AAATex IIFImporter Alternative: QuickBooks Comparison (2025)
AAATex IIFImporter and SpreadsheetBroccoli serve different purposes in the QuickBooks workflow. Understanding what each tool does will help you determine which you need — or if you need both.
The Fundamental Difference
These Tools Do Different Things
SpreadsheetBroccoli: Creates IIF files from bank downloads or e-commerce exports.
AAATex IIFImporter: Imports existing IIF files into QuickBooks Online.
These tools can actually work together:
- Use SpreadsheetBroccoli to convert your bank OFX/CSV to IIF format
- Use AAATex IIFImporter to import that IIF into QuickBooks Online
However, if you use QuickBooks Desktop, you don't need AAATex — Desktop imports IIF natively.
When You Need Each Tool
You Need SpreadsheetBroccoli If:
- You have bank files (OFX, QFX, CSV) and need to convert them to IIF
- You have e-commerce data (Shopify, Stripe, Square) to convert
- You use QuickBooks Desktop (which imports IIF natively)
You Need AAATex IIFImporter If:
- You already have IIF files and need to get them into QuickBooks Online
- You're migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to Online and have historical IIF data
- You use QuickBooks Online but receive data from vendors in IIF format
You Need Both If:
- You use QuickBooks Online AND need to convert bank files to accounting format
- Our tool creates the IIF, AAATex imports it to QBO
Pricing Comparison
Cost Comparison
| Tool | Pricing Model | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AAATex Lite | Annual subscription | $135/year |
| AAATex Plain | Annual subscription | $195/year |
| AAATex Standard | Annual subscription | $265/year |
| AAATex Gold | Annual subscription | $435/year |
| AAATex Diamond | Annual subscription | $1,085/year |
| SpreadsheetBroccoli | Pay per use | $3-8 per conversion |
AAATex Editions Explained
- Lite ($135): General journal entries only
- Plain ($195): + Invoices, sales receipts, bills, time
- Standard ($265): All transaction types including checks, payments
- Gold ($435): + Multiple profiles, folder monitoring
- Diamond ($1,085): + Support for 10 QuickBooks companies
Feature Comparison
Capabilities
| Feature | AAATex IIFImporter | SpreadsheetBroccoli |
|---|---|---|
| Creates IIF from bank files | ||
| Creates IIF from e-commerce | ||
| Imports IIF to QBO | ||
| Works with QB Desktop | ||
| Works with QB Online | ||
| Browser-based | ||
| Windows desktop app | ||
| Mac support | ||
| Pay per use |
Not Competitors — Complementary Tools
These tools don't compete. They solve different problems:
We help you CREATE IIF files. AAATex helps you IMPORT IIF files to QuickBooks Online.
QuickBooks Online Users
If you use QuickBooks Online and want to import bank data, you have several options:
Option 1: Direct Bank Feeds (Easiest)
Connect your bank directly to QuickBooks Online. No conversion tools needed.
Option 2: E-Commerce Converters (For Shopify/Stripe/Square)
Use our QuickBooks Online converters that output CSV format for direct QBO import:
Option 3: IIF Workflow (Complex)
Use SpreadsheetBroccoli to create IIF, then AAATex to import to QBO. This works but adds cost and complexity compared to Options 1-2.
System Requirements
Technical Requirements
| Requirement | AAATex IIFImporter | SpreadsheetBroccoli |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10/11 only | Any (browser-based) |
| Installation | Required | None |
| QuickBooks Connection | Yes (OAuth) | No |
| Internet | Required | Required |
| Works on Mac | No | Yes |
Need to create IIF files from bank data?
Convert Bank Files to IIFFrequently Asked Questions
No. We create IIF files from bank/e-commerce data. To import IIF to QuickBooks Online, you need a tool like AAATex IIFImporter. QuickBooks Desktop imports IIF natively.
Only if you use QuickBooks Online and need to import bank data via IIF. For QB Desktop, you only need SpreadsheetBroccoli. For QBO with e-commerce data, use our direct QBO converters instead.
For e-commerce (Shopify, Stripe, Square), use our QuickBooks Online converters directly — no IIF needed. For bank data, consider direct bank feeds in QBO first. IIF workflow via AAATex is a fallback option.
IIF is a legacy format designed for Desktop. Intuit hasn't added native IIF import to Online, which is why tools like AAATex exist to bridge the gap.
If you must import IIF files to QuickBooks Online regularly, AAATex is one of few options. For occasional needs, consider whether direct bank feeds or our QBO converters might work instead.
