This guide is for users who cannot use automated bank sync or the Import with AI option, for example, if you bank with a non-US institution that isn't yet supported for direct sync. It walks you through uploading your bank statement using the Import Excel method, formatting your file with the official template, and understanding how Tyms processes the upload.
Two ways to import bank statements
Tyms gives you two ways to bring bank statements into the platform:
Method | Best for | Categorization |
Import with AI | Uploading a PDF or other document as-is; AI reads and auto-categorizes transactions for you | Automatic |
Import Excel | Users who want full control, or whose bank isn't supported by AI import | Manual (unless you map accounts yourself in the sheet) |
This guide covers Import Excel. If you'd like to use AI-based import instead, see our Import with AI guide
With Import Excel, transactions are uploaded exactly as you format them and appear as Uncategorized. You can then categorize them yourself in Tyms, or as explained below, assign an account directly in the spreadsheet before uploading so Tyms categorizes them automatically on import.
Step 1: Go to the upload page
Log in to Tyms and get to the upload screen using either of these routes:
Option A: Via Bank Data Click Bank Data in the top navigation.
Option B: via Transactions Click Transactions in the top navigation. On the Bank Transactions page, click the Import Transactions dropdown in the top right, then select Import bank statement. This will take you to the Bank Data page.
(On the Transactions page, before you've uploaded anything, the table will be empty since there are no transactions yet.)
Step 2: Choose the year and open the import menu
On the Bank statements tab of the Bank Data page:
Under Pick a year to upload, select the year you're uploading a statement for.
Click Smart Import with AI
From the dropdown, select Import Manual Excel.
Only one file is allowed per upload.
Step 3: Download and fill in the template
In the Import Bank Transaction from Excel window, click Download template (XLSX) (shown in purple) to get the official Tyms template.
Open the downloaded file and format your bank statement to match it, accepted formats are CSV, XLS, or XLSX, up to 500 rows and 20 MB. Pay close attention to placing your data under the correct columns:
Date: This field is required. It shows the date the transaction happened, for example 2025-01-15. Also accepted as: transaction date, txn date, posting date, value date.
Narration (Description): This field is required. It shows what the transaction was for, for example "Customer payment received." Also accepted as: memo, details, particulars, reference, narrative.
Credit: This field is required, but use either credit or debit on a row, not both. It shows money coming into the account, for example 50000. Leave it blank if the row is money going out. Also accepted as: money in, deposit, cr, received.
Debit: This field is required, but use either credit or debit on a row, not both. It shows money leaving the account. Leave it blank if the row is money coming in. Also accepted as: money out, withdrawal, dr, paid.
Balance: This field is optional. It shows the running balance after the line, if your statement shows one, for example 150000. Also accepted as: running balance, closing balance.
Exchange rate: This field is optional. It shows the rate to your business currency, for example 1. Use 1 if the transaction is in the same currency.
Account: This field is optional. It shows the category account from your chart of accounts, for example "Sales Revenue." You can use the account name or account code, and it must exactly match an existing account in Tyms. If the account is new, also fill in account_type and account_sub_type. Also accepted as: category, chart of account, coa, gl account, account code, account number, gl code.
Account type: This field is optional. It's only needed when the account you entered is new, pick a type from the Account Types sheet, for example "Expenses." Also accepted as: type, coa type, chart type.
Account sub type: This field is optional. It is used together with account type when creating a new account, for example "Other expenses," and must match the Account Types sheet. Also accepted as: sub type, subtype, coa sub type, chart sub type.
Priority: This field is optional. It shows the processing priority for bank rules, for example 1.
Ref: This field is optional. It shows the bank reference or cheque number, if any, for example PAY-001.
Branch name: This field is optional. It must exactly match a branch name already set up in Tyms, for example "HQ." Leave it blank to use your assigned branch automatically.
Project name: This field is optional. It must exactly match a project name already set up in Tyms, for example "Website Redesign."
Tip: If you fill in the account column (and account_type/account_sub_type for new accounts) for each row, Tyms will automatically categorize those transactions on import instead of leaving them as Uncategorized.
Step 4: Upload your file
Once your spreadsheet is formatted:
Go back to Import Bank Transactions from Excel.
Under File, click Select file (or drag and drop your file) and choose your completed spreadsheet.
Under Bank Account, select the account you're uploading for (e.g., Stripe).
Click Analyze to continue.
Step 5: Review and confirm
You'll be taken to a Review and confirm import page showing:
The number of AI credits the upload will use
The transactions and statement details extracted from your file, for you to review
Check everything looks correct, then click Import at the bottom right.
Step 6: Track processing
After clicking Import, you will be returned to the Bank Data page. Under Recent uploads, you'll see a table listing every file you've uploaded, along with its status (e.g., Pending, Processing, Processed) so you can track progress.
AI credit usage and charge alerts
Uploading and processing bank statements consumes AI credits based on:
The length of the uploaded document (number of pages or characters)
The number of transactions extracted and processed
Keep in mind:
Larger uploads or files with more transactions will use more credits.
If your upload exceeds your credit limit or the file size limit, Adam will notify you with an alert.
Monitor your credit balance regularly to avoid interruptions or failed uploads.
After uploading
Once processing is complete, you can:
Manually categorize any Uncategorized transactions in the Transactions tab, or
If you included the account column in your spreadsheet, Tyms will have already categorized those transactions automatically for you.