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What is a CSV?

A simple overview of CSV files and how to download one from your bank

What is a CSV File?

A CSV file is a simple text file that stores information in rows and columns — like a basic spreadsheet. CSV stands for "Comma-Separated Values", which means each piece of data is separated by a comma.

Example: what a CSV file looks like inside

Date,Description,Amount
01/03/2026,Grocery Store,-85.50
02/03/2026,Salary,3200.00
03/03/2026,Electric Bill,-120.00

The first line tells you column names, for example Date, Description, Amount, however sometimes the column names are not included. Then every line after that is one row of data.

Why Does Rise Budget Use CSV Files?

Almost every bank in the world lets you download your transactions as a CSV file through your online banking. This makes CSV files an easy way to get your spending data into Rise Budget.

  • Your data stays private — it is downloaded straight from your bank to your computer, then to Rise Budget, with nothing in between
  • It works with every bank — no matter who you bank with, you can export a CSV

How to Download a CSV From Your Bank

The exact steps vary between banks, but the process is very similar everywhere:

  1. Log in to your bank's website or app
  2. Go to your transaction history or statements page
  3. Choose the date range you want (e.g. the last month)
  4. Look for a button that says 'Export', 'Download', or 'Save as file'
  5. Select CSV as the file format and save the file to your computer

Repeat these steps for each bank account and credit card you have — each account will have its own CSV file to export.

If you can't find the export option, try searching Google for 'How do I export transactions as CSV from [your bank name]'. Most banks have a help article that explains exactly where to find it.

Importing Into Rise Budget

Once you have your CSV file saved, importing it into Rise Budget is straightforward:

  • Confirm the column mapping looks correct on the Rise Budget Import CSV page
  • Make sure to select the right date format for your region (e.g. DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY) during import

Next Steps

Now that you know what a CSV file is, you're ready to start using Rise Budget with your own bank data.

Getting Started Guide →