such as OFX and QIF may be listed too; if OFX is offered, Xero can import it directly.
CommBank business accounts can connect to Xero with a bank feed. A file import is the fallback for periods before the feed was set up, or when the feed has stopped.
Menus change. CommBank updates its online banking from time to time, so the exact button names may differ from what's described here. If you can't find the option, search CommBank's help pages for “download transactions”.
What a CommBank CSV looks like
NetBank's CSV has no header row. Each line has four values: the date, the amount, the description and the running balance.
| Column 1 (date) | Column 2 (amount) | Column 3 (description) | Column 4 (balance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/01/2026 | "-48.20" | "WOOLWORTHS 1234 SYDNEY AU Card xx1234 Value Date: 03/01/2026" | "+2,451.80" |
| 06/01/2026 | "+1850.00" | "Salary ACME PTY LTD" | "+4,301.80" |
| 08/01/2026 | "-75.00" | "Direct Debit 123456 ORIGIN ENERGY" | "+4,226.80" |
Dates are day-first (05/01/2026 is 5 January). Deposits carry an explicit + sign and withdrawals a − sign. Card purchases often include a Value Date inside the description — the day you actually made the purchase, which can be a day or two before the date it was processed.
Common problems with CommBank files in Xero
- The first transaction disappears. Xero's CSV import expects headings on the first line. Without them, the first transaction is treated as headings. The converter adds proper headings, so every transaction is imported.
- The balance is imported as the amount. With no headings it's easy to match the wrong numeric column. The converter tells the amount and running balance apart.
- Plus signs. Some tools read “+1850.00” as text. The converter writes plain numbers.
- Dates. Because the file has no heading to identify CommBank, the converter reads the dates themselves. When they're all ambiguous, this page assumes Australian day-first dates, and the Xero file uses DD/MM/YYYY to match an Australian organisation.
The Value Date text is left in the description. It's useful when you match a card purchase to a receipt, and Xero bank rules can still match on the merchant name at the start.
Import the converted file into Xero
- In Xero, go to Accounting → Bank accounts, find the account and choose Manage account → Import a statement.
- Upload the file. For an OFX file, Xero imports straight away. For a CSV, Xero asks you to match the columns: Date → Transaction Date, Amount → Transaction Amount, Payee → Payee, Description → Description.
- Check the preview Xero shows, complete the import, then reconcile as usual.
Our Xero import guide covers each screen and the messages you might see.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my CommBank CSV have no headings?
NetBank’s CSV export contains only the data: date, amount, description and balance. The converter works out which column is which from the values and adds headings for Xero.
What is the “Value Date” in CommBank descriptions?
It is the date the card purchase was made. The transaction date is when it was processed, which can be a day or two later.
Which date format should I use for an Australian Xero organisation?
DD/MM/YYYY. It is selected automatically on this page; you can change it in step 3.
Should I use CSV or OFX for Xero?
If NetBank offers OFX for your account, Xero can import it directly and use its transaction IDs to avoid duplicates. Use the CSV and this converter when you want to check or tidy the data first.
Is my CommBank data uploaded?
No. The file is processed in your browser and never leaves your device.