Connect PayPal to Xero — Free CSV-Based Integration

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Connect Complete

Xero Bank Statement Format
valid rows

The free, reliable way to connect PayPal with Xero accounting. Convert your PayPal Activity Download to Xero bank statement format for seamless financial integration without third-party apps.

No API required
Browser-based processing
Run on Google Cloud Platform

Download Sample

Sample PayPal Activity Download CSV

Download

Tool Rating

4.9 / 5 (347 votes)

How It Works

1

Export from PayPal

Download your Activity Report as CSV from PayPal

2

Convert Format

Upload to converter, select your Xero region and preferences

3

Create PayPal Account in Xero

Add a bank account called 'PayPal' to hold transactions

4

Import & Reconcile

Import the converted file and match with invoices/expenses

Why Use CSV to Connect PayPal to Xero

The Integration Landscape

PayPal and Xero offer various integration options - bank feeds, third-party apps, and API connections. But these often cost money, have limitations, or require technical setup. Our CSV-based approach is free, works with any PayPal account type, and gives you complete control over your data. No subscription fees, no sync errors, no dependency on third-party services.

Complete Data Control

With CSV integration, you see exactly what data is being transferred. You can verify totals before importing, filter by date range or currency, and handle special transactions manually when needed. This transparency is valuable for accountants and business owners who need to understand their financial data.

Your Data is Safe

Bank-Level Security

256-bit SSL encryption. Same standards as major financial institutions.

No Data Storage

Files are processed directly in browser. No calls to our servers.

GDPR Compliant

Full EU data protection compliance. Your privacy rights protected.

ISO/IEC 27001 Certified GDPR Compliant Swiss Privacy CCPA Compliant

Field Mapping

How Paypal Transactions fields map to Xero Bank Statement

Paypal Transactions Source Value Xero Bank Statement Target Value Note
Date 01/15/2025 Date 01/15/2025 Transaction date
Net 97.10 Amount 97.10 Net amount (single mode)
Gross 100.00 Amount 100.00 Gross amount (two-line mode)
Fee -2.90 Amount -2.90 PayPal fees (two-line mode, negative)
Name John Smith Payee John Smith Counterparty name
Transaction ID 9AB12345CD678901E Reference 9AB12345CD678901E PayPal transaction ID

Why Use This Tool?

Free Integration

No subscription fees. Convert and connect as often as you need.

Fee Tracking

Optionally split PayPal fees as separate entries for expense tracking.

Refund Sync

Properly handles refunds as negative amounts for accurate records.

Multi-Currency

Filter by currency for clean integration into currency-specific accounts.

Any PayPal Account

Works with Personal, Business, and Merchant accounts equally.

Privacy Protected

All processing in your browser. Financial data never leaves your device.

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Data Transformation

Each PayPal transaction becomes 1 or 2 bank rows depending on mode

Input PayPal Transaction

One Activity Download row with Gross/Fee/Net

Key columns: Transaction ID, Date
1:N — One input row creates multiple output rows
Output Xero Bank Line 1 or 2 rows per input

Transaction Line Money movement
DR Fee Line (two-line mode only) PayPal fees (negative)
Net amount = Gross + Fee

Common Bank Statement Import Errors

Issues you might encounter when importing Activity Download data to Bank Statement - and how we solve them

Gross + Fee ≠ Net

PayPal fee calculation doesn't match Net

Gross: $100, Fee: -$2.90, Net: $98.00
Computed: Fee Effect = Net - Gross = -$2.00

Use FeeEffect = Net - Gross for accurate fee tracking

This handles fee reversals and adjustments correctly

Pending Transactions

Pending transactions haven't settled yet

Status: Pending, Net: $100.00
Skipped (not balance-affecting yet)

We filter to only Completed transactions

Re-export after transactions settle

Refunds Linked to Original

Refunds reference original transaction

Type: Refund, Reference Txn ID: ABC123
Amount: -$100 (negative reversal)

Refunds appear as negative amounts

Bank balance stays accurate with refunds included

Multiple Currencies

PayPal holds multiple currency balances

USD: $500, GBP: £200, EUR: €100
Split by currency or single currency

Filter by currency or import to matching bank account

Use currency filter option for multi-currency Xero

Bank Transfers

Withdrawals to bank appear as negative

Type: Bank Transfer, Net: -$1000
Amount: -$1000 (outflow from PayPal)

This is correct - money left PayPal to your bank

Match with incoming deposit in your actual bank account

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our converter is free for small files. Unlike monthly subscription integrations that charge $10-50/month, you only pay for large file conversions. For most small businesses doing monthly reconciliation, it's completely free.
Bank feeds are automatic but may miss transaction details, cost extra, or not work with all PayPal account types. CSV import gives you complete control, works with any account, and includes full transaction details like descriptions and references.
No. This is a file-based approach. You export from PayPal, convert with our tool, and import to Xero. No API setup, no OAuth, no technical configuration required.
Monthly is common for bookkeeping. Some businesses sync weekly for high-volume accounts. The frequency depends on your reconciliation needs - there's no sync limit.
Create separate bank accounts in Xero for each currency. Use our currency filter to export one currency at a time and import each to the matching Xero account.
This is a manual CSV workflow, ideal for periodic reconciliation. If you need real-time automation, consider Xero's bank feed options or third-party integrations. Manual CSV is more reliable and gives you data control.