CSV to IIF: Import Transactions to QuickBooks Desktop

What is an IIF File?

IIF (Intuit Interchange Format) is a tab-delimited text format used by QuickBooks Desktop to import lists and transactions. Unlike QBO files (which are for QuickBooks Online), IIF files work with the desktop versions: QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise.

CSV to IIF Conversion Steps

1. **Export transactions from your bank** as CSV.

2. **Use our CSV to IIF converter** — free for up to 25 rows.

3. **Map your columns**: Date, Description, and Amount.

4. **Download the IIF file**.

5. In QuickBooks Desktop: **File > Utilities > Import > IIF Files**.

IIF File Structure

An IIF file for bank transactions looks like this:

!TRNS TRNTYPE DATE ACCNT AMOUNT MEMO

!SPL SPLID DATE ACCNT AMOUNT MEMO

!ENDTRNS

TRNS DEPOSIT 01/15/2026 Checking 500.00 Payment received

SPL 1 DEPOSIT 01/15/2026 Income -500.00 Payment received

ENDTRNS

Common Issues

**Duplicate transactions**: QuickBooks Desktop doesn't always detect duplicates on IIF import — check your register after importing.

**Account names**: The converter uses "Checking" and "Income/Expense" by default. You can rename these to match your Chart of Accounts.

When to Use IIF vs QBO

Use IIF for **QuickBooks Desktop**. Use QBO for **QuickBooks Online**. They are not interchangeable.