What Xero accepts
For manual bank statement imports, Xero takes CSV and OFX/QIF files. CSV is the most flexible (you map columns on import); OFX carries the structure already and needs no mapping.
Option 1: Xero-formatted CSV
Export your statement to a CSV with Date, Amount, Payee/Description (and optionally a running balance). In Xero, open the bank account → Manage Account → Import a Statement, upload the CSV, and map the columns. Review the lines before confirming.
Option 2: OFX import
If you have an OFX file (or convert your statement to OFX), Xero reads the transactions directly with no column mapping — handy when a CSV's columns are ambiguous.
Reconcile after import
Once imported, Xero shows the statement lines for reconciliation against bills and invoices. Importing clean, reviewed data up front makes reconciliation far quicker.