csv transaction file import does not work

Andrew Z

I have created a one line transaction import csv file specifically following the instructions that Quick help has given me and it does not work. I have spent a few hours on this an any variation I try does not work. I am trying to import a single transaction into my Quicken Classic Premier American Express account from last year (beyond the download capability from Amex).

Do you have any idea what might be wrong with the enclosed file?

This is the file. Image is also below.

Date	Payee	FI Payee	Debit/Credit	Amount	Category	Account	Tag	Memo	Chknum
Date	3/12/2025	Payee	Supra Products		FI Payee		Debit/Credit	-16.81	Amount	Div Income	Category	IMC LLC	Account		Tag		Memo

CaliQkn

@Andrew Z take a look a this documentation from Quicken Support -

https://info.quicken.com/win/import-transactions-from-csv-file

One thing I see right away in your file is that it contains a merged column. But take a look at the file requirements contained in the documentation and hopefully you can determine why the file isn't loading.

Andrew Z

Which column is merged? I do not see it.

Jim_Harman

@Andrew Z

Did you get an error message when you tried to import that file? I did and it turns out that despite what it says in the Help, the Amount and Debit/Credit columns must be switched from what the documentation and Help files say. My test file looks like this

I made a one line test file and the import worked. I thought that maybe there needed to be a CR and LF after the last line, but it works with or without that.

CaliQkn

It looks like in the documentation the "Amount", and the "Debit/Credit" columns are switched, or the FI Payee column has been removed.

Great catch @Jim_Harman

It seems that the documentation is also incorrect in Quicken -

CaliQkn

@Jim_Harman did you need to switch the columns, or was one of the columns removed and caused a shift?

EDIT - never mind, I see from the screen print you added that the columns were switched.

CaliQkn

@Jim_Harman how do we get this documentation corrected so that other users don't go on a "wild goose chase" like @Andrew Z did?

Jim_Harman

@CaliQkn I had to switch the two columns. I don't know what the Mint export format is, but the column order in the error message when the import fails is correct. The Quicken documentation is wrong in at least two places. This Support article

https://www.quicken.com/support/how-do-i-import-data-quicken-windows/

has the correct column order but the column names in the example do not match the fields the data will be imported to, and it is missing the check number at the end.

How did you get to your latest screenshot? I imported via File > File Import > Mint compatible text (CSV) and it went right to the file chooser.

@Quicken John H please take note.

Boatnmaniac

Is this whole effort about just getting a missing transaction into the register or is this about wanting to learn about the whole CSV file importing process for future use?

Just asking because if this is about simply getting a single missing transaction entered into the register that could have been done manually in just a minute or so.

CaliQkn

@Jim_Harman the screen shot is from Quicken, after you select a file that is not in the correct format. That also appears to be incorrect.

Jim_Harman

@Boatnmaniac

I'm not sure what the OP's eventual goal was, but the question uncovered errors in Quicken's Help that would prevent anyone from being able to successfully import transactions in CSV format.

Jim_Harman

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/20494723#Comment_20494723

That's odd, I tried importing a file with a CSV extension but the two columns in the wrong order both in the header and the data and I got a DOS-style text error message that had the columns in the order Quicken is expecting. I guess different import errors lead to different messages. In any event, it sure would be nice if someone at Quicken checked the Help to make sure it is correct.

CaliQkn

@Jim_Harman that is why think this need to be corrected ASAP.

Also, my menu option no longer shows "Mint compatible…". It now has "Transaction from (CSV) File". I am not sure when that was changed?

CaliQkn

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/20494726#Comment_20494726

I am on version R63.20. Could that be the difference?

Jim_Harman

@CaliQkn Aha! I am still running R62.16 on my main system and that menu says Mint compatible and that is where I saw the old message.

It looks like they changed the menu option in R63 and put in a fancy new message with the wrong information about the expected file format. I just tried my corrected test file on R63.21 and it works.

CaliQkn

@Jim_Harman - It looks like that they are making the documentation and the utilization for CSV transaction importing more universal but the documentation errors need to be corrected.

@Andrew Z sorry you had to jump through hoops to get your transaction uploaded. But thank you because without your issue, we would have never found the documentation errors.

Jim_Harman

I have reported this via Help > Report a Problem.

Quicken Kristina

Hello @CaliQkn & @Jim_Harman,

Thank you for letting us know about the documentation issue. I reported the problem to our content team.

Thank you!

jbfg97

I use Quicken Classic Deluxe version R63.19 build 27.1.63.19 on Windows 11.

I was also able to import a few test lines by switching the 2 columns, but I am now having a problem with categories that have sub-categories and Tags that have spaces in the name. Categories with spaces are loading fine.

Here is my file:

I tried to load the subcategory "Meals" under the category "Vacation" 2 different ways - one with a ":" separator (as that is how it looks in Quicken) and one with a space. For both lines, Quicken created 2 new categories: "Vacation-Meals" and "Vacation Meals". For the tag, instead of loading "05 Cruise", Quicken added a new tag of "05-Cruise".

Any ideas on how to have Quicken use the already created sub-category and tag instead of creating new ones?

CaliQkn

@jbfg97 what happens if you enclose those categories and tags with double quotes in the file?

Chris_QPW

The Mint format didn't allow for subcategories, and since this code was written for Mint there is no reason to believe that this would be supported.

Here from the top of a Mint downloaded CSV file that I saved:

mshiggins

You can always change a category back to a sub category after the import.

jbfg97

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/20494942#Comment_20494942

I tried the double quotes, and it still created the new categories and tags.

CaliQkn

@jbfg97 it looks like from what @Chris_QPW indicates, the CSV import does not currently work with subcategories. It looks like they are slowly migrating the CSV import from a Mint focused application to a more general application. I have no idea if the ability to import subcategories or tags with spaces, is on their radar.

I think @mshiggins suggestion or workaround is a good one. There is some manual work required, but you can use "Find/Replace" or edit your categories after the import is done.

Jim_Harman

This discussion is mainly focused on the documentation issue with the CSV import file layout.

I think the enhancements of allowing subcategories and multiple Tags in the CSV import should go in a separate Idea post. I will vote for it.

CaliQkn

I totally agree. I would definitely vote for it. Great suggestion @Jim_Harman

@jbfg97 would you be willing to create an idea post for a product enhancement? It looks like you already have votes.

jbfg97

https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/20494984#Comment_20494984

I just submitted the enhancement :

Enhance CSV transaction file import to include Subcategories and Tags with spaces — Quicken

My first one so feel free to make any comments.

CaliQkn

@jbfg97 your idea submission looks great. I just added my vote to it.