---
title: How to import transactions?
description: "If you don't want to enter your transactions manually, ChurchTools lets you create them from imported CSV files or scanned bank statements, making your work faster and easier. ## Option 1: Import transactions from a CSV file You can export…"
url: "https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/import-and-export-finances-en/how-to-import-transactions/"
updated: "2026-08-17"
category: Finances / Import and export
---

# How to import transactions?

If you don't want to enter your transactions manually, ChurchTools lets you create them from imported CSV files or scanned bank statements, making your work faster and easier.

## Option 1: Import transactions from a CSV file

You can export your transactions to a CSV file and then import them into ChurchTools. To do this, go to *Bookings* (1) and select " *Import CSV File* " (3) under *"Import* " (2).

[![Screenshot Finances Transactions Import](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Transactions_Import.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Transactions_Import.png)

Here, we provide you with an *import template* (4) with notes, into which you can copy your data. You can then upload the prepared file in the same window (5) and *import* (6) your data.

**Tip**

If you're not sure exactly how to edit an Excel file, our guide ["How to prepare a CSV file for import?"](https://staging.churchtools.academy/de/help/churchtools-modules/import-export-personen/0-wie-bereite-ich-eine-csv-datei-fur-den-import-vor/) will show you how it works, using the example of importing contacts.

[![Screenshot Finances Transactions Import Select CSV file](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Transactions_Import_Select-CSV-file.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Finances_Transactions_Import_Select-CSV-file.png)

## Option 2: Import a bank statement

The most helpful approach is probably to import your bookings directly from a bank statement. All you need is a bank statement in MT940 or CAMT format, which you can usually download from your bank's online banking portal.

We explain how to import bank statements and create bookings from them in the guide " [How to create transactions from bank statements?"](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/transactions/how-to-create-bookings-from-bank-statements/)

You can also import PayPal activity reports and post your account transactions from them. To find out what else you need to keep in mind, see " [How to create transactions from a PayPal activity report?"](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/transactions/how-to-create-bookings-from-a-paypal-activity-report/)

**Note**

You can upload multiple files at once as a ZIP file. It's important that they all have the same format, bank account, and posting year.

**Important**

The CAMT.052 format is not supported. CAMT.052 replaces the MT942 files. CAMT.053 is the account statement and replaces the previous MT940 and MT950 files.

CAMT.052 includes the retrieval of intraday account transactions (so-called "pending entries"). These should not be imported, as they are still subject to change and could therefore result in incorrect accounting entries.

## Read more

- [How to use bank statements in ChurchTools?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/transactions/using-bank-statements-well/)
- [How to create transactions from bank statements?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/transactions/how-to-create-bookings-from-bank-statements/)
- [https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/transactions/how-to-create-bookings-from-a-paypal-activity-report/](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/transactions/how-to-create-bookings-from-a-paypal-activity-report/)[How to create transactions from a PayPal activity report?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/transactions/how-to-create-bookings-from-a-paypal-activity-report/)
- [How to use "Purposes"?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/budgets-reports-and-purposes/understanding-purposes/)
- [Templates for Download](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/templates-for-download/templates-for-download/)