Import bank transactions after Direct Connect ends
Losing bank feeds is the change people feel most. The good news: QuickBooks Desktop can still take your transactions in -- you just switch from an automatic connection to a quick manual import. No upgrade needed.
Option 1: Web Connect (.QBO) -- closest to the old feed
- Log in to your bank’s website and look for “Download” / “Export” transactions.
- Choose the QuickBooks (.QBO / Web Connect) format and your date range.
- In QuickBooks Desktop: Banking › Bank Feeds › Import Web Connect File, then match to your account.
If your bank charges for Direct Connect but offers free Web Connect downloads, this also saves money.
Option 2: CSV -- when your bank only gives a spreadsheet
Many banks export CSV. QuickBooks Desktop’s built-in CSV import is limited, so the reliable path is to convert the CSV to .QBO or IIF with a dedicated tool (ProperSoft, MoneyThumb/Bank2QBO, or DocuClipper), then import as above.
Option 3: IIF -- the belt-and-suspenders fallback
IIF (Intuit Interchange Format) import is not tied to any online service, which makes it the most future-proof route. Convert your statement to IIF and use File › Utilities › Import › IIF Files.
Make it a routine
Once a week or month, download from your bank and import. It takes minutes and keeps your books current with zero dependence on Intuit’s servers. Combine it with manual payroll and you have replaced the two services people miss most.