← Back to Glossary

CSV (Comma Separated Values)

Technology

A simple file format used to store tabular data, such as a spreadsheet or database.

CSV (Comma Separated Values) is a plain-text file format that stores tabular data. Each line of the file represents a data record, and each record consists of one or more fields, separated by commas.

  • Simplicity: Easy to read by both humans and machines.
  • Compatibility: Nearly all spreadsheet applications and database management systems can import/export CSV files.
  • Lightweight: Smaller file size compared to format-heavy files like Excel (.xlsx).

In the context of bank statement conversion, CSV is one of the most common output formats used for importing transactions into accounting software like Tally, QuickBooks, or Xero.

Bank Statement to CSV

Converting a Bank Statement to CSV is often the first step in financial reconciliation. Since PDF statements are read-only, converting them to CSV allows you to:

  1. Import Data: Directly upload transaction history into accounting platforms.
  2. Sort and Filter: Use spreadsheet software to organize transactions by date or amount.
  3. Archive: Store financial data in a universal, future-proof format.

About Our Financial Glossary

This definition of CSV (Comma Separated Values) is part of our comprehensive financial and accounting processing glossary. Understanding banking terms is crucial for accurate bookkeeping, auditing, and automated data entry workflows. If you regularly work with PDF bank statements or financial documents, consider using SmartBankStatement's professional converter to securely extract, validate, and reconcile your transaction data into Excel or CSV format effortlessly.