Which format should I use?
Pick the right import format in thirty seconds.
PennyBolt supports three import formats in v1. Use this page to pick the right one, then follow the link to the detailed import guide.
flowchart TD
A{Where is your data?} --> B[Coming from Quicken]
A --> C[Downloading from your bank]
A --> D[Only have a PDF statement]
B --> BL[Use QIF]
C --> CL[Use OFX / QFX]
D --> DL[Use PDF statement import]
BL --> BLink["→ Import your Quicken history"]
CL --> CLink["→ Bank downloads"]
DL --> DLink["→ PDF statements"]
Follow the branch that matches where your data lives.
Format summary
| Format | When to use it | Where you get the file |
|---|---|---|
| OFX / QFX | Downloading recent transactions from your bank’s website. | Your bank’s “Download transactions” or “Export to Quicken” page. |
| QIF | Moving years of history out of Quicken Classic. | File → Export → QIF inside Quicken. |
| You only have a paper or PDF statement — no OFX download available. | Your bank’s statement archive, or a scanned paper statement. |
Which is best when you have a choice?
OFX/QFX is the most reliable format for bank data. If your bank offers it, use it. The file has a defined structure and PennyBolt reads it cleanly.
QIF is the right choice for moving history out of Quicken. It carries accounts, categories, and payees — not just a transaction list.
PDF parsing is best-effort. PennyBolt extracts what it can read from the statement, but PDFs vary by bank and by how your bank generated them. Always review the preview before committing a PDF import.
Mint CSV — if you have a Mint export, Mint CSV import is planned for v1.1. See Mint CSV .