An OFX file is a file with financial data in the Open Financial Exchange format. In practice it is usually a list of bank transactions that you download from online banking and import into financial software.
The OFX file format
OFX is a published specification, maintained by a consortium of financial companies and now hosted by the Financial Data Exchange. The site lists OFX Banking Version 2.3 as the specification.
| Version | Based on | Note |
|---|---|---|
| OFX 1.x | SGML | Version 1.6 was the last SGML specification |
| OFX 2.x | XML | Later versions |
The file is structured text with tags for things like the account, the dates and each transaction. That is why software can read it without guessing, and also why it is not pleasant to read by hand.
OFX, QFX and QBO
- .ofx: the open format.
- .qfx: the bank download for Quicken.
- .qbo: the bank download for QuickBooks. See what a QBO file is.
Do not rename one to another to make an import work. Ask your bank for the format your software needs.
OFX compared with CSV
A CSV file is a plain table. It has no fixed columns, so the software asks you which column is the date and which is the amount. OFX defines those fields in the format, so there is nothing to map. If you can get an OFX file from your bank, it saves that step.
If you only have a PDF statement
We do not create OFX files. If your software also imports CSV, you can convert the PDF statement to CSV or Excel. This page has the details.
Upload a PDF and download its tables as Excel or CSV.
Convert a statementExtract tables from your Chrome toolbar
Click the extension icon, pick a PDF and get the tables without opening this site.
Questions and answers
What is an OFX file?+
An OFX file holds financial data, such as bank transactions, in the Open Financial Exchange format. Banks offer it as a download, and financial software imports it.
What is the OFX file format?+
It is a structured text format with tags. OFX 1.x files are based on SGML and OFX 2.x files are based on XML. Both are still in use.
What is the difference between OFX and QFX?+
OFX is the open format. A .qfx file is the bank download that Intuit's Quicken uses, while QuickBooks uses .qbo.
How do I open an OFX file?+
Import it into software that supports OFX. Because it is a text format, a text editor can also show it, but you will see tags rather than a readable statement.
Can I create an OFX file from a PDF here?+
No. We export Excel and CSV only. If your software imports CSV, you can use that instead.