Import PayPal into Xero — Convert Activity Download to Bank Statement

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Import Complete

Xero Bank Statement Import Format
valid rows

The simplest way to import PayPal transactions into Xero. Convert your Activity Download CSV to Xero's bank statement format and import in minutes.

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

Download Sample

Sample PayPal Activity Download CSV

Download

Tool Rating

4.8 / 5 (287 votes)

How It Works

1

Export from PayPal

PayPal → Activity → Download → Select date range → Download CSV

2

Convert Format

Upload to converter, select region and options, download Xero file

3

Import to Xero

Xero → Accounting → Bank Accounts → [PayPal Account] → Import

4

Reconcile

Match imported transactions with invoices, bills, and bank transfers

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

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

How to Import PayPal into Xero Without API Integration

The Manual Import Advantage

While automatic bank feeds are convenient, they often miss transaction details, cost extra, or don't work with all PayPal account types. Manual CSV import gives you complete control - you see exactly what's being imported, can verify totals, and aren't dependent on third-party integrations that may break or change pricing.

Getting Your PayPal Data into Xero

PayPal's Activity Download gives you a complete record of all transactions. Xero's bank import accepts CSV files in a specific format. This tool bridges the gap - converting PayPal's format to Xero's format so you can import your payment history with a few clicks.

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

Why Use This Tool?

Direct Import Format

Creates CSV files ready for Xero's bank statement import - no reformatting needed.

Fee Tracking Option

Split gross payments from fees for detailed expense tracking in Xero.

Refund Handling

Properly imports refunds as negative amounts for accurate bank balance.

Multi-Currency

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

Batch Import

Large files automatically split to meet Xero's 1,000 row import limit.

Local Processing

Your PayPal data never leaves your browser - complete privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Go to Accounting → Bank Accounts → Add Bank Account → Add manually. Name it 'PayPal' and select the currency matching your PayPal balance. This is where you'll import the converted transactions.
Export the period you need to reconcile. For ongoing bookkeeping, monthly exports work well. PayPal allows up to 7 years of history in a single download.
For multi-currency Xero, create a separate bank account for each currency. Use our currency filter to export one currency at a time, then import each to the matching account.
Xero will show which rows failed. Common issues: date format mismatch (check region setting), duplicate transactions (already imported), or amount formatting. Our tool handles most formatting issues automatically.
Monthly is common for bookkeeping. Some businesses import weekly or even daily for high-volume accounts. Xero detects duplicates, so you won't double-import transactions.
Third-party integrations may have limitations, cost monthly fees, or not work with all PayPal account types. CSV import is free, works with any account, and gives you control over exactly what's imported.